The Stoaker Room

Tucked off the highway near Lake Dunstan and neighbouring Freeway Orchard, The Stoaker Room reconverts old wine barrels into unique cooking apparatuses that steam and smoke premium regional produce into delicious one-of-a-kind feasts. 

The idea was sparked when Wild Earth Wines’ owner Quintin Quider and Stormalong Stanley found themselves entertaining friends on the banks of the Kawarau River. Needing a cooking solution that complied with the fire ban while still delivering extraordinary flavour, they turned to the only equipment they had: a wine barrel. The rest, as they say, was history.

What started as a clever improvisation soon grew into something much larger. Today, visitors from near and far flock to The Stoaker Room to indulge in sumptuous banquets crafted straight from the stoaker. The dining experience is designed to be social, with most dishes meant to be shared among friends and family. The Stoaker Tasting Platter is a standout, featuring five different meats (including venison, goat ragu, and orange roughy), with the option to pair them with five Wild Earth wines. For larger groups, the whole lamb shoulder serves up to four people, and the Butcher Feast accommodates up to six, making these dishes excellent centrepieces and taking the hassle out of ordering at large group gatherings.

While you’ll see a lot of meat coming out of the barrels, it must be said that The Stoaker Room puts just as much care into their veggies, sauces and sides. From cajun smoked cauliflower, to smoked garlic fondue, and smoky tomato sauce, it’s not just beef and lamb that gets to enjoy a steamy session in the barrel. 

Once the barrels have retired from both their winemaking and smoking careers, they are given a new life as wooden serving platters, planter boxes, or rustic pieces of furniture dotted around the venue – a touch of resourcefulness that adds plenty of character to the setting.

In the summer, picnic tables shaded by large umbrellas provide the perfect spot to savour a meal and a glass of wine, surrounded by an orchard of abundant fruit trees next door. During the winter months, the outdoor space transforms into a cosy retreat, with sheltered areas that keep the chill at bay, making it a great destination year-round.

You may not have heard of “Barrel Cuisine” before today, but after one visit to The Stoaker Room, it’s a term you’re unlikely to forget.