At The Q Train we’re people-first, because every memorable journey we create begins with our crew. Investing in our team ensures you’re welcomed aboard by people who know the region, feel connected to its flavours, and love sharing the stories behind every glass and plate. Recently, our Front of House crew spent a leisurely afternoon at Quiddity Place, Oakdene’s beautiful new home in Drysdale, for a guided wine training session with the wonderful Stephen Paul.
It was a chance to learn, to connect, and to appreciate the makers and growers who shape the tastes of the Bellarine.
Set among cool-climate vines, art-filled gardens, and relaxed coastal vistas, Quiddity Place is more than a cellar door. It’s a sensory experience shaped by the Oakdene family; home to their award-winning wines, the Hidden Frog Restaurant, Tin Liz Gallery, and Lighthouse Olive Oil.
It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, explore, and uncover the stories held in every bottle. A perfect setting for a team passionate about sharing local flavours.
Stephen welcomed our crew with a generosity of knowledge that reflects Oakdene’s reputation. During our guided tasting, he took us behind the scenes of Oakdene’s winemaking from careful vine placement to harvest timing and the way the Bellarine’s maritime climate shapes each varietal.
We explored:
Stephen walked us through the journey from vine to bottle, sharing how environmental changes are influencing varietals in different ways. Understanding climate impact deepens our appreciation for the craft and challenges behind each vintage.
Oakdene is a family-owned winery, and its wines carry personal meaning. With names drawn from family history, every bottle has a story worth sharing.
For us, learning these narratives isn’t just interesting; it strengthens the way we connect with you. When we pour a glass, we’re sharing a little of the Bellarine.
Our dining experience showcases the makers and growers of this region, and wine is a huge part of that. By learning directly from the people who craft it, our crew can:
- appreciate wine and its complexities
- offer thoughtful pairing recommendations
- share deeper stories about local producers
- create a more interactive and engaging hospitality experience
It helps us go beyond service. It helps us connect you to place.
Training days like this aren’t only about knowledge. They’re about connection. Watching our crew taste, laugh, question, and share impressions together reminds us how special it is to work with people who genuinely care about what they do.