WHAT A NIGHT! IN THE ROWS: POTATOES AT PEMBERLEY

Pemberley of Pemberton welcomed 50 guests on Saturday 14 February 2026 for the inaugural In the Rows event, an immersive harvest experience celebrating the region’s potato crop.

Beginning at 4.30pm, guests gathered at the Pemberley cellar door before walking to the potato paddock overlooking the Eastbrook region. From the view point, guests were able to take in acres of potatoes, grapevines, pasture for cattle grazing, neighbouring avocado farms and the expanse of the Big Brook State Forest, placing the potato crop within the broader agricultural landscape of the Southern Forests.

Among the rows, attendees explored the seasonal calendar of potato growing, varietal selection, harvesting techniques and recent developments within the industry. The session concluded with an engaging question and answer discussion, offering rare insight into commercial potato production at harvest time. Sparkling wines were served in the paddock as guests enjoyed the vista and a deeper understanding of the crop at its peak.

“Our family has been growing potatoes for four generations, and that history carries a real sense of responsibility,” said David Radomiljac. “We take food production very seriously because providing quality produce to help feed our country is an important job. Farmers play a vital role in Australia, and we are deeply committed to the stewardship of our land, so it remains productive for generations to come. Creating opportunities like In the Rows allows people to step into the paddock, ask questions and connect directly with where their food comes from, which is something we genuinely value.”

Following the field walk, guests returned to the cellar door for a five-course dinner showcasing the versatility of the potato, with a range of Pemberley wines available throughout the evening.

The menu opened with a marron chowder, a potato-based soup served with brioche. A red Rodeo potato pavé with garlic infused labne followed, before a comforting cottage pie topped with Almera potato mash and served alongside a seasonal green salad. Fries crafted from Pemberley Royal Blue potatoes and accompanied by truffle aioli provided a generous fourth course.

The evening concluded with a standout potato brownie featuring Almera potatoes. The potato created a beautiful density and fudginess, perfectly complemented by vanilla bean ice cream.

Simon Moltoni, Chief Executive Officer of the Potato Growers Association of Western Australia, said during his speech, “Potatoes happily sit on the side of most meals from fine dining to daily kitchen staples. Tonight, however, they comfortably lead an array of premium regional produce such as truffles, avocados, marron, and fine wines.”

Guests departed with a curated box of Pemberley potatoes and a detailed potato guide outlining each variety and its best culinary applications, extending the paddock to plate experience into their own kitchens.

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the opportunity to participate in hands on agritourism that connects consumers directly with the produce they enjoy and the productivity of the Southern Forests region.

Pemberley intends for In the Rows to become an annual harvest celebration. The event forms part of a full 2026 calendar of experiences designed to showcase regional produce, family farming and the distinctive agricultural character of Eastbrook and the wider Southern Forests.