Naked Run & Rieslingfreak Dinner | Clare Valley Gourmet 2025
The 2025 Clare Valley Gourmet Week celebrated its 40th anniversary. Sevenhill Hotel hosted a sell out Naked Run & Rieslingfreak Gourmet Dinner event on Friday 16th May. The dinner brought together food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and two of Clare’s most celebrated winemakers — Steve Baraglia (Naked Run) and John Hughes (Rieslingfreak) — for a night of exceptional wine, seasonal dishes, and vineyard storytelling.
Held at the iconic Sevenhill Hotel, a local landmark renowned for its warm hospitality and dedication to regional food and wine, the evening brought together lovers of fine cuisine, passionate winemakers, and the unmistakable charm of Clare Valley.
Guests were treated to an unforgettable night of elevated dining, storytelling, and spectacular wines — where every course was paired perfectly with the bold expressions of Naked Run Wines and Rieslingfreak.
🦪 To Start: A Taste of the Sea
The evening opened with a fresh and flavourful appetiser duo:
Natural Oysters & Oysters with Vinaigrette Salsa
Beetroot-Cured Tasmanian Salmon Sashimi
with Wasabi Mayonnaise, Herb Oil & Diced Beetroot
Paired With:
2024 Rieslingfreak No.2 Polish Hill River Riesling – crisp, mineral, and beautifully tuned to the oysters’ oceanic purity
2024 Naked Run ‘The First’ Sevenhill Riesling – citrus-led and aromatic, matching the salmon’s earthy-sweet complexity
Main Course One: Richness & Elegance
Sous Vide Duck Breast
Pumpkin Purée, Roasted Pumpkin Salad, Broccolini & Spiced Plum Sauce
Paired With:
2014 Rieslingfreak No.6 Aged Release Clare Valley Riesling – layered and toasty, this aged beauty embraced the richness of duck and plum
2019 Naked Run ‘Place in Time’ Sevenhill Riesling – refined and textural, adding lift and depth to every bite
Main Course Two: Hearty & Bold
Slow Roasted Pork Belly
Smashed Potatoes, Crispy Kale, Green Beans & Maple Glaze
Paired With:
2024 Rieslingfreak No.5 Off-Dry Riesling – subtle sweetness balanced the maple glaze and fat of the pork
2024 Naked Run ‘The Tribute’ Sevenhill Shiraz Mataro – a rich, structured red that stood up to the hearty flavours beautifully
🧀 To Finish: Cheese, Fruit & Conversation
Cheese & Fruit Platters
A relaxed, shared finish to the evening.
Paired With:
2024 Rieslingfreak No.8 Schatzkammer Riesling – lusciously sweet and complex
2024 Naked Run ‘DerZweite’ Sevenhill Riesling – clean, refined, and the perfect counterpoint to rich cheeses
🍷 A Celebration of Craft & Character
Throughout the evening, winemakers John Hughes (Rieslingfreak) and Steve Baraglia (Naked Run) engaged guests with stories of vineyard life, winemaking philosophies, and their shared love for the Clare Valley.
The Sevenhill Hotel offered the perfect atmosphere — warm, rustic, and truly local — underscoring the sense of community and connection this dinner represented.
This wasn’t just a dinner — it was a culinary journey through Clare Valley terroir, told through the lens of passionate winemaking and thoughtful food pairing.
