Lynsday and David Sharp are co-owners of some of the Bellarine’s most iconic wineries, restaurants and now boutique accommodation at Curlewis. Lyndsay speaks to Justin Flynn about what makes the peninsula so special.
What’s your connection to the Bellarine?
I grew up in Geelong so connection to – and love of – this region goes without saying. David and I lived in Barwon Heads for years and had our three children while living there. They are all coastal babies so their happy places will forever be sea and space. We moved to Curlewis in 2007 when we purchased Leura Park Estate.
What do you like about where you live?
The space, people and lifestyle. We’re lucky to live on a farm so we have lots of outdoor space while being close to everything. It’s the best of both worlds and a great community to be part of.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Absolutely nothing. We’re blessed.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
The beach is right up there. I tend to slip over to Ocean Grove or Barwon Heads for a quick swim on super-hot days. A swim in the sea and the world is a better place.
As far as foodie places go, Little Wings Bakery in Drysdale is a weekly must visit to get the best sourdough on earth. The Whiskery is always fun (and their Foxy Lady cocktails are sublime). Rusty and Lorelle are great hosts. Breakfast faves include Salty Cow and Piknik. I always love pottering around SALT gallery in Queenscliff and HIVE gallery in Ocean Grove much to David’s horror (I have been known to go for a quick outing and come home with a new piece of art). If we head into Geelong, I love Geelong Cellar Door – such a great, relaxed vibe and so much wine goodness. We are seriously blessed these days – our region is now a wonderful epicurean hub with so many great places to dine. Don’t get me started on the Geelong Arts Centre or Gallery either – how lucky are we to have such amazing, inspirational facilities on our doorstep?
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you…
Apart from a quick stint at Geelong’s original Pancake Parlour in first-year university holidays, my first real hospitality job was in a nightclub in Jerusalem in my 20s. That was a very funny – and wild – time. My mum was always hysterical about it when I would ring home (reverse charges in those days) because it wasn’t really the safest place but at that age you don’t really pay attention to ‘pesky’ little details like that. I was travelling with a friend and we ended up being based in Jerusalem for quite a long time. That job planted the seed of my passion for hospitality.
As the managing director of so many local places to dine and drink, what is the best part about that?
Facilitating people’s down time and creating great experiences. There’s a genuine thrill in doing that. Hospitality and tourism are seriously fun industries to work in – you’re surrounded by creative people, great food and wine and it’s energising coming up with ideas and working with passionate people who are all committed to showcasing all this region has to offer.
There’s also a lot of pride in providing career paths for a lot of people – a lot of our staff have been with us for more than 10 years (yes, even including chefs) so hopefully we’re seen as good employers.
It’s also a privilege to be in a position to support a lot of community platforms and causes. To help out and make even a small, positive difference within the community is very humbling and rewarding.
