Hunter Valley vineyard escapes discounted for the cooler months

With the peak summer season now in the rear-view mirror, canny travellers can pick up some autumn and winter travel bargains.

The Lane Retreat, Bimbadgen, in the Hunter Valley has just launched a Signature Stay package offering savings of up to 25%, inviting guests to slow down and savour wine country.

Set on 15 hectares of vineyards and natural bushland, The Lane Retreat offers a country escape paired with premium food and wine experiences. The new package is available for stays until August 31.

The Lane Retreat Signature Stay package includes two nights in a premium king or twin studio, continental breakfast provisions, a $100 restaurant and beverage credit available to use at Bimbadgen Cellar Door, Bimbadgen Pizzeria, Esca Bimbadgen, Alter Wines at Emma's Cottage or The Lane Retreat's Pantry, a signature wine tasting of five wines with paired Cocoa Nib chocolates at Alter Wines Cellar Door, Emma's Cottage and a gourmet picnic with a bottle of wine, as well as a late checkout.

It is priced from $319 per night (two-night minimum),  

Developed by property and hospitality group Mulpha Australia in the grounds of Bimbadgen’s 50-year-old vineyards, The Lane Retreat offers 60 luxe studio retreats with outdoor decks that offer views of the Broken Back Range or Bimbadgen vineyards.

Each studio retreat has king bedding, a bathroom with double rain head showers and Hunter bathroom amenities, a kitchenette with coffee maker, toaster, microwave and mini bar, and gourmet breakfast provisions supplied daily.

The property now features a new swimming pool and amenities and guests enjoy VIP access to Bimbadgen’s flagship restaurant Esca and associated eateries.

Book online at www.thelaneretreat.com.au

A free box of wine with a two-night winter Hunter Valley stay

A six-pack of wine is among the enticements for anyone considering a winter break in the Hunter Valley at The Lane Retreat, Bimbadgen.

Escape to The Lane during July and be gifted a six-bottle case of Bimbadgen’s Sparkling Semillon (valued at $132) when staying two nights or more.

Guests can stay in a premium studio retreat with continental breakfast for two people from $275 per night until July 31. 

The Lane Retreat is set among 15 hectares of secluded vineyard and bushlands in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country and is offering a special incentives for mid-winter stays. 

The Lane Retreat has been designed to provide a luxe accommodation offering to complement the brands Palmer Lane wedding and events venue and the winery and restaurants at Bimbadgen’s home vineyard on McDonald Road. 

Guests also have access to the Mulpha-owned Emma’s Cottage Vineyard boutique winery nearby.

The Lane Retreat offers 60 premium studio retreats with outdoor decks offering views of the Brokenback Range or the 50-year-old Bimbadgen vineyards. 

Each studio  has king bedding, a bathroom with double rain head showers and Hunter bathroom amenities, a kitchenette with coffee maker, toaster, microwave and mini bar, and gourmet breakfast provisions supplied daily.

Valid for stays until July 31, 2024. Subject to availability, some blackout dates may apply. Book online at www.thelaneretreat.com.au.

Guests all enjoy VIP access to Bimbadgen’s flagship restaurant Esca, its Woodfired Pizzeria and cellar door. 

Special deals on spring Hunter getaways

Spring is the perfect time to plan a short break in the Hunter Valley vineyards. Time to taste the new-release 2024 semillons, for a start. 

The Lane Retreat Bimbadgen is one of the newer arrivals on the accommodation scene and is offering a Spring Escape package that is available from September 1 to November 30.

The package is priced from $330 per night when staying a minimum of two nights in a premium studio.

It includes a bottle of sparkling rosé on arrival, breakfast provisions for two people, a wood-fired pizza at Bimbadgen Pizzeria for two (lunch or dinner), two tickets to Hunter Valley Gardens and a complimentary wine tasting at Alter Wines for two people.

The deal is, of course, subject to availability.

Developed by property and hospitality group Mulpha Australia on the fringes of Bimbadgen’s 50-year-old vineyards, The Lane Retreat is close to the Mulpha-owned Emma’s Cottage Vineyard boutique winery nearby, and just a short drive from the winery and restaurants at Bimbadgen’s other vineyard on McDonald Road.

Each studio retreat has king bedding, a bathroom with double rain head showers and Hunter bathroom amenities, a kitchenette with coffee maker, toaster, microwave and mini bar, and breakfast provisions.

The property has three "gathering sites" for ceremonies and celebrations, a new luxury swimming pool and amenities, along with a store and pantry offering espresso coffee, gourmet cheese and grazing food options, wines, spirits, and other gourmet goodies.

“The Lane Retreat has been designed to offer all the luxury and amenities guests can expect while ensuring the Hunter wine country and the natural environment remain the stars of the show," says Mulpha’s regional general manager of hospitality Sophie Andrews.

See www.thelaneretreat.com.au

So you fancy a couple of winter nights in the Hunter Valley vineyards?

Fancy a couple of days in the Hunter Valley over winter?

The Hunter's newest premium accommodation destination, The Lane Retreat, Bimbadgen, has just released a Cosy Escape Package available from now until August 31.

The deal is priced from $243 per night when staying a minimum of two nights in a premium studio retreat and includes breakfast provisions for two people, a wood-fired pizza at Bimbadgen Pizzeria for two, a bottle of Bimbadgen Shiraz, Coco Nib Bon Bon chocolates and late check-out to midday.

The deal is subject to availability and some blackout dates may apply, so it might pay to book sooner rather than later.

The Lane Retreat, Bimbadgen, is set among 15 hectares of vineyards and natural bushlands I've visited and it is impressive. .

It has been developed by property and hospitality group Mulpha Australia and guests also have access to the Mulpha-owned Emma’s Cottage Vineyard boutique winery nearby.

The Lane Retreat offers 60 plush studio retreats with outdoor decks. Each studio retreat has a king bed, a bathroom with double rain head showers and Hunter bathroom amenities, a kitchenette with coffee maker, toaster, microwave and mini bar.

“The Lane Retreat has been designed to offer all the luxury and amenities guests can expect while ensuring the Hunter wine country and the natural environment remain the stars of the show," says Mulpha regional general manager of hospitality, Sophie Andrews.

“It will appeal to anyone looking for a genuinely restful, private retreat to recharge the batteries, as well as for weddings, family functions and corporate retreats just 2 hours’ drive (that's optimistic) from Sydney.

Book online at www.thelaneretreat.com.au

The Lane is a chic new Hunter Valley retreat

The Hunter Valley is about to greet a new 60-studio eco retreat in the heart of the vineyards.

The Lane Retreat, on Palmers Lane in Pokolbin, is a new venture for Mulpha, the group behind Bimbadgen and Emma's Cottage, and sits on the edge of Bimbadgen's Palmers Lane vineyards.

Overlooking a dam that is visited daily by a local mob of kangaroos, Palmers Lane looks like the ideal spot for a gourmet couples weekend.

I was given a sneak peek at the new precinct last week - while the final touches were being added ahead of the opening in mid October.

The 60 architect-designed studios look very smart and will complement the winery and tourism offering at Bimbadgen’s home vineyard on McDonalds Road.

With its own gourmet store and pantry for those keen to self cater, the retreat was originally expected to be completed by spring 2022, but fell victim to Covid.

The Lane Retreat will have in-built solar energy and other environmentally friendly features.

Set on 15 hectares of 50-year-old vineyards and natural bushland, the retreat has commanding views of the Brokenback Range and boasts a shared swimming pool. 

The nifty studios have a rustic chic vibe and feature king beds, sitting space, dining/study table and chairs, bathrooms with rain showers, outdoor decks with vineyard or mountain views, kitchenettes with coffee maker, toaster, microwave and mini bar, daily gourmet breakfast provisions and free wifi. 

And if you arrive late fear not. On booking, guests will receive a confirmation email containing a link that provides all the details of your stay. Simply check in via the GOKI link prior to your arrival and as soon as your room is ready, you will receive a notification with your unique code to allow you access to your room. How very modern. 

For those with mobility issues, accessible studios are available. Both room categories start from $309 per night as an opening offer. 

“As a group providing premium hospitality and experiences in blue chip locations, we are excited to be enhancing our Bimbadgen offerings while maintaining the integrity of the estate and environment," said Mulpha GM Belinda Stapleton.

“This will mean another great on-site accommodation option for events and weddings at Palmers Lane, as well as providing fantastic getaway retreats for people visiting the Hunter.

“In recent times people have rediscovered the joy of places and simple pleasures closer to home and are looking to treat themselves to short breaks in great locations, with great amenities.

“It’s hard to beat one of Australia’s premier food and wine regions just two hours’ drive from Sydney.”

Guests can relax and sit by the communal swimming pool, or enjoy a glass of wine at one of two outdoor gathering areas before setting off to explore the many delights of the Hunter.

Fresh coffee, gourmet provisions, a selection of drinks and gifts are available daily at the Lane Pantry, with wine tastings and fine food at Bimbadgen’s excellent Esca Restaurant or Wood Fire Pizza, just a three-minute drive away. 

The group's Emma's Cottage cellar door, with its own Alter wine range, is also just a short drive away. 

Bookings with breakfast for two and a bottle of Bimbadgen wine from $309 per night midweek and $443 per night on Friday/Saturday nights, valid for stays from October 15-December 24. https://www.thelaneretreat.com.au/

# The writer was a guest of The Lane Retreat

Semillon and songbirds to enliven the Hunter

Been looking for an excuse to visit the Hunter Valley?

With spring just around the corner, the team at Bimbadgen is hosting Songbirds and Semillon on Sunday, September 10 from 11am-4pm, at sibling property Emma’s Cottage. 

The plan is for a relaxing day on the lawn showcasing five of the best female music artists who call the Hunter home.

Songbirds and Semillon will feature the original music of award-winning country artist Max Jackson, Anna Weatherup, who has moved on from The Voice with her new single Crossing the Sea, Piper Butcher's roots rock, and songs from Amy Vee and Chloe Gill.

Songbirds and Semillon is billed as a micro-scale music event in keeping with the boutique Emma’s Cottage vibe.

“We are thrilled to bring together five fabulous female singers from the Hunter to celebrate springtime in true Hunter style, with some great alfresco food and wine amongst the vineyards," said Mulpha Hospitality GM Belinda Stapleton. 

" At Emma’s Cottage the hills really will be alive with the sound of music this spring.”

The event will also feature the opportunity to sample the semillons under the Alter Wines label created by Bimbadgen winemaker Richard Done. 

The complete range of Alter Wines, as well as a selection of beers and spirits, will be available to purchase on the day. Food items will also be available for purchase on the day and BYO picnics are welcome. 

Or you can pre-order an Emma’s Cottage Hamper for two people when you book your tickets. Each hamper contains a bottle of Alter sparkling blanc, baguette and crackers, aged cheddar, spinach, olives, feta frittata, roast pumpkin and quinoa salad, lemon meringue tart and macarons.

Tickets are available through https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/songbirds-semillon-at-emmas-cottage-tickets-668771442387?aff=oddtdtcreator and are priced at $49 for adults, $19 for teenagers 13-17, and free for children under 12.

Return transfers are now available to book through Rover Coaches for only $25pp. Pick up is from Cessnock, The Vintage and Huntlee. To book https://bit.ly/TransfersSongbirds

New wine tastes for cottagers

Emma's Cottage is a much-loved gourmet destination in the Hunter Valley - and a popular spot for wine lovers to spend a weekend away.

Emma's Cottage changed hands recently and is now part of the fast-growing Mulpha Group, which also owns nearby Bimbadgen Estate.

The Emmas's Cottage cellar door has just started selling a new range of wines under the Alter label, made by Bimbadgen winemaker Richard Done, but crafted in some different styles.

The two wines I have tried were a savoury 2021 shiraz-pinot blend - a combo once hugely popular in the Hunter - solid value at $28 - and a 2019 semillon, just starting to show some mature characters but also with some bright acidity ($38). 

The Emma's Cottage vineyard wine under the Alter label are described as "contemporary Hunter wines".

Done said the Alter range has been in the planning for some time. 

“We have been wanting to diversify our wine offering to enable us to showcase a modern interpretation of popular Hunter Valley grapes, with the range including a non-vintage sparkling, vintage Blanc de blancs, semillon, chardonnay, rosé and shiraz.”

To celebrate the new brand, the labels (above) have been created by Australian fabric and wallpaper designer Annie Coop.

Emma’s Cottage, which has been in operation for over 40 years and was a regional tourism pioneer, continues to offer five accommodation options.

“The new range of Alter wines will complement our accommodation, newly refurbished cellar door and gift store," says estate co-ordinator Meg Adams.

"We also have plans underway to expand our cellar door to include a function space catering for up to 80 people, so it will be the perfect venue for intimate weddings, casual celebrations or larger events.”

For more details see https://emmascottage.com.au/

Major Hunter Valley tourism development underway

Property and hospitality group Mulpha Australia is expanding its accommodation offering in the Hunter Valley with construction starting on 60 architect-designed eco studio retreats in the grounds of Bimbadgen winery estate.

The Lane Retreat in the grounds of one of Bimbadgen’s 50-year-old vineyards, has been designed to provide a unique accommodation option to complement the brand’s Palmer Lane wedding and events venue and also the winery and tourism offering at Bimbadgen. 

Mulpha also recently acquired the nearby Emma’s Cottage Vineyard boutique winery and accommodation.

Construction of The Lane Retreat is expected to be complete by the end of winter, ready for guests in spring 2022 - which sounds optimistic to me.

The Lane Retreat guests will have access to a new luxury swimming pool and amenities, along with a bespoke store and pantry and VIP access to all Bimbadgen tourism offerings.

Mulpha has appointed Sydney firm Fenisi to design and construct the retreats and Fidem to manage the site, earth works, pool and landscaping. 

“As a group providing premium hospitality and experiences in blue-chip locations, we are excited to be enhancing our Bimbadgen offerings while maintaining the integrity of the estate and environment," said Mulpha general manager of hospitality Belinda Stapleton. 

“This will mean another great on-site accommodation option for events and weddings at Palmers Lane, as well as providing fantastic getaway retreats for people visiting the Hunter. 

“In recent times people have rediscovered the joy of places and simple pleasures closer to home and are looking to treat themselves to short breaks in great locations, with great amenities.

“It’s hard to beat one of Australia’s premier food and wine regions just two hours’ drive from Sydney.”

Change of direction for boutique Hunter Valley vineyard

Mulpha Australia, which operates leading Hunter Valley wine tourism attraction Bimbadgen Estate, has expanded its tourism footprint in the region with the purchase of Emma’s Cottage Vineyard on Wilderness Road, Lovedale. 

Mulpha will continue to run the existing business but a bespoke offering will be created and launched in 2022.

Emma’s Cottage Vineyard is a boutique vineyard with a fully licensed cellar door and 40-seat café with commercial kitchen. 

Accommodation includes a five-bedroom, two-storey family homestead, plus four self-contained 2-to-4-bedroom cottages with room for more, overlooking the vineyards and gardens and broader landscape. 

The property sits on 12 hectares, including a three-hectare established boutique vineyard. It is two hours from Sydney (if the traffic gods are kind) and easily accessible from the freeway.

“Emma’s Cottage Vineyard is a quality boutique property in this premium tourism region that

complements our existing Bimbadgen Estate offering nearby," said Mulpha CEO Greg Shaw. 

“While the past 18 months have been difficult for most tourism operators, one benefit is that

it has reawakened people’s interest in enjoying unique regional experiences in their own

country.

“Emma’s Cottage Vineyard is a welcome addition to our premium portfolio that will capitalise

on that trend as we look to rebound strongly into 2022 and beyond.”

Mulpha general manager of hospitality Belinda Stapleton said: “This is an exciting opportunity for the rising stars of the Bimbadgen team to create something different in the Hunter while allowing the Bimbadgen brand to stay true to its winemaking roots. 

"While initially we will continue to run the existing business, we see potential to further develop a bespoke offering which will be created and launched in 2022.”

Mulpha Australia Pty Limited acquires, develops, and manages a range of property and lifestyle investments.

 

These include InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Intercontinental Hotel Sydney,  Sanctuary Cove Resort and Bimbadgen winery.