Discover an authentic Hunter Valley wine experience

Ian and Suzanne Little at the Little Wine Company in the Hunter Valley are keen on giving visitors an authentic winery experience. 

Here the tastings are held in the working winery on Milbrodale Road, Broke, while standing among the barrels and tanks, in the middle of the space's daily rhythms. 

Guests now taste where the wine is actually made by the family-owned boutique producer. 

"Wine is made here, not just poured here,” says Suzanne Little. 

“Every glass now comes with the full story - the barrels, the tanks, the equipment. It's the most honest way we know to share what we do.”

The winery is nestled against a mountain overlooking Broke Fordwich, one of the Hunter Valley's quietest sub-regions, just 15 minutes from tourism central in Pokolbin.

Little Wine Company - which recently celebrated a quarter of a century - offers a range of "new wave" varieties incuding albariño, pecorino, vermentino, sangiovese, barbera, tempranillo and montepulciano. 

Visitors can also order an optional charcuterie board of local cheeses, quiches and olives, or go behind the scenes with a Winery Tour & Taste, learning about the winemaking process from grape to glass, and even try wines straight from the barrel before they aren bottled.

The adventurous can get hands-on with a Barrel & Blend Workshop, crafting, labelling and taking home a custom red blend. 

On Friday evenings, the cellar door is open till 8pm with a rotating weekly food offering, ranging from artisan pies to paella and wood-fired pizzas.

Visit Friday 11am–8pm, Saturday 11am–5pm and Sunday 11am–4pm. 

Bookings are essential for tours and experiences. 

See thelittlewinecompany.com.au

Two major Hunter Valley destinations to be re-imagined

All change at Hunter Valley resort Cypress Lakes.

Minor Hotels will launch Avani Cypress Lakes Resort in phases from October, ultimately creating Australia’s largest integrated resort wellness precinct across 340 acres.

The completed resort will offer 204 rooms and suites, mark the Australian debut of AvaniWell, and feature an 18-hole golf course, 24 meetings and events spaces, family experiences and new leisure and dining facilities.

The revamp is scheduled for completion late next year.

The development will bring together the existing Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and adjoining Elysia Wellness Retreat.

Avani Cypress Lakes Resort will become the largest Avani property in Australasia.

The resort’s phased transformation will introduce three pickleball courts, an outdoor cinema, a pool bar with a DJ booth, Pilates reformers (sounds dangerous!) and outdoor cold-plunge pools. New dining concepts will include Chakraya, a restaurant inspired by the flavours and culinary traditions of Sri Lanka.

The resort will also offer a range of flexible packages for hotel guests and Hunter Valley residents, bringing together AvaniWell programs, AvaniKids activities, golf, hot-air balloon experiences and resort accommodation.

Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels Australasia, said the Hunter Valley had the attributes to become Australia’s home of wellness.

“We believe the Hunter Valley has all the hallmarks necessary to establish itself as Australia’s home of wellness,” said Hooley. “From winery visits and long-table lunches to Pilates classes, cold plunges and educational seminars, modern wellness is personal, flexible and increasingly integrated into everyday travel.

“Avani Cypress Lakes Resort has been designed around this shift, allowing guests to incorporate wellness into a family holiday, corporate retreat, golf escape or weekend break.

"The launch reflects Minor Hotels’ confidence in the continued growth of wellness-led and experiential travel across Australia, particularly in regional destinations.”

Rates and packages for Avani Cypress Lakes Resort will be available from October 1.

Avani properties in Australasia include Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel in May 2026 and the upcoming launch of Avani Queenstown next month.

For more info see avanihotels.com.

Winemaker Blackburn lands at Latitude 32

Former Brand's Laira, Australian Vintage and Kirrihill winemaker Amy Blackburn has a new post in the Hunter Valley.

Blackburn has joined Latitude 32 Wines as chief winemaker.

"With more than 20 years of experience across some of Australia's leading wineries, Amy brings a wealth of knowledge, fresh ideas and a passion for crafting exceptional wines," the winery said in an email.

"As she joins us to lead our winemaking operations, we're excited for what this next chapter will bring while continuing to honour the Hunter Valley's rich winemaking heritage."

The former Mistletoe property is among Latitude 32's properties, owned by Emma and David White.

Their cellar door is open seven days a week and offers a range of tasting choices including the Sweet & Sparkling Experience, a guided tasting bringing together indulgent sweet treats and vibrant bubbles.

There is also a new dumplings menu with five different dumpling flavours paired with Latitude 32 wines. Think flavours like Alaskan crab, lemongrass beef, Asian vegetable, chicken and mushroom, and sweet apple and cinnamon. 

See https://latitude32wines.com/
 

Changing of the guard at Hungerford Hill

Hunter Valley wine producer Hungerford Hill dropped a bombshell with news that GM and chief winemaker Brian Currie is departing after close to a decade in charge.

Hungerford Hill and its associated wineries announced the appointment of Pierre Durand to those roles as of June 9, 

Durand (below right) is described in the media release as a "French-born Australian winemaker with strong ties to the Hunter Valley" but many of his recent roles have been in management and sales, including at Endeavour Group as head of sales, at Langton's and at DMG Fine Wine.

“I'm very pleased to be joining Hungerford Hill, Dalwood Estate and Sweetwater Wines at such an exciting time,” said Durand. “The opportunity to return to the Hunter Valley and contribute to its vibrant wine community is incredibly meaningful.

"I look forward to working closely with the vineyard, winemaking and commercial teams to build on the strong foundations already in place.”

Currie, who has been in charge since November 2016 and has a formidable reputation, said: “Pierre brings a combination of wine experience and strong commercial insight.

“His understanding of both production and market dynamics positions him exceptionally well to lead the business into its next chapter.”

The company said in its release: “Bryanʼs contribution to the business and the Hunter Valley more broadly has been significant. 

“His leadership, dedication and commitment to quality have left a lasting imprint on the wines and the team. We thank him for his outstanding contribution and wish him every success in his next chapter.”

Durandʼs appointment marks a return to the region where he trained in viticulture at Kurri Kurri TAFE and had several cellar hand roles.

New era for a Hunter Valley favourite

It is a new era with a new chef and a new menu at long-time Hunter Valley favourite Restaurant Botanica at Spicers Vineyards Estate.

Restaurant Botanica has undergone a major refurb, seen the arrival of head chef Thomas Heinrich, and the launch of a brand new seasonal menu.

The transformation signals a different culinary direction that aims to offer "a refined yet relaxed experience grounded in contemporary Australian cooking and Mediterranean influence".

Overlooking the estate’s vineyards with sweeping views to the Brokenback Mountains, the updated interior has open fireplaces, ambient lighting and an intimate dining room that extends towards the vineyard.

Head chef Heinrich has worked in luxury hotels across Australia and North America.

“My career has taken me through some of the world’s most rigorous kitchens, where discipline, precision and respect for the ingredient are non-negotiable," he said.

"At Restaurant Botanica, I have the opportunity to apply that experience in a setting that is deeply connected to its landscape. The Hunter Valley offers exceptional produce, and our focus is on treating it with restraint and clarity. The goal is to create a dining experience that feels considered, grounded and reflective of place.”

The new menu features Mediterranean-style dishes showcasing seasonal vegetables, homegrown herbs, curated cheeses and simply prepared local meats.

So think starters like charred eggplant with smoked tahini, burnt honey and aged sherry; beef tartare with manchego, garlic toum and puffed wheat; and zucchini flower with goat’s feta, saffron and fermented black pepper.

Mains include smoked duck breast with confit duck leg, red cabbage and pomegranate; Angus striploin with brown butter harissa, leeks and pepper jus; and steamed Blue Eye with chimichurri and celery.

Lunch is available à la carte, while dinner is offered as a three-course menu with sides for $115 per person (boo, why no à la carte at night?), with an optional $70 wine pairing. Guests can also enjoy a five-course tasting menu for $140 per person.

The beverage list features Hunter Valley classics from the likes of Tyrrell's and Silkman, alongside emerging varietals and wines from Greece, Spain, Italy and southern France.

Heinrich’s new menu is now available breakfast daily, lunch on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm and dinner Wednesday to Sunday from 5:30pm.

Restaurant Botanica is at 555 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320. restaurantbotanica.com.au.

Images: Sophie Tyler  

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 wine weekend when it pays to go for Broke

It is always a pleasure to visit the Hunter Valley, but Saturday, March 14, is a date for the diary with one of the region's most popular festivals shining a spotlight on a less-visited sub-region.  

A Little Bit of Broke, the roaming wine and food celebration, returns across the Broke Fordwich wine region, just a little bit off the beaten track. 

Think a day in the vines moving between between 15 cellar doors, farms and dining spots, enjoying small-batch wines, local food and live music.

The event is designed for easy wandering - no set program, no central hub. 

Visitors can experience boutique wine tastings, cocktails at the region’s own distillery, farm-gate-style food, entertainment and a country vibe. 

Foods on offer will range form from Mediterranean-style shared dining to dumplings or seafood lunches, grazing platters and charcuterie. 

Karin Adcock, president of Broke Fordwich Wine and Tourism Association, says the event captures what visitors love most about the region.

“A Little Bit of Broke is exactly how we like to welcome people," she says. "It’s a chance to meet the 
winemakers and producers, listen to some live music, and really get a feel for Broke Fordwich as a place. You can take your time, follow your curiosity and shape the day however you like.”

Jennie Curran, CEO of Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association, says the event showcases one of the Hunter’s most distinctive sub-regions.

“Broke Fordwich has its own rhythm and personality, and A Little Bit of Broke gives visitors a really authentic way to experience it,” she says. 

“It’s ideal for a day trip from Sydney or Newcastle, but we encourage visitors to book a stay in Broke Fordwich as part of a weekend away in the Hunter Valley”.

Tickets include access to all participating venues and live music across the region. 

Pre-sale tickets are now available for $35 including an event wine glass, 4 x 60ml wine tasting 
vouchers and event program.

See www.winecountry.com.au/a-little-bit-of-broke

Image: Destination NSW

Mount Pleasant joins wine tourism collective

Historic Mount Pleasant Wines in the Hunter Valley is the latest producer to join the Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia (UWEA) wine tourism collective.

One of the Hunter Valley’s most storied wineries, Mount Pleasant was founded in 1921 by Maurice O’Shea, who is widely regarded as one of the fathers of modern Australian winemaking for his pioneering approach to table wines, innovative blending techniques and use of French oak, at a time when fortified wines dominated the market.

Located in Pokolbin, a two-hour drive north of Sydney, Mount Pleasant offers visitors a heritage experience through its stylishly renovated cellar door and tasting programs.

Refurbed in 2022, Mount Pleasant’s cellar door is set within the original homestead buildings. The space offers an expanded tasting area, a private tasting room and a separate members’ lounge in the adjacent barn.

There’s also wine store described as “a Disneyland for wine lovers” housing some of Mount Pleasant’s oldest and most significant wines, where aficionados can purchase museum bottles.

Guests visiting the winery can choose from three Ultimate Winery Experiences ranging from $100 to $1000 per person.

Hosted by chief winemaker Adrian Sparks (when available), ‘The Maurice O’Shea Legacy’ experience is an immersive journey featuring a guided vineyard and winery walk, tank and barrel tasting, private tasting of rare wines and a shared-style lunch at the winemaker’s table.

‘The Mothervine Experience’ is a captivating journey through the origins of Australia’s pinot noir, which reveals how 70% of the country’s greatest pinot noir vineyards trace their lineage back to a single vine still thriving in Mount Pleasant’s historic Mothervine vineyard.

A guided vineyard walk is followed by a pinot noir-focussed winery tour and tasting followed by a charcuterie lunch.

‘Love on Mount Pleasant’ includes a self-guided tour of the estate’s private art and photography collection, which include pieces by renowned Australian artist and Archibald Prize winner Garry Shead, before a guided tasting of eight Mount Pleasant Wines accompanied by olives, cheese and lavosh.

Ultimate Winery Experiences executive officer Sarah Myers said she was thrilled to welcome Mount Pleasant to the collective.

“Mount Pleasant is a prestigious winery renowned for producing benchmark Hunter Valley styles such as semillon and shiraz, and with its stylish new cellar door and incredible art collection, it’s an unmissable Hunter Valley wine tourism destination,” she said.

“The site is home to some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world, dating back to 1880, so there’s an incredible amount of history for guests to unearth when they visit."

Mount Pleasant joins nearby Hunter Valley winery Audrey Wilkinson, and fellow New South Wales wineries Printhie Wines and Swinging Bridge – both located in Orange – as members of the Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia collective.

Mount Pleasant is open seven days from 10am-5pm, and is located at 401 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin.

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Discover more at www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au.

Kirkton Park aims to bring some romance to the Hunter

The Hunter Valley is renowned for its fine food and wine but voco by IHG Kirkton Park wants to add some romance to the mix. 

Set on a 70-acre estate with rolling lawns and mountain views, the hotel has unveiled Beneath the Roses, a collection of romantic experiences created for couples who want to "reconnect in nature, surrounded by beauty and calm".

The hero experience is a private floral dining dome in the rose garden. 

Guests can start with a slow wander through the gardens, then settle in for high tea or a three-course dinner created by the Locavore Restaurant team, where estate-to-plate flavours take the lead.

They can make a night of it with the Dine Amongst the Roses package which sees couples enjoy country accommodation and breakfast for two, along with a rose-inspired treat set that includes a locally made Hunter Valley soap, a bottle of First Creek Cuvée and a macaron and strawberry tasting plate scattered with rose petals. 

Summer is peak time in the garden with the estate promoted as being ideal for "slow walks and long conversations". Presumably not about rugby league. 

Just a short drive away, Hunter Valley Gardens offers another floral experience, with its Rose Garden and seasonal displays. 

Overnight packages start from $495 per night and including accommodation for two, and breakfast for two at Locavore Restaurant, along with a choice of high tea or romantic three-course dinner in the floral dome, and treat sets. 

  

See https://huntervalley.vocohotels.com/

Shining a light on stellar chardonnay in the Hunter

There are literally dozens of grape varieties grown in the Hunter Valley, but virtually all the region's flagship wines are made from shiraz, or semillon. 

Chardonnay is pretty much an afterthought for many producers, so Meerea Park sprung a surprise when it released a 2024 Stratos Chardonnay with a $120 price tag. 

It is a superbly poised and precise wine made in tiny quantities; from just two barrels, in fact. 

Our Hunter Valley correspondent Rick Allen wrote about the wine for the Newcastle Herald. 

--  

When you bring out a new flagship wine and immediately make it the most expensive of its variety in the region, you leave yourself nowhere to hide.

And for brothers Garth and Rhys Eather of Meerea Park Wines in the Hunter, so be it.

Their Meerea Park Stratos 2024 Chardonnay has just been released at a hefty $120 a bottle, and they’re more than happy to let the wine do the talking.

Still, there’s no doubt the price point is bold considering there’s a lot of exceptionally good chardonnay made in the Hunter, some with great history and pedigree.

“I don’t look at it on a local level, but national - and in that regard I believe the price is very reasonable for the quality of wine you’re getting,” managing director Garth Eather said.

“I love the Hunter Valley and I’m sick of people getting the perception that our chardonnays aren’t as good as those from other regions like Margaret River or the Yarra because we don’t charge as much.

‘Also, we’re a small producer, don’t have our own vineyard, nor the same economy of scale as larger operations.

“So buying in the best fruit and using the very finest Sirugue oak barrels is expensive.”

The Stratos production equates to about 50 dozen bottles, and the wine will only be produced when vintage quality warrants it.

The idea of a flagship white to sit alongside their flagship BLACK shiraz had been on the agenda for a while.

“I didn’t want to do it with semillon because there’s not much you can do with semillon," Eather said. “But chardonnay is different. There’s a lot of choices you can make and I think it’s a product of how good the winemaker is going. And when they get it right, it’s beautiful. 

“I had the Stratos named trademarked and had been waiting for the right time and right wine to use it.”

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The fruit comes from the top-notch Casuarina vineyard. 

Eather's verdict: “Terrific balance, no arms and legs sticking out, lovely richness of fruit, round and creamy. It has varietal character, length and depth. That’s what great wine is all about.”

See https://www.meereapark.com.au/

Popular Hunter wine festival off the menu for 2026

 

Lovedale Long Lunch, one of the most popular food and wine festivals on the Hunter Valley calendar, will go into a hiatus next year. 

 

After 31 years, the event is being reimagined and will return with a new format in 2027. 

The Lovedale Long Lunch is the Hunter’s longest running food and wine event. 

It is a progressive lunch that sees some of the Hunter’s leading chefs team up with six of Lovedale’s best wineries to offer guests wine, food, and live entertainment. The 2025 in May event attracted more than 10,000 people.

Wineries including Allandale, Emma’s Cottage, Gartelmann, Tatler, Sandalyn Estate, Saltire Estate, and Wandin have hosted thirsty and hungry festivalgoers over the years. 

This decision comes as part of a strategic re-engineering process to align the event with evolving consumer trends. The organisers are taking an opportunity to re-think and refresh the experience. 

“We are incredibly proud of the legacy of the Lovedale Long Lunch and grateful for the amazing support from our community, sponsors, and visitors over the past three decades,” said Matt Dillow from Gartelmann Wines. 

“While the event will not take place in 2026, we are excited about the opportunity to develop a new format that better meets the changing tastes and expectations of our audience.”

Organisers acknowledge this news may disappoint many loyal guests who have made the Lovedale Long Lunch part of their annual calendar. 

Attendees are encouraged to stay connected via the event’s website and social media channels for the latest updates as plans for the re-imagined experience unfold.

See https://www.lovedalelonglunch.com.au

Take your furry friend on a vineyard adventure

More and more Australians want to take their furry friends with them when they go on holiday.

The Lane Retreat, Bimbadgen, in the Hunter Valley is offering a Paws in the Vines Package from $357 per night for two guests and one dog.

That means guests, and their canine companions, can share vineyard views, fresh country air, and tail wags.

From morning walks through the vines to cosy evenings filled with treats (for both humans and pups), it is being billed as the ultimate dog-friendly retreat.

A getaway includes two nights in a modern, pet-friendly studio, daily continental breakfast provisions and a Mimi & Munch Bedtime Treat for your hound, a wood-fired pizza for two at Bimbadgen Pizzeria and a companion “paw-cuterie” platter for furry friends.

The new package is available for stays from November 1.

The Lane Retreat offers 60 luxe studio retreats with outdoor decks offering views of the Brokenback Range or Bimbadgen vineyards.

Book online at www.thelaneretreat.com.au

Direct flights to launch between Hobart and Newcastle

Good news for wine lovers from the Hunter Valley wanting to visit Tasmania. And vice versa.

Jetstar today announced the first direct flights from Hobart (above) to Newcastle, with sale fares available from $59 one-way (good luck!). 

The news came as QantasLink relaunched two routes out of Hobart, with flights to Perth restarting last month and flights to Canberra set to take off in late October.

These three routes will boost Qantas Group capacity by more than 76,000 seats a year in and out of the Tasmanian capital, supporting tourism and providing more travel options for residents.

The Hobart to Newcastle route will initially run from December 2, 2025, until April 21, 2026. 

Jetstar's seasonal service will operate three times a week using Airbus A320 aircraft.

To celebrate the new route, Jetstar is offering sale fares from just $59^ one-way. The 24-hour sale will start at 11am AEDT today at jetstar.com.

Jetstar CEO Stephanie Tully said the new route will provide a major tourism boost across Hobart and the Hunter.

“The Qantas Group already carries more tourists into Hobart and Newcastle than any other airline - and arrivals are set to soar yet again."

Tasmanian Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Jane Howlett said the new route is a landmark addition to Tasmania's aviation network.

"The Tasmanian Government is proud to work with Jetstar and Hobart Airport to deliver this new route and unlock opportunities for Tasmanians and visitors alike," she said.

“Tasmania is a world-class destination for Australians wanting to experience unique landscapes and fine food and produce."

Meet the Hunter Valley's new gourmet destination

 

The Eather family has been making excellent wines in the Hunter Valley for over three decades now under the Meerea Park label.

Meerea Park recently re-located and its cellar door to 426 McDonalds Road in the Wine House complex, opposite the entry to Brokenwood. 

And this weekend Mereea Park opened its new gourmet outlet: The Emporium. 

If you are preparing a picnic, or need some tasty morsels, this might be a good place to shop. 

Think items for your charcuterie board: cheese, crackers, smallgoods, fruit pastes, caramelised onions and the like. 

Or perhaps Millicent Farms fingerlime salts, oils, vinegars and Jasper and Myrtle artisan chocolates.

There is also a small range of imported wine from France:  Cotes du Rhone red and white, Petit Chablis and red and white Burgundy. 

Meerea Park launched in 1991 and uses sustainably grown fruit from some of the Hunter Valley's best vineyards. 

'Meerea' was a land grant to Thomas Eather in 1826 at Bulga, 22km west of Singleton. Meerea is a aboriginal word for 'beautiful mountain' which was the defining feature of the property that bordered the Wollemi National Park. 

'Meerea' was sold in 1995 after 169 years of continual ownership, with winemaking operations moved to Pokolbin, where the Eathers are still based, specialising in semillon, chardonnay and shiraz. 

See meereapark.com.au

Hunter Valley to welcome a new farmer’s market

The Hunter Valley is fertile ground for wine and food production.

And now Pokolbin, in the centre of the Hunter, is to get a new market this spring.

Pokolbin Market will officially launch on Sunday, September 7, at 691 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, offering a fresh destination for locals and visitors to explore the best of regional produce, artisan goods and handcrafted wares.

Set among the vineyards, Pokolbin Market will run every Sunday from 8am to 2pm, rain or shine - with a focus on local growers, creators, makers and musicians.

The market has a Farmers Market license and is calling for vineyards producers and performers to join its launch line-up.

“Pokolbin Market will be a celebration of the incredible talent and produce of the Hunter,” says Amanda Choularton, director of Organic Food Markets.

“With boutique wines, fresh-picked produce, handmade crafts and live music - all in one of NSW's most beautiful locations - it's set to be a must-visit experience every Sunday.”

The market will be family-friendly;, a responsible adult must supervise kids, and dogs are welcome on leashes.

Somewhere new to stay in the Hunter; and a new pasta experience

Want to get away from it all in the heart of the Hunter Valley vineyards? Meet the De Iuliis family's Steven Vineyard Cottage, which launched this week at Hunter Valley Stays.

Located in the heart of Pokolbin, its offering a special deal for guests who stay before October 31. Stay two nights and get a third night free.

All guests enjoy a complimentary twin pack of De luliis wine and Hunter Valley Olive Oil.

The cottage is custom designed to host up to eight guests with six accommodated in the cottage and two more in a self-contained studio tailored for two more friends or family.

The promise is for "luxurious bedding, beautiful bathrooms and designer artworks throughout". There is also a vintage leather sofa by the gas fireplace.

There is also a dedicated games room and a plunge pool.

See www.huntervalleystays.com.au/hunter-valley-accommodation/stevens-vineyard-cottage-pokolbin



If your timing is right you might also be able to check out the new Under the Hunter Valley Sun experience; a new collaboration between Audrey Wilkinson Wines and local cooking school Our Italian Table, which runs on the last Friday of each month.

This is a chance to learn the art of traditional pasta-making by hand - rolling, shaping, and crafting just as has been done for generations.

The immersive experience includes a hands-on pasta-making demonstration, followed by a relaxed, shared-style long table lunch with two handcrafted pasta dishes, fresh Italian salad, warm artisan rolls, and homemade biscotti to finish, all paired with Audrey Wilkinson wines.

Learn more: https://www.ultimatewineryexperiences.com.au/experiences/Under-the-hunter-valley-sun-pasta-exp-in-the-vines/

Peppers brand makes a return to its roots in the Hunter Valley

One of Australia's most recognised boutique hotel brands is to make a return to the location where it started.

Accor today announced the rebrand of the Grand Mercure The Vintage to Peppers Hunter Valley following a multi-million dollar refurbishment of the property.

In a milestone moment for the brand, Peppers returns to where its story began - the wine country of the Hunter. 

Associated with "refined indulgence, personal service, and immersive escapes in spectacular destinations" since the first Peppers Guest House property was launched, Peppers now writes a new chapter. 

Owned by long-standing duo Stevens Group and Accor Vacation Club, along with additional partners, the now-reimagined hotel features a collection of one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas (above) upgraded to reflect "a contemporary aesthetic". 

All apartments underwent a full ceiling-to-floor upgrade, featuring refreshed lighting, modernised kitchens, elegant furnishings, and new textures. 

Located within the ‘The Vintage’ precinct, Peppers Hunter Valley is surrounded by vineyards, countryside, and the championship-standard 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course.

The precinct is undergoing further transformation, with the team behind NINETEEN set to launch a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar, Mezze, upstairs. 

“The return of Peppers to the Hunter Valley is a proud and symbolic moment for us," said Adrian Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Accor in the Pacific region. 

"This is where the Peppers story began, and to see the brand come full circle – now elevated, refreshed, and reconnected to its roots – is incredibly special. 

"The transformation of this property reflects the strength of our partnerships and the continued demand for meaningful, premium escapes that balance charm with sophistication. Peppers Hunter Valley is not just a beautiful place to stay – it is a return to what makes travel personal, local, and unforgettable.”

Rooms start from $499* per night. To book, visit ALL.com

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. 

Done and dusted: all change in the Hunter Valley

There has been a changing of the guard in the Hunter Valley with Bimbadgen Estate chief winemaker Richard Done (above) resigning to concentrate on his own brand: John Wallace Wines.

Done, who learned his trade at Hunter icons Scarborough and Thomas Wines, has been chief winemaker and head of production, sales and distribution at Bimbadgen and Night Merchant Distillery for almost eight years.

John Wallace Wines has its own cellar door in Pokolbin.   

"I will be going full steam ahead with my side hustle now to be the big hustle," Done said.

"I will also be offering consulting for any wine or spirits brands that need the extra love."

Done's replacement at Bimbidgen will be familiar Hunter face Michael Hatcher,

Hatcher was the long-time general manager and winemaker at another leading Hunter producer, Hungerford Hill, when it was very high profile.

He was most recently manager and winemaker at Bunnamagoo in Mudgee.

Bimbadgen, in a prime location in Pokolbin, is one of the leading wine producers in the Hunter. 

The estate comprises two vineyards, a popular cellar door, award-winning Esca Bimbadgen restaurant, a café, an an outdoor amphitheatre. The estate hosts A Day On The Green concerts each year.

A new cellar door in the Hunter that's well worth discovering

 

There are a handful of cellar doors that anyone visiting the Hunter Valley for the first time will want on their itinerary. 

Pre-eminent among them will be Tyrrell's, Mount Pleasant and Brokenwood.

Once you've ticked off that trio you are spoilt for choice with dozens of venues offering myriad wine styles and experiences. 

One of the latest arrivals is Latitude 32, where we visited this week and were hosted by the friendly and knowledgeable Zac. 

On the site of the former Mistletoe operation, there is a relaxed but professional vibe - and lovely gardens. A range of structured tastings are on offer. 

We were guided to Latitude 32 by Newcastle Herald wine writer Rick Allen, GoTR's Hunter correspondent, who told the winery's story a few weeks ago. I particularly loved the 2023 The Matriarch Chardonnay.

Here are Rick's words: 

Latitude 32 owners Emma and David White aren’t your everyday wine couple.

“We’re learning the wine game on the run,” English-born Emma is happy to admit.

They respect the Hunter’s tradition, but aren’t shackled by it.

The couple bought the 50-acre property in Pokolbin, including 15 acres of established dry-

grown vines - but no cellar door - in 2018 after highly successful careers as senior finance

professionals at large multi-national companies in the UK and Australia.

And while they’ve produced some wine in that time, bushfires, smoke, hail and Covid meant

there was precious little of it. Plans for a cellar door stalled too.

But now, with the purchase of the former Mistletoe vineyard that includes a cellar door, things are finally starting to take off.

What they have in abundance is a passion for good wine … their successful careers enabled them to taste the finest international drops without having to worry too much about damage to the purse strings.

“We’d sit at home sipping wine and dreaming about one day owning our own vineyard and cellar door,” Emma said. “There’s no point having a dream if you don’t live it and we were fortunate we were able to do that.”

Latitude 32 -  the Hunter’s global position - officially opened on April 18 last year. 

“We bought this property at the end of last year,” Emma continued.

“We originally planned to build a cellar door on our home property on Deasys Road and plant more vines, but it didn’t work out. So when this came up, with its cellar door and 20 acres of established vines that produces some outstanding fruit, we grabbed it.”

It means Latitude 32 now has 35 acres of fruit in total over the two properties, covering semillon, chardonnay, shiraz, pinot noir and muscat. The plan is to plant more vines – in Emma’s own words, “go big or go home”.

“We do the usual varieties, but also a chardonnay-semillon blend which is popular – I don’t know why it ever went out of style – as well as the old Hunter Burgundy, a shiraz-pinot. “And I’m a huge chardonnay lover, so we do two chardonnays.”

Plus there’s a couple of surprises, in very small batches, from other regions, including a new smooth 2019 sangiovese from the Hilltops region.

See latitude32wines.com