Familiar faces to open Sanctuary Cove's new enoteca

It is closing in on 40 years since the eyes of the world were on the opening of Sanctuary Cove. 

Owner Mike Gore spared no expense on "The Ultimate Event" back in 1988 with entertainment from Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston and Peter Allen. 

What a time we had, despite the rain. Thanks Patti Mostyn. 

All those years on I'm still writing about the Gold Coast drawcard with top hospo operators Max and Amanda Alfieri to open a new Italian-style wine bar at the resort next month. 

Zio Italian Enoteca will see the former owners of popular Italian restaurant Ioesco will bring their passion for Italian food, wine and hospitality back to the Cove. 

Located in Building Four on Masthead Way, along the village’s main thoroughfare, Zio Italian Enoteca will offer seating for approximately 70 guests, with both indoor and outdoor dining available.

“We are incredibly excited to return to Sanctuary Cove and to be part of [developer] Mulpha’s vision for the future of the Village,” the duo said. “We look forward to contributing to the vibrant dining and lifestyle experience that makes Sanctuary Cove such a unique destination.”

Zio Italian Enoteca will offer a selection of local and international wines, paired with traditional Italian antipasto-style offerings including freshly sliced cured meats, artisan cheeses, crusty breads and seasonal accompaniments. 

As the venue settles into spring, the menu will expand to feature a broader range of authentic Italian specialty dishes. 

“Sanctuary Cove has always been home to us,” said Max Alfieri. “Zio Italian Enoteca gives us the opportunity to share the flavours, traditions and discoveries we have experienced across Italy. From regional wines to time-honoured food traditions, we hope to bring a little piece of Italy to the Cove.”

Chef back to take the reins at Esca

They say that you can’t go back. But that is exactly what chef Raphael Martinez has done. 

Property and hospitality group Mulpha has appointed Martinez as head chef for Bimbadgen Estate’s flagship restaurant Esca and all related food offerings in the Hunter Valley, including Bimbadgen Wines, Bimbadgen Palmer’s Lane Weddings & Events, Emma’s Cottage and hospitality packages for A Day on The Green Concerts. 

The appointment follows the departure of chef Keira Madeley. 

Martinez first worked at Esca Bimbadgen in 2018 as a chef de partie and has returned to lead the kitchen in 2024, having gained broad experience in the Hunter Valley’s fine dining scene, including at Spicers Guesthouse and Brokenwood Wines.

Mulpha’s General Manager, Hunter Valley Operations, Jordan Rodgers, said: “We are delighted to welcome Raphael back to Bimbadgen Estate, this time as head chef with an expanded brief, having developed impressive culinary and leadership skills over the intervening years.

“In his new role Raphael will also oversee all food offerings across Bimbadgen and its related outlets, working closely with food and beverage manager Caitlin Bremner to ensure a great food experience whatever the venue or event.”

Under the new regime, guests will continue to enjoy modern-Australian cuisine using “fresh, quality ingredients sourced locally and a creative blend of Asian and Italian influences”.

“I’m dedicated to ensuring that every dining experience at Esca Bimbadgen is exceptional, with an emphasis on flavour, technique, and presentation,” said Martinez.

“The Hunter Valley has been my family’s home since 2018 and we enjoy everything about wine country life - the people, the stunning landscapes and the exceptional local wines. 

A new summer menu has been released, which will include Korean-style grilled pork belly with ssamjang butter, baby gem, and wild rice; crispy potato gnocchi with pea puree, pecorino and basil; fresh handmade spanner crab ravioli with sauce verge and caviar; and little Joe flank steak with tarro puree, chimichurri and green beans.

Martinez is passionate about chocolate-based dessert and will introduce them to Esca’s menu soon. 

“We aim to consistently deliver excellence in food and wine, quality and service,” Martinez says. “Not just in our flagship restaurant Esca but also in our wedding and event venue on Palmers Lane, our Bimbadgen cellar door, and our new addition, Emma’s Cottage.”

Golf lovers get a swinging new Sydney facility

Calling all golf fans.

Want to get your game back in shape?

Swing City, a new generation, state-of-the-art golf and entertainment venue in Norwest, Sydney, developed by Mulpha Australia in partnership with golf operator Avid Sports, was officially opened this week.

Swing City comprises a 40-bay range with individual hospitality seating, state-of-the-art ball tracking and gaming technology, a licensed restaurant, undercover and outdoor al fresco dining, corporate function facilities, 18-hole mini-golf, and other amusements.

It is designed for a broad audience, ranging from beginner to serious golfers, corporate, family and social groups.

“Swing City is a game-changer, for golf range-play, and for sporting and hospitality facilities in Norwest and the broader Hills district," said Mulpha CEO Greg Shaw.

“It offers a broad range of golf, leisure and entertainment facilities in a family-friendly environment to meet the growing demand in the area while making golf fun, easy and accessible for a broad range of players.

"Importantly the Swing City concept will appeal to all ages and demographics and vastly broaden the use and community benefit of public facilities that have often been under-utilised or utilised by only a small segment of the community."

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

Sydney gets a chic-looking new eatery

Sydney has a new chic-looking French-accented restaurant that opened this week. 

Pont Brasserie is on the ground floor of the heritage-listed InterContinental Sydney, part of the growing Mulpha Group hospitality portfolio.

The eatery is part of a transformation of Sydney’s sandstone quarter into one of the city’s most dynamic dining precincts.

With an entrance on Bridge Street, or “Rue du Pont’’ in French, Pont Brasserie aims to deliver contemporary brasserie-style dishes with a twist in a setting that combines sleek city design with heritage features and dark timber floors.

French-trained head chef John Lyons, who can list a number of UK Michelin-starred restaurants on his resumé, and experienced manager Erez Gordon head the team.

“In such a prestigious location we have a responsibility to showcase the best of Sydney and Australia but also bring joy and an element of playfulness to the dining experience,” said Lyons.

“We also want to ensure the menu and friendly, efficient service appeals to both time-strapped corporates, as well as our international and local hotel guests and those simply looking for a leisurely long lunch and a distinctive Australian dining experience.”

Gordon says he welcomes the challenge of“ launching a new eatery. 

"Restaurants are in my blood, but it was going to take something special to tempt me back into the cut and thrust of daily service," he said. "Pont Brasserie is that special something.” 

Entrees will include Balmain bug with roast garlic velouté and bisque; English crumpets with sea urchin and rosemary; and Wagyu tartare with mustard fruits and seaweed crackers. 

The main menu offers a selection of lamb, duck, chicken, fish and seafood as well as a range of different steak cuts and barramundi with Tasmanian wasabi velouté and finger lime. 

Desserts include a classic Rum Baba; and freshly baked chocolate chip cookie with fresh milk ice cream and raspberries. 

A visit is potentially on my agenda for next month, so I will report back.  

The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday. 

See www.pontbrasserie.com.au.

New look, new range for Hunter winery Bimbadgen

For well over four decades Bimbadgen Estate has been one of the "must visit" destinations in the Hunter Valley.

Whether you enjoy a wine tasting, a leisurely vineyard lunch or an open-air concert, Bimbadgen has a reputation for professionalism.

Now winemaker Richard Done and his team have released Bimbadgen's most widely available range with a new look and a new name.

The switch is aimed to refresh the Growers Range to broaden its appeal and more clearly differentiate between the three Bimbadgen wine portfolios.

The Growers Range will showcase Hunter Valley classics - along with new and emerging styles.

The new livery is decorating the 2022 Vermentino, 2022 Rosé and a 2021 Shiraz Cabernet, all of which are priced at a very reasonable $28 per bottle.

Both the vermentino and rosé received gold medals at the 2022 Hunter Valley Wine Show, with the vermentino taking out the trophy for Best Other White Wine.

The very brisk and lively vermentino, a terrific summer thirst quencher, is my definite favourite, followed by the zingy and lively rosé, made from tempranillo grapes. Both should be enjoyed chilled.

Bimbadgen’s Single Vineyard ($45) and Signature ($85) brands continue unchanged.

“We are thrilled to be launching this new look for the Growers Range to showcase our winemaking and the quality of Hunter Valley grapes to a broader consumer market," Done says.

“Growers Range is fresh, fun and approachable, with a price point to match, and this will give us the brand architecture to expand its footprint."

Bimbadgen is owned by property and hospitality group Mulpha which has expanded its Hunter Valley portfolio to include Bimbadgen Palmers Lane and the boutique Emma’s Cottage in Lovedale.

Mulpha general manager Belinda Stapleton, said: "“Bimbadgen is the jewel in the crown of our Hunter Valley portfolio and the launch of this fresh new-look Growers Range will allow us to better illustrate our diversity within the wine portfolio.”

The Growers Range can be purchased at Bimbadgen cellar door and select stockists, as well as at Mulpha stablemates the InterContinental Sydney, Hayman Island and Sanctuary Cove.

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.”

Quiet tourism powerhouse builds up steam

You might not have heard of the brand, but Mulpha Australia is a fast-rising powerhouse in the Australian hospitality industry. 

The owner and operator of Bimbadgen Wines in the Hunter Valley is rapidly building up a formidable stable of hotels and eateries. 

The latest Mulpha acquisition is popular Italian restaurant Ioesco at Sanctuary Cove in Queensland.

Restauranteurs Max and Amanda Alfieri (above), who have operated Ioesco since 2008, will stay on as managers of the restaurant, with the support of the hospitality teams at Mulpha and Bimbadgen.

Mulpha's brands include Bimbadgen Estate and its award-winning restaurant Esca and Palmers Lane in the Hunter Valley, the recent purchase of Emma’s Cottage Vineyard with café in the Hunter Valley, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort and restaurant Fireplace, InterContinental Sydney and InterContinental Hayman Island.

Ioesco seats 120 patrons with plans underway to extend the deck.

Ioesco founder and manager Max Alfieri said: “We are pleased that we have secured the support of Mulpha to ensure the future of Ioesco. 

"It has been a labour of love and a privilege to serve Sanctuary Cove locals and the Greater Gold Coast community, and witness so many happy guests and wonderful moments over the years.”

Belinda Stapleton, the dynamic Mulpha general manager of hospitality, said: “We are delighted to invest in the future of this much-loved restaurant that helps makes Sanctuary Cove a great place to live and visit.

“Mulpha has a deep respect for the business that the Alfieris have built at Ioesco, and we want to ensure that continues into the future. Having Max and Amanda stay on through this partnership will ensure we continue the great legacy that they have created over more than a decade.

“To celebrate the partnership of Ioesco and Bimbadgen Wines, Mulpha are working with Max and Amanda in planning exciting new events and exclusive food and wine experiences for 2022. As well, diners at Ioesco will now be able to select premium Bimbadgen wines from the restaurant’s walk-in cellar for dinner or for a catered function in the restaurant.”

Mulpha also has several property development interests across Australia.