Enjoy world-class wines and hospitality with some of the Hunter’s best cellar door experiences
History, breathtaking views, stunning wines, and a picnic basket – Audrey Wilkinson Vineyards has it all. Established in 1866, the estate is home to one of the oldest vineyards in the historic Hunter Valley. Today, winemaking is overseen by Xanthe Hatcher, whose philosophy is to let the vineyard speak for itself. And what they’re saying is delicious. From regional classics such as semillon and shiraz, to experimental varieties like verdelho and tempranillo, the wines are bold, creative and bursting with flavour.
Perched atop a foothill of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges, the Audrey Wilkinson cellar door looks as though it’s been plucked from a picture book – wide verandas and French doors. Tear yourself away from the breathtaking views just long enough to select from a range of tasting experiences. Our suggestion? A picnic among the vines, which includes a wine masterclass, the history of the region and a beautiful spread of gourmet goodies to enjoy as you taste the wines and take in the rolling hills of the Hunter. But whatever tasting you choose you can rest assured that you’re in good hands at Audrey Wilkinson and will definitely leave with unforgettable memories. And maybe a few bottles of wine.
Step into the Mount Pleasant cellar door and you immediately feel like you’re part of the history. The estate was founded in 1921 when Maurice O’Shea persuaded his mother to purchase the property on which Mount Pleasant now stands. Although only 24 at the time, O’Shea would go on to have a long and far-reaching impact on the evolving Australian wine industry. 100 years on, Mount Pleasant is still steeped in the traditions passed down by O’Shea, with winemaker Adrian Spark now carrying the torch. In addition to over 10 years of winemaking experience, Spark brings a fresh new perspective to the iconic Hunter winery and the running of the Mount Pleasant property.
As with their winemaking, the cellar door has undergone a renewal that looks to the future with a clear respect for the past. The space possesses an understated grandeur and warmth of character that welcomes you, while a mix of contemporary and modern finishes bring this vision together. It’s a stunning setting for a tasting. As you look over the rolling vines of the Mount Pleasant, the cellar door team will guide you through a variety of curated tasting experiences that cover the winery’s latest release as well as a selection of rare, once-in-a-lifetime museum vintages.
Newly refurbished, the Mount Pleasant perfectly combines contemporary with a 100-year long history.
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The name Bimbadgen stems from the local indigenous (Kumbainggiri) language, meaning ‘Place of Good View’. And we can confirm, the view is spectacular! Perched high on a hill in the heart of Wine Country overlooking the magnificent Barrington ranges, Bimbadgen’s contemporary cellar door is possibly the most gorgeous wine tasting venue you could imagine.
Fortunately, good looks aren’t all Bimbadgen has going for them. They also produce an impressive range of wines. From festive sparkling wines to their single vineyard wines and their more experimental range, ‘Side Step’, there’s certainly something here for all occasions and palates. But it’s with the Hunter classics – semillon, chardonnay and shiraz – that Bimbadgen really comes into its own. A cellar door tasting is not to be missed, with experiences starting from $10 per person. It probably comes as no surprise that Bimbadgen is a popular destination, so bookings are required – trust us, you’ll want to secure your spot!
Tulloch Wines is another bastion of Hunter Valley heritage and hospitality. Over four generations and 125 years, Tulloch has been crafting not only delicious wines but family friendly experiences too. Tucked away in a beautiful pocket of the Valley, their cellar door is a vibrant, lively destination that offers some of the most diverse and engaging tasting experiences out there.
Our personal favourite? Wines paired with handmade chocolates. This is a truly indulgent experience that matches 5 artisan chocolates made locally in the Hunter Valley with a mouth-watering array of 5 Tulloch wines. If you’ve ever wondered which wines pair best with white chocolate, if there’s a perfect red for your favourite 90% cacao or if you’re simply choc-aholics like us,, then this is the tasting for you. But, whatever your personal preference, the team at Tulloch have got you covered with a classic line-up,cheese and charcuterie pairings, and even a Tour of Italy experience that explores their range of Italian varieties!
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A visit to the Wine Country is not complete without a stop at Brokenwood. Established in the early 70s, Brokenwood was founded by three Sydney-based solicitors, Tony Albert, John Beeston and now-wine writer James Halliday, who shared a passion for wine. At the time, the trio paid a record price of $970 per acre for a 10-acre block in the foothills of the Brokenback Ranges. Originally destined to be a cricket ground for the local community, the block was instead planted with cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. And what began as a weekend venture for self-professed hobby winemakers has now evolved into one of Australia’s most reputable wine labels.
Much like the wines, the cellar door is chic and refined. Settle in at one of the tasting pods for the Taste experience, as a knowledgeable member of staff guides you through a premium selection of 7 Brokenwood Varietal and Single Vineyard wines. Then pop into the Cru Bar + Pantry to enjoy a glass from the Enomatic wine dispenser, which serves rare and museum wines not ordinarily available for tasting. Go on – treat yourself!
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