Scout’s Guide To Eating, Drinking And Sleeping In The Hunter Valley
News flash: it is possible to fall deeper in love with the Hunter Valley
Krinklewood Winery
News flash: it is actually possible to fall deeper in love with the iconic combination of great cheese and fermented grapes, and the Hunter Valley is the place to do it. Add the picturesque views of rural fields and rolling, fruitful (literally) vineyards, and you’ve got yourself the ideal weekend away.
To help you plan (and take it from us, a good plan and pre-booked venues is a must), we ate and drank our way through the Hunter. Hard work, sure, but someone’s gotta do it. From restaurants and wineries to accommodation, here’s our definitive guide to a weekend in the Hunter Valley.
Where to eat in the Hunter Valley
Muse Kitchen
Beautiful grounds, vibrant green lawns and well-kept gardens welcome you at Muse Kitchen, a relaxed eatery within Keith Tulloch Wine. Pull up a seat outside if you can and sit back in style while you eat your way through a 2- or 3-course menu, which will set you back $85 and $105 respectively. (Hot tip: most Hunter restaurants require you to order from a set-course menu.)
Championing local products and sustainability with a little European flair thrown in for good measure, you can expect the light and fresh lunchtime choices of burrata with ciabatta, roasted octopus with Toum, milk braised pork shoulder, duck breast with szechuan carrot, and fromage to finish - to name just a few. And, of course, it’s not a trip to the Hunter without a couple of drinks on the side. Opt for a classic Aperol Spritz in the summertime, and continue with your pick from an extensive wine list that features both local and international drops.
Muse Kitchen is open for lunch Wednesday through Sunday and dinner on Saturday nights only.
Cocoa Nib
Is it totally OTT to say we would drive all the way from Sydney just to visit Cocoa Nib? Located directly alongside Muse Kitchen, a serious passion for artisan chocolate shines through in this locally-owned shop. Using French Couverture, everything is hand-crafted in small batches and beautifully presented. Whether you suddenly have a second stomach after lunch or have the willpower to save them for later, you can’t miss this place - and it’s highly likely you’ll want to visit more than once. Our favourites? The Sea Salt Caramel, Black Forest, Lemon Meringue and Crème Brûlée are pure HEAVEN.
Get a sneak preview of Cocoa Nib (or order online) at cocoanib.com.au
Restaurant Botanica
Set on Spicers Estate, Restaurant Botanica merges French technique with seasonal produce, with much of the kitchen’s herbs and vegetables coming direct from their own garden. Featuring sprawling views of the estate's glorious vineyards, you’ll want to book dinner in time for sunset and request a table by the floor to ceiling windows. Start with a cocktail and take your time soaking in the scenery. Choose between an $109 3-course or a $129 5-course degustation menu (with vegan versions available) and settle in for an evening of absolutely divine food.
Find a sample menu and make a booking via restaurantbotanica.com.au
Bistro Molines
No visit to the Hunter is complete without a trip to Bistro Molines. With its Provence-like views and France-hailing head chef, it’s hard to believe that you don’t need a passport to visit. The menu is derived from an innate love of food and fresh produce, sourced from the onsite herb and vegetable garden, and offers both 2- ($100) and 3-course ($130) options.
Start with a French Martini - it's not on the menu but it's a staff speciality (shhh), and from there, move onto the vast but curated wine menu. The beautifully prepared menu shines with head chef Robert’s finesse for food: housemade pate, baked figs with gorgonzola, market fish with taramasalata, slow cooked beef short rib and roast pork belly. Bistro Molines is one of the most sought-after restaurants in the Hunter, so booking well in advance is a must.
Reserve your table online at bistromolines.com.au
Leaves & Fishes
With its dam-front situ and breezy indoor-outdoor setting, Leaves & Fishes is what you get when you combine Bali and Tulum. As well as the restaurant, on the property you will find beautiful accommodation and a boutique homewares store.
The walk-in-only restaurant offers casual seafood eats with an Asian twist, with the option to dine in or takeaway. Favourites included the baked half shell scallops, crisp skin ocean trout and pineapple and cashew salad, and prices are some of the most reasonable in the Hunter.
Visit online at leavesandfishes.com.au
Muse Restaurant
With a focus on Australian contemporary dining and high-quality produce, Muse Restaurant was made for those who appreciate the finer things. The menu features 5 courses of pure heaven for $155 per person, and the serving sizes are very generous - so stick to a light lunch if you’re planning a trip here. Muse operates off a seasonal menu, but you will be greeted with the likes of freshly shucked Appellation oysters, Whey & Meyer lemon risotto, black garlic braised beef (insert ‘optional cheese course’ here), and apples, yuzu, tonka bean and white chocolate cream.
Visit online at musedining.com.au
The Smelly Cheese Shop
A trip to the Hunter Valley would be incomplete without a visit to the renowned Smelly Cheese Shop. Don’t be put off by the name, this place is made for cheese connoisseurs, with an impressive range of local and imported cheese, as well as cured meats, oils, chutneys, biscuits and spices. There are two Smelly Cheese Shops in the Hunter but the Roche Estate Complex shop tends to have more variety.
Visit online at smellycheese.net.au
Cafe Enzo
Located in a beautiful sandstone building, Cafe Enzo is spread across a verdant and breezy courtyard. Home to a cafe-style menu, you can visit for breakfast or lunch, or to indulge your sweet tooth with dessert.
Visit online at enzohuntervalley.com.au
The best wineries and places to drink in the Hunter Valley
Talits Estate
This family-owned, James Haliday rated vineyard and luxury farmhouse-style accommodation sits upon 50 acres of stunning gardens, olive trees and Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Merlot vines. Opening its doors in 2020, a visit to the cellar door will grant you the opportunity to taste 8 (or so) boutique wines, including their popular Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, Arneis, Semillon, Sangiovese Merlot, Estate Merlot and Pinot Syrah. While you’re there, grab a homebrewed craft beer or cheese and charcuterie board and wander the estate.
Visit online at talitsestate.com.au
1813
Its vineyards spanning 16 acres, 1813 wine is produced by Tinonee Vineyard Estate, a boutique producer of Verdelho, Muscat, Chambourcin, Shiraz and Fiano. Run by winemaker Daniel Binet, who has collected over 17 years of experience, a visit to the 1813 Cellar Door will see you tasting their perfected fleet in a beautiful setting, surrounded by grapes and rolling hills. Word is, if you visit in December or January you can even pick your own bunch of grapes to snack on or take home.
Visit online at 1813.com.au
Krinklewood
For a taste of the French countryside without leaving NSW, add this whimsical botique Cellar Door to your list. The dreamy scene is set from before you even enter the classic farmhouse Krinklewood gates, and once you do, you’ll pass by grapes growing either side of you as you trundle down the driveway and towards the vine-covered Cellar Door. Setting itself apart from the rest, this circa 1981, 49-acre winery is the only certified organic and biodynamic one in the Hunter Valley. Enjoy a leisurely ‘at your own pace’ tasting, a picnic on the sprawling lawn or go for a premium selection.
Visit online at krinklewood.com
Iron Gate Estate
A Spanish-style estate houses the tasting experience at Iron Gate Estate, a pet-friendly winery specialising in Rosé, Tempranillo, sparkling wines and a selection of sweet and dry. Sit by the cosy fireplace and be taken through a delicious selection of small-batch wines (which will take about 45 minutes all up) - and if you like, add on a winery or vineyard tour.
Visit online at irongateestate.com
Domaine De Binet
Friendly staff and a good drop is the name of the game at Domaine De Binet, a family-owned winery in the heart of Lovedale. Run by the very same Daniel Binet as 1813, the focus here is on creative and contemporary approaches to wine, which range from Pinot Grigio to deep, dark Shiraz
Visit online at binetfamilywines.com.au
Hunter Distillery
If you feel like straying from wine, gin, vodka and schnapps can be found at Hunter Distillery. You're given six test tubes to sample a selection of your choice. The experience begins with gin and vodka, but leave at least 3 tubes for their liqueurs. Our favourite picks are the Hazelnut, Lychee and Strawberry Liqueur.
Visit online at hunterdistillery.com.au
Where to stay in the Hunter Valley
The Woods
Step into a serene paradise as you enter The Woods property, where perfectly manicured lawns and towering gums set officially activate holiday mode. There's a trio of charming houses to choose from, with privacy and serenity at the forefront. The Folly and Chapel House are centred around a courtyard with a whimsical fountain, that flows onto an outdoor pergola. Nestled yet central, there's a lot to love about this beautiful accomodation.
Book online at thewoods.com.au
Spicers Guest House
For an ultra-luxe experience, Spicers Guest House is where it's at. This 5-star gem sits right in the heart of the Hunter Valley, offering a lavish escape complete with a pool, heated spa, fire pit, tennis court, restaurant, and even free bikes if you're up for some high-energy fun. Fresh from extensive renovations, the property wraps you in warmth and comfort from the moment you step in.
Book online at spicersretreats.com
Leaves & Fishes
One of the most unique accommodation offerings in the Hunter Valley, imagine four private boat houses tucked away in a secluded setting. Your deck becomes a front-row seat to a pond adorned with lily pads – Monet vibes all the way. Perfect for couples, we can't think of a more romantic way to end a winery-filled day.
Book online at leavesandfishes.com.au
Casa La Vina
Get ready to jet off to Marrakech – well, almost. Welcome to Casa La Vina, where the Hunter Valley gets a Moroccan makeover. Picture three luxurious villas that are basically made for romantic escapes. Quality vineyards are just a hop away, but you might not want to leave - each villa is equipped with an outdoor spa, its own courtyard and a built in fireplace.
Book online at casalavina.com.au
