Been to the Hunter recently? Well if you had you would have no doubt come across the lavish new development that sits in its midst. Brokenwood Wines is just about to unveil its multi-million dollar revamp, ready to welcome its first visitors this Saturday December 8.

The $8 million development of the popular vineyard has been under construction for the past year. Designed by Sydney architecture and design firm Villa + Villa, the new cellar door will be one of the largest in the Hunter Valley district, all 1400 square metres of it. Set to welcome 250,000 visitors annually, the new drinking space is a far cry from the original cellar door built as a hobby in 1975 by the winery’s founders James Halliday, Tony Albert and John Beeston.

“The new offering will provide customers with a world-class experience and allow more people to taste our wines than ever before,” says managing director and chief winemaker Iain Riggs of the new build. “This is a monumental step in our brand’s history and we are beyond excited.”

The vineyard’s new complex features a smattering of different ways for visitors to experience wine (including flagship drops Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz and ILR Reserve Semillon). There’s a large tasting room equipped with tasting ‘pods’, an outdoor terrace, two private tasting rooms, two private dining rooms, and a lounge area in which to sip your tipple of choice. There’s also a wine museum in which to acquire a little more knowledge about vino as a whole, and Brokenwood’s journey.

There are also two separate dining venues present in which you can line your stomach. Led by Andrew and Janet Wright, the eateries include casual eatery, Cru Bar + Pantry and modern dining space The Wood Restaurant. The latter will be open for lunch daily and dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings, with the menu focused around contemporary Australian fare. Seafood is the focus for this 90-seater which will feature a large display of fresh seafood from Sydney Fish Market.

Those after something a little less formal should head to Cru Bar + Pantry, which will be open for breakfast, lunch and snacks daily. Think homemade pies, toasties, wood-fired pizzas and charcuterie among more. Obviously there will also be wine available by the bucketload (or barrel); premium and iconic Brokenwood wines will be available throughout the entire venue.

Brokenwood Wines
401-427 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin
brokenwood.com.au