An escape to Australia’s oldest wine-growing region – the Hunter Valley – is a treat for the senses. Expect charming vineyards, peaceful landscapes and gourmet food thrills!
Known as the birthplace of Australian wines, the Hunter is renowned worldwide as a gourmet getaway – there are more than 150 cellar doors and a growing number of innovative restaurants offering indulgence across every pocket of the region.
As we celebrate AGFG’s 2023 Chef Hat award winners, check out these six Hunter Valley dining destinations that are must visits:
For contemporary estate fine dining in the tranquil rural setting of the Hunter Valley, visit award-winning Margan Restaurant (14) in Broke. Relax in classical surrounds inside, complete with white tablecloths and fine cutlery, or dine alfresco on the verandah and take in breathtaking vineyard views, as well as the Brokenback Range.
With all ingredients grown either on-site or within a short distance of the restaurant, enjoy dishes like garden beetroot, almond skordalia and puffed grains, then delve into barbequed Wagyu beef, Jerusalem artichoke and mustard leaf.
When pondering a Hinterland escape, head to Restaurant Botanica (13) at Spicers Vineyard Estate along Hermitage Road in Pokolbin. A contemporary dining room awaits, with timber tables, cane wicker chairs, scallop pendent lighting and glass French doors, beckoning the outdoors in with sprawling vineyard views, allowing the eye to wander as you dine.
Delve into Moreton Bay bug tortellini, peas, zucchini and tomato essence, or grilled octopus, potato tuile, black garlic, Szechuan and chilli oil, best enjoued with a glass of Huesgen & Margan Riesling.
Experience elegant dining in a relaxed atmosphere when you feast at Hunters Quarter (13) restaurant, located in the Pooles Rock Vineyard on De Beyers Road in Pokolbin. Offering stunning views across the Hunter Valley, Hunters serves captivating dishes on a private terrace among the vineyards while aweing guests with a sophisticated interior design and steeply sloping ceilings.
From a menu delivering pure flavours and textures, opt for entrées of mountain pepper kangaroo, sweet pea, baby beetroot, wattle seed labneh and shaved macadamia before hickory-smoked duck, cauliflower cream and black barley pilaf.
Inspired by the Basque region, Sebastian (13) restaurant on Halls Road in Pokolbin celebrates the deep traditions, cosmopolitan flair and individual spirit of one of the world’s most magical food destinations. Nestled in Tower Lodge, this elegant fine diner exudes rustic charm from tiled floors, ceiling beams and chandelier lighting, setting the scene for lingering over a memorable meal with someone special.
Expect dishes that are simple and unpretentious, healthy and hearty, inspiring and imaginative from seasonal menus showcasing Hunter Valley produce such as smoked duck breast, textures of beetroot, lentils and orange jam.
An iconic destination restaurant in Pokolbin, Circa 1876 (12), captures the wonder and essence of the Hunter Valley. Housed within Peppers Convent and surrounded by lush greenery, this popular establishment is complemented by a spectacular 1.5 acre organic kitchen garden and a cosy modern fit-out to provide an idyllic backdrop for diners to enjoy a paddock-to-plate philosophy, showcased in two, three, five and seven-course menus.
Executive Chef Trent Barrett focuses on timeless ingredients with dishes like dry-aged duck breast, wild rice, spinach, sweet potato gratin, Brussels sprouts, blood orange and foie gras jus.
Embark on a culinary adventure where each day and sometimes each table is different at eRemo Restaurant (12) on Ekerts Road in Pokolbin. This modern and contemporary Italian eatery, the centrepiece of Spicers Hunter Valley Guesthouse, exudes an elegant and stylish vibe of blond wood, sand-coloured brick and softly glowing downlights; while on balmy days the verandah beckons as a sunny spot to sample a drop of local wine.
From a menu served share style, start with zucchini flowers, salted snapper brandade, avruga and mussel aioli, followed by lamb cutlet scottadito, rosemary, garlic and lemon marinade, tahini yoghurt and pangrattato.
