5 minute read
From Parilla to Paddock: Estancia Finds Its Place in Lovedale
When Chef James Orlowski moved Estancia to its new home at Adina Vineyard & Olive Grove earlier this year, he wasn’t just relocating a restaurant — he was planting roots.
Having already cultivated a loyal following for Estancia’s bold Latin American and Mediterranean-inspired menu, the move to Lovedale marks a new chapter — one with more space, more potential, and more connection to the community and landscape that surrounds it.
“We’re not chasing fine dining,” says James.
“We’re offering great food that’s approachable — something between the pub and the white tablecloth. It’s casual but considered. You can settle in, let the kids run around, and enjoy yourself without feeling rushed.”
Now open five days a week for brunch, lunch, and early dinners — with special themed evenings Thursday to Saturday — Estancia is filling a unique niche in the Hunter Valley. For locals and visitors alike, it offers a welcome landing spot after a day of tastings, a relaxed venue for a family meal, or a long, flavour-packed lunch with friends. Set among Adina’s 55 hectares of vines and olive groves, the restaurant is currently operating from a shared space in the estate’s original cellar door, which has been extensively refurbished. By mid-September, Estancia will be a dedicated dining space with an extended deck, a beautiful private dining room, and a layout better suited to James’ vision of relaxed, high-quality hospitality.
In parallel, Adina is also preparing to launch The GT Room —a new addition to the estate. This private, purpose-built space is designed to celebrate the elegance of classic motoring while showcasing the best of the Hunter. It brings together estate-grown wines, Mediterranean inspired dining, and relaxed luxury accommodation in a setting that’s refined yet warmly welcoming.
he GT Room has been designed as a destination for drive-day stopovers, collector gatherings, corporate retreats, and weekend escapes. A place where guests can enjoy good food, great wine, and exceptional cars in a beautifully curated space surrounded by vines and olive groves. Estancia will be the caterer for functions and events held in the space.
When Chef James Orlowski moved Estancia to its new home at Adina Vineyard & Olive Grove earlier this year, he wasn’t just relocating a restaurant — he was planting roots.
In the meantime, guests can still enjoy alfresco dining on the deck, the expansive views, and snack on some charred vegetables and a plate of smoky grilled meats fresh off the parilla.
True to its roots, the menu is still anchored by fire, flavour, and generosity. Expect dishes like ceviche with bright citrusy zing, handmade pasta tossed in slow-cooked ragù, and Estancia’s signature Sunday parilla — a Latin-style mixed grill cooked over open flames. There’s now a stronger lean towards modern Australian cuisine, too, with plenty of vegetarian options and lighter snacks designed to suit the pace and palate of Hunter Valley afternoons.
“We’ve added things like steak frites night and pasta banquets to bring in different crowds,” says James. “Some families come straight after school, others roll in after a day at the wineries. We’re giving people reasons to come back — and to stay a while.”
The family-run ethos is very much in evidence here. James’ wife, sons, and daughter all lend a hand, whether in the kitchen or front of house. His culinary inspiration is deeply personal as well. A decade living and working in Peru shaped his palate and passion, with some of the dishes — particularly the desserts — coming courtesy of his Italian-Peruvian mother-in-law, a pastry chef whose recipes are now house favourites.
“It’s always been about cooking with soul,” he says.
“We use fire, smoke, seasonal produce, and a lot of love.”
The move to Lovedale has only strengthened Estancia’s connection to that ethos. The fertile surroundings allow James to grow herbs and vegetables on site, and the welcoming spirit of the local business community has been a major bonus.In the meantime, guests can still enjoy alfresco dining on the deck, the expansive views, and snack on some charred vegetables and a plate of smoky grilled meats fresh off the parilla.
“Lovedale feels like the gateway to the Hunter Valley,” he says.
“It’s accessible — for visitors and locals — and Adina itself is like a little hub. You’ve got the villas, the day spa, the cellar door, the olive tastings… it’s a great place to spend the whole day.”
For Adina, the partnership is part of a larger evolution. After the long and successful run of Emerson’s Restaurant, attracting a new, dynamic venue was a key goal of the estate’s broader refurbishment strategy.
“We were thrilled when James reached out,” says Adina’s Marketing Manager, Paul Sutcliffe. “His food and vision were a perfect fit. Estancia complements everything we’re working towards here — relaxed luxury, seasonal produce, and a strong sense of place.”
But for James and the Estancia team, the focus remains simple: good food, good wine, and good company.
“This is just the beginning,” he says.
“Lovedale feels like the gateway to the Hunter Valley,” he says.
“We’re building something real — something grounded. Whether it’s wine on the deck, a steak straight off the fire, or a long lunch with friends, we want people to feel at home.”
