Hot in the Hunter

Ben Ean Patisserie: A Sweet and Savoury Stop in the Heart of Wine Country

Nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley, the newly opened Ben Ean Patisserie offers a delightful culinary experience, perfectly complementing the Ben Ean Cellar Door and the renowned Baumé Restaurant, and the recently opened, ‘The Deli’, offering gourmet treats, cured meats, cheeses to freshly made sandwiches and more. Since the patisserie’s July 2024 opening, it has become a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Guests can indulge in an array of freshly baked pastries, mouth-watering cakes, savoury pies, and classic sausage rolls, all served in a relaxed café-style setting. The terrace provides a serene backdrop, overlooking the picturesque vineyards—a perfect spot to enjoy your treats. Coffee lovers will enjoy expertly brewed cups of coffee, ideal for pairing with any pastry. Pastry chef, Steven’s creations, including the widely acclaimed French Vanilla Slice and unique Brazilian BBQ pie, are getting rave reviews. With gluten-free options available, Ben Ean Patisserie ensures everyone can enjoy its delicious offerings. Open daily from 8 am to 3 pm, it’s a must-stop on your Hunter Valley itinerary. For more information, visit www.benean.com.au.

Craft Beer and Good Times at The Valley Brewhouse

For craft beer lovers visiting the Hunter Valley, The Valley Brewhouse is a must-visit destination. Located at the heritage-listed Nulkaba brickworks site, this family-friendly venue offers a unique experience with awardwinning craft beers, delicious food, and live entertainment. Established as the region's first craft brewery in 2003, it produces a diverse range of limited-edition brews and classic beers, all crafted with passion by experienced brewers. Visitors can enjoy brewery tours, guided tastings, or sample a tasting paddle in the relaxed atmosphere of the beer garden, which features a large playground for kids. The on-site Smoke House Kitchen serves mouthwatering smoked meats and an ever-changing menu. With live entertainment every weekend, a fun-filled environment, and a spacious setting for events, the Valley Brewhouse is the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon or evening. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Valley Brewhouse offers an unforgettable experience, combining craft beer, great food, and good times. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thevalleybrewhouse.com.au.

Boutique Small Batch Wines, Greek Style Olives and Limoncello!

Mira Wines is a charming boutique vineyard in Pokolbin, offering a unique and personalized wine experience paired with authentic Greekstyle hospitality. The husband-and-wife duo, Kiros and Ana, began their journey making wine in their Sydney garage, driven by a deep-rooted family tradition of grape growing from their heritage in Kefalonia, Greece. As a small family-owned operation, Mira Wines produces only 1,000 to 2,000 bottles each year, ensuring meticulous care and attention to every vine. Tragedy struck last year with Kiros’ passing, but Ana has carried forward their legacy with determination. Now expanding the business by introducing a handmade Italian-style limoncello, crafted from their orchard of over 30 lemon trees, with plans to grow even further. By appointment only, Mira Wines offers intimate tastings in their quaint barn, overlooking the dam and vineyard. For a truly unforgettable experience, you can also book a sunset tasting with panoramic 360-degree views on their hill. For more information or to book your appointment, visit mirawines.com.au.

Harvested to Perfection: Pukara Estate’s Exclusive 2025 Novello Oil

Located in the Upper Hunter, Pukara Estate’s olive grove has been producing premium olive oils for over 25 years. Owners Steve and Racquel Goodchild have built a stellar reputation for quality, and they are now preparing for this year’s harvest, which begins in April. The olives are processed on-site at their Denman grove in state-of-the-art facilities, resulting in a range of well-balanced Extra Virgin Olive Oils, including the much-anticipated Novello Oil—an unfiltered, new-season extra virgin olive oil that loyal enthusiasts seek out each year. The term "Novello" is Italian for "new" or "young," perfectly describing Pukara Estate’s Novello due to its remarkable freshness. Each bottle is presented in clear glass, showcasing its natural, unfiltered state, allowing its quality to be appreciated visually before tasting. With only 1,500 individually numbered bottles available, Novello offers something gourmet for everyone to identify with, enjoy and indulge! For more info about Pukara Estate’s Novello Extra Virgin Olive Oil, visit www.pukaraestate.com.au.

Hunter Valley’s Family-Run Wine and Olive Experience

Tintilla Estate, nestled in the heart of Hunter Valley on Hermitage Road, has been a family-run treasure since 1994. Established by Sydneybased vascular surgeon Robert Lusby, this 25-hectare estate is home to award-winning wines and a thriving olive grove. The name “Tintilla” derives from an Old-World term for red wine, reflecting the estate’s dedication to traditional winemaking. The winery produces distinctive single-vineyard wines and unique olive products, including handpicked olives fermented with herbs and spices, as well as seasonal jams, relishes, and caramelized vinegars, crafted from local produce. Tintilla’s cellar door exudes a warm, family-friendly atmosphere, providing guests with a memorable wine-tasting experience. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely tasting session paired with a cheese platter while overlooking the stunning vineyards. Tintilla Estate is the perfect destination for wine and food lovers seeking an authentic, intimate experience in the Hunter Valley. Bookings are highly recommended, visit tintilla.com.au.

Spend an Hour or Spend the Night at Wandin

Wandin Estate is the ultimate destination for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Located in a picturesque setting, the Cellar Door invites visitors to spend an hour or an afternoon tasting exceptional wines while enjoying stunning views from the spacious tasting room and balcony. Led by Matt, the Wandin team’s passion for wine is contagious, offering expert knowledge and stories that enhance the experience. Wandin Kitchen is a must-visit, serving an à la carte menu focused on local, seasonal, and estate-grown produce. Whether you're looking for breakfast, a celebratory lunch, or a romantic dinner, the friendly service and scenic location provide the perfect backdrop. Don’t miss the Chef’s Tasting Plate paired with four wine tastings for a truly unique experience. Ideal for events, Wandin Estate also hosts weddings, corporate gatherings, and even cricket games at the Cricketer’s Pavilion. With wine, food, and stunning surroundings, Wandin Estate offers a memorable experience for everyone. For more info, visit www.wandin.com.au.