The Million-Dollar Makeover that Created the Hunter's Newest Must-Visit Destination

WORDS LIANE MORRIS | FEATURE WRITER

IMAGES SOURCE BONVILLA ESTATE

Perched on a ridge in Pokolbin with sweeping views of vines and the Brokenback mountain range, Bonvilla Estate is a destination where wine, beauty and hospitality meet in perfect harmony. This once-quiet vineyard has undergone one of the Hunter Valley’s most remarkable transformations, re-emerging as a vibrant cellar door, event space and luxury retreat that celebrates the very best of the region.

For Operations Manager Jo Minett, who joined the Bonvilla team after 17 years running Newcastle’s beloved Rocksalt restaurant, the magic lies in both the setting and the people.

“Our philosophy is about time well spent,” Jo says.

“We want people to feel welcome to wander, to linger, and to connect — whether that’s over a picnic, a tasting, or simply enjoying the beauty of the vines.”

Bonvilla Estate’s story begins with owner Allan McKeown, a Newcastle businessman with a background in sport, having served as the former deputy chairman of the Newcastle Knights. After a trip to

France ignited his passion for wine, Allan spotted the Oakey Creek Road property - formerly known as Eagle’s Rest - and saw both its history and potential.

Eagle’s Rest was already respected for producing some of the best fruit in the Hunter Valley. Its Semillon and Shiraz vines, planted in 1998, had long been sought after by leading winemakers. But Allan envisioned something greater: not just reviving the vineyard but building a legacy.

He purchased the property in 2019, immediately closed the doors, and poured close to a million dollars into renovations. By 2021, Bonvilla Estate was unveiled - a name chosen to reflect both “bonne villa” (good home) and the family’s long-term vision.

“Allan has invested heavily in the vines and the property,” Jo explains.

“It wasn’t about a quick turnaround - it was about bringing the vineyard back to its former glory, modernising it, and creating something truly special for generations to come.”

The transformation of Bonvilla is nothing short of breathtaking. The once-modest cellar door and villa were redesigned by Webber Architects into spaces that balance sophistication with warmth.

Massive barn doors open onto panoramic vineyard views, while a grand stone fireplace anchors the cellar door with rustic charm. Stylish interiors echo the natural beauty outside, blending timber, glass and stone into an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and unpretentious.

“It’s like being welcomed into someone’s home,” Jo says. “We treat every guest as an individual - whether they’re a seasoned wine collector or just starting their journey.”

And it’s not just the buildings that have been renewed. Allan and his team invested in cover crops and soil health, ensuring the vines remain some of the best in the region. Today, Bonvilla’s 100-acre property (40 acres under vine) is once again producing fruit that reflects the true character of the Hunter Valley.

At the heart of Bonvilla is the wine. Guided by acclaimed winemaker PJ Charteris, the vineyard specialises in classic Hunter varietals with a fresh, approachable twist.

Their flagship wines remain Semillon and Shiraz, drawn from the renowned Oakey Creek soils. The Semillon is crisp, expressive and age-worthy, while the Shirazgrown on heavier clay loam soils - offers blue-fruit flavours and elegant structure. Chardonnay, Sparkling Rosé, Sparkling Chardonnay, and a lighter Nouveau Shiraz expand the range, alongside a Sweet Semillon and an exciting, fortified Verdelho in development.

Bonvilla’s wines are already winning awards, with multiple gold medals and accolades at national competitions.

“We’re building our portfolio carefully,” Jo says. “Every wine is single-vineyard, true to the Hunter, but with a modern edge. They’re wines that invite you to sit down, share a glass, and enjoy the moment.”

While wine is central to Bonvilla, the experiences here go well beyond a tasting. Unlike many vineyards that keep visitors at arm’s length, Bonvilla actively encourages guests to explore the grounds.

Guests are welcome to wander through the vines, spread out with a picnic, or play a game of bocce or totem tennis on the lawns. Tree swings sway gently in the breeze, and family-friendly touches ensure everyone feels included - even four-legged friends.

Resident dog Harvey - a wire-haired Jack Russell crossed with poodle and fox terrier - is something of a local celebrity. “He greets everyone,” Jo laughs. “And when our saxophonist Craig plays ‘Happy Birthday,’ Harvey howls along. He’s basically our customer engagement manager!”

& tastings available open 7 days

Located at the gateway to the stunning Hunter Valley, The Valley Brewhouse has something for everyone. Enjoy a delicious meal from our bistro then join us for a brewery tour or beer tasting! On the weekend you can enjoy live music & smoked meats in our beer garden.

Bring your mates, your kids and your dog to enjoy the vast open spaces of our huge venue and outdoor lawn area featuring our new kids playground. brewery

Food is equally relaxed and thoughtful. Alongside tastings, Bonvilla offers charcuterie boards, cheese platters, and, over the summer, panini, cannoli, and coffee. Guests can also pre-order picnic hampers or even bring their own to enjoy among the vines. Bonvilla’s cellar door tastings are designed to suit every level of curiosity, from first-time visitors to seasoned wine lovers. The Estate Tasting, at just $15 per person, offers six wines that introduce guests to the core range and Bonvilla’s approachable style. The Experience Tasting, which expands to eight wines, is paired with warm bread, olive oil, and their signature charcoal sea salt for $20 per person. For those seeking a deeper dive, the Educated Tasting is an immersive session complete with a cheese board, tasting booklet and even a certificate to take home for $55pp.

More adventurous guests can book a Wine & Wander, exploring the vines with a picnic basket, cheese and crackers, and a treasure map to guide the way for $45pp. Every tasting is an invitation to slow down, savour, and enjoy wine the Bonvilla way.

“We’re about hospitality in the truest sense,” Jo explains. “It’s not just about pouring a glass of wineit’s about making people feel part of the place.”

Bonvilla’s calendar is filled with events that bring wine and community together.

The most anticipated is Les Vendange, held each February - a traditional-style grape harvest celebration where guests pick and stomp grapes, enjoy live music, and take home a limited-edition wine made from their efforts.

“Everyone gets a white t-shirt, a bucket, and secateurs,” Jo says. “By the end of the day, they’re stained purple, grinning ear to ear, and they’ve made a memory they’ll never forget.”

Other highlights include Fashion in the Vines on September 28.

Enjoy a fashion parade featuring curated looks from a selection of local boutiques, accompanied by a glass of Bonvilla Estate wine upon arrival.

$5 from every ticket sold will support the event’s charity partner, Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation. If you’re stuck in Newcastle, why not head to the pop-up cellar doors at the Cooks Hill Surf Club on the last Sunday of every month? And on November 16, from 11am to 3pm, members and their guests can enjoy a Garden Party Luncheon with catering by Twine – live music, and new wines as the estate showcases the gorgeous new event space, The Grove - an indoor-outdoor venue for weddings, corporate gatherings and private tastings.

Bonvilla also recently announced a partnership with the Newcastle Jets, becoming the club’s official wine partner. The collaboration sees

Bonvilla wines featured in premium matchday experiences and exclusive events hosted at the estate.

For those who don’t want the day to end, Bonvilla offers luxury on-site accommodation. The beautifully renovated five-bedroom villa, which accommodates up to 12 guests, is situated adjacent to the cellar door and offers expansive views of the vineyard.

Plans are underway to expand this offering, with four additional villas scheduled for completion by the end of the year (and eventual approval for 20). Each villa will be designed to capture the elevated views and sense of tranquillity that defines Bonvilla.

“We want people to truly immerse themselves here,” Jo says. “Wake up to the vines, sip coffee on the veranda, and let the pace of the Hunter Valley slow you down.”

Despite only opening in 2021, Bonvilla Estate has quickly earned a reputation for excellence. They’ve been finalists in the Hunter Valley Legends Awards for Cellar Door of the Year in both 2023 and 2024, and remain the only Hunter Valley cellar door with 100% five-star reviews online. Their accommodation is rated 9.8 by recent guests, and their wines continue to receive national recognition.

But for Jo and the team, it’s about more than awards.

“Our greatest compliment is when people say they feel like family here,” she reflects. “That’s the heart of Bonvilla.”

With numerous cellar doors in the Hunter Valley, what sets Bonvilla apart? For Jo, it’s a combination of authenticity, beauty, and heart.

“We’re true to the Hunter Valley,” she says. “Single-vineyard wines, experiences that are hands-on and memorable, and a property that is absolutely stunning. But more than that, we want people to feel welcome. Whether you’re here for a tasting, a picnic, a wedding, or a weekend away, you’re part of the Bonvilla story.”

From its rebirth as Bonvilla Estate to its award-winning wines and unforgettable events, this family-owned vineyard embodies the spirit of the Hunter Valley - relaxed, authentic, and full of heart.

For locals, it’s a reminder of the treasures in their own backyard. For visitors, it’s a must-stop destination where wine, nature and hospitality come together in perfect measure.

Bonvilla’s message is simple but powerful: take the time, slow down, and savour life’s moments.

Because here in the heart of the Hunter, time well spent is always on the menu.

Visit Bonvilla Estate at 534 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin. Open daily for tastings, picnics, events and accommodation. For more information, visit: www.bonvillaestate.com.au.