CHECK-IN
A boutique winery within the less-frequented Broke Fordwich sub-region of the Hunter Valley with two intriguingly completely different lodging choices: a spacious six-bedroom brick farmhouse, The Residence, that sleeps 12, and a comfy two-bedroom former milking shed, The Cottage, that sleeps 4. Accessed through an extended, vine-flanked gravel driveway, the 20-hectare property is 25 kilometres west of the Hunter’s busy vacationer centre of Pokolbin and a two-hour drive north of Sydney. The execs? It’s tranquil and beguilingly scenic, with sweeping views of the dramatic Broken Back Range and Yellow Rock sandstone escarpment. The cons? You’re a 20-minute drive from most of the Hunter’s hottest wineries and eating places.
THE LOOK
With its expansive entertaining areas, wraparound verandah and beneficiant out of doors house, the six-bedroom, three-bathroom Residence is good for an prolonged household or a gaggle of pals. There’s desk tennis, backyard chess and an outside pool to maintain the youngsters amused, whereas the adults can potter within the well-equipped kitchen, tinkle on the electrical piano or take refuge within the library with a glass of wine. The two-bedroom timber Cottage is a extra romantic affair with a Jetmaster gasoline hearth within the lounge and a mixed kitchenette and eating room. Both properties have been tastefully furnished with tiled and timber flooring, comfortable sofas and chic French-provincial type ornament.
THE ROOM
Only two of The Residence’s six bedrooms have ensuites (so seize one fast) whereas each of The Cottage’s bedrooms have adjoining loos with underfloor heating (the grasp additionally has a beautiful interval bathtub). All the rooms have luxurious king or queen-size beds and plenty of provide fascinating vistas of the encompassing vineyards and foothills.
FOOD + DRINK
Budding MasterChefs will wish to exhibit their abilities in The Residence’s newly refurbished kitchen, which encompasses a 90-centimetre Ilve cooktop and a flowery Smeg oven. For the remainder of us, there’s the choice to have dinner ready onsite by a neighborhood caterer, equivalent to Boyd & Co, a husband-and-wife group who met whereas working at London’s two Michelin-starred restaurant, The Ledbury. I sensibly select the latter choice and revel in a scrumptious three-course feast of roast scallops, gnocchi with lamb ragout and caramel apple tart, all completely paired with wines from Tinonee’s estate-grown 1813 label. Every keep features a complimentary wine tasting within the winery’s trendy cellar door, the place you may pattern a formidable vary of single winery drops, from a summery moscato with notes of Turkish delight to the wealthy, barrel-aged Governor shiraz.
OUT + ABOUT
Be certain to take a look at a few of Broke Fordwich’s different vineyards, together with Winmark for award-winning chardonnays and a putting assortment of out of doors sculptures, Whispering Brook for lesser-known Portuguese varietals equivalent to touriga nacional, and Running Horse, which serves aged wines in a cellar door long-established from a transport container. Also close by is among the Hunter’s finest eating places, Margan, which showcases its sustainably farmed seasonal produce through a spectacular five-course tasting menu.
THE VERDICT
The elegant nation retreat of the good friend you want you knew. A flexible setup that may accommodate every part from a romantic getaway for 2 by to an unique estate-wide gathering for a gaggle of 16.
ESSENTIALS
1273 Milbrodale Road, Broke, NSW 2330. Rates begin at $475 an evening for The Cottage, $2850 an evening for The Residence. Both have a two-night minimal keep. Phone 0488 127 321. See tinoneevineyardestate.com.au
HIGHLIGHT
Watching kangaroos certain by the vineyards at nightfall.
LOWLIGHT
The faint-inducing price of a taxi to and from Pokolbin (circa $70 every manner).
OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE
★★★★½
Rob McFarland was a visitor of Destination NSW (visitnsw.com) and Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association (winecountry.com.au).
Source: traveller.com.au