A weekend in the Hunter Valley is an indulgent affair, filled with wine tasting in award winning cellar doors, tasting local produce and retreating to luxurious accommodation for the night in the form of the fabulous Tinonee Vineyard Estate.
The concept
Tinonee Vineyard Estate is a boutique working vineyard and cellar door in the foothills of the Broken Back Range in the peaceful Broke Fordwich region of the Hunter Valley. The estate features two impressive accommodation options, 'The Residence' a stunning six-bedroom house is able to accommodate 14 guests with ease and 'The Dairy Cottage' is a charming two-bedroom cottage.
First impressions
Vines line the sweeping driveway as you arrive at Tinonee Vineyard Estate and kangaroos bound through the paddock if you're arriving on dusk. Ahead you're greeted by the pleasing sight of the grand Residence, to the right is the separate accommodation quarters called The Dairy and to the left of the Residence is the cellar door for 1813 Winery.
We're warmly welcomed by the owner Adele and shown to our room. Normally guests would book the entire six-bedroom house in its entirety, however on this special occasion, we're sharing with other writers attending 'A Little Bit of Italy in Broke' as guests of Tinonee Vineyard Estate.
The room
The room is spacious and decorated with stylish country charm. It is simply furnished with all white furnishings including a desk, uber comfortable bed and French doors leading to the vineyard beyond. A special touch was an arrangement of fresh flowers alongside complimentary wine and chocolates.
The main living area is built for entertaining with overstuffed lounges arranged by the fireplace and long dining table seating 12 guests with ease. The kitchen is comparatively small but is well equipped and is stocked with quality breakfast provisions. The kitchen and lounge areas open out to a beautiful entertaining area with BBQ and pool.
On my plate
This house is built for entertaining and we had the pleasure of enjoying dinner by a team of private chefs who cooked an Italian feast for us to enjoy in the dining hall off the cellar door. Ideal for a large group or special occasion, this house caters to a crowd with ease.
You also have neighbours Margan Wines just across the road with Margan Restaurant open for lunch Fri-Sun and dinner Thurs-Sat and wine tasting available 7 days. Margan also regularly offer farm to plate cooking class experiences with Head Chef Thomas Boyd.
I wish I could take home...
More bottles of 1813 The Governor, so good!
Stepping out
Make Tinonee Vineyard Estate your base and explore all that Broke region has to offer.
Greenway Wines is a hidden gem in Broke. Fabulous owner Anne Greenway is warm and welcoming and when we settle in for a wine matching masterclass we're promptly told "Champagne goes with everything" then with a pop of the bubbles we're off and enjoying Greenway sparkling with zucchini fritters for brunch. Just fabulous!
Stop by eclectic store 'Pickled & Pitted' and check out the range of River Flats Estate olives, chutneys and jams. The Pear & Fennel Chutney brings a cheese platter to life.
Krinklewood is a favourite winery to drop in to with its picturesque French Provencal style and pleasing Francesca Rose to quaff. Order a cheese platter filled with local produce and sit under the olive trees for a decadent afternoon in the Hunter Valley.
Discover Whispering Brook, a family owned winery and olive grove in Broke. The beautiful Australian style building features wide sweeping verandahs to sit and take in the vineyard, olive groves and mountain views.
We had the pleasure of enjoying a vino by the fire pit at Winmark Wines as we heard the grand plans for their new cellar door. The rustic cellar door will be inspired by nature and designed by the owner's sister, a renowned interior designer based in Vietnam. Stay tuned for opening details...
At Catherine Vale winery you'll find traditional wines made with heart by Wendy Lawson. Catherine Vale were among the first to grow Italian varietals in the Hunter and the champions behind starting popular event 'A Little Bit of Italy in Broke' in the Hunter Valley.
Insiders' tips
Travelling as a couple or small group? Book The Dairy at Tinonee Vineyard Estate, a stunning two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage beautifully renovated with style and grace. The cottage features a small and inviting eat-in kitchen, comfortable lounge with fireplace and TV with Netflix. Both bathrooms have underfloor heating and the main bedroom has a deep soaking bathtub. There is a large alfresco courtyard with BBQ for outdoor dining in the warmer months.
If only...
The WiFi was reliable. The NBN was down on our visit, but that's the trials and tribulations of country life and out of the owner's hands. Best to disconnect and enjoy country life.
Final verdict
Whether travelling as a couple or large group, Tinonee Vineyard Estate offers country style accommodation with all the modern conveniences and all the romance of staying on a vineyard. Tinonee Vineyard Estate is a great base to explore all that Broke Region and the Hunter Valley has to offer.
Where to find Tinonee Vineyard Estate
Tinonee Vineyard Estate is 45 minutes from Newcastle or 2 hours from Sydney in the Hunter Valley region of Broke Fordwich. Book Tinonee Vineyard Estate on alluxia here.
The writer was a guest of A Little Bit of Italy in Broke and Tinonee Vineyard Estate.
