Wineries & Restaurants around ARIA Estate, Rothbury

Wineries

Australia’s oldest wine growing region has undergone a renaissance in the last 20 years, to become an internationally recognised viticultural district in its own right, renowned for its Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals.

Next generation winemakers are making bold choices, with new grapes, new techniques and new blends. You’ll find a wine for every taste and palette grown and made right at your doorstep. The Pokolbin/Rothbury/Nulkaba district alone has over 60 cellar doors to explore, offering everything from simple tastings, right through to five star restaurants.

Hope Estate

Location
2213 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
11-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Hope Estate is a family-owned and operated winery, brewery and distillery. Located in spectacular grounds, the Estate is also known for hosting Australia’s largest outdoor concert and consistently features an impressive array of iconic performers each concert season. The owners of the Estate are passionate and committed to making sensational wines with wonderful varietal flavours. Embodying the same philosophy of excellence, Hope Brewery was established in 2014, offering happy beer drinkers a range of hoppy ales. Since then, the brewery has branched out to include new styles of craft beer including fruity NEIPAs, refreshing sours, complex-flavoured stouts and ‘hop-forward’ IPAs. In 2020, the Estate added Hope Distillery as part of the offerings with a range of premium Australian grain spirits including gin, vodka and moonshine that are packed with character and distilled for maximum flavour. Book a tasting at this Hunter Valley cellar door.

Ballabourneen by Binet Family Wines

Location
1039 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
4-min drive

Opening Hours
Wednesday – Friday: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Binet Family Wines is home to two distinct wine ranges by winemaker Daniel Binet-Ballabourneen and Domaine de Binet. Offering a signature range of wine, Ballabourneen focuses on the varieties the region is known for, Semillon, Verdelho, Chardonnay and Shiraz. It all started when husband and wife Alex and Di Stuart made Hunter Valley their home 25 years ago. They planted a small block of vines and the rest is history. Today, the label Ballabourneen is helmed by award-winning Daniel Binet. This talented winemaker has sealed his reputation as one of Hunter Valley’s young winemakers, having been nominated twice for The Wine Society’s Young Winemaker of the Year, Hunter Valley Rising Star, and the Hunter Wine Excellence scholarship. The cellar door is located next door to Amanda’s on the Edge Restaurant and has continually wowed visitors with their premium, extensive list of wines.

Peterson House

Location
2457 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

Travel Time
9-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday: 9.00am – 5.00pm

A visit to the Hunter Valley wouldn’t be complete without making a stop at the Peterson House. Strategically located at the ‘gateway’ to the Hunter Valley vineyards, this winery has been specialising in sparkling wines since 1982. Peterson House offers over 40 different varieties to suit different palettes and each sparkling wine is a true work of art. The estate’s crowd-pleaser and their best seller is the Pink Blush, a sparkling rosé wine that’s light with fresh, fruity aromas. Popular as a pre-dinner drink, it displays sweetness on the mid palate and a clean fresh finish. For non-bubbly lovers, they also have a nice range of other wines from Chardonnay, Semillon to Shiraz. Book yourself a fun and informative tasting at their cellar door. If you’re there on weekends, indulge in oysters at their ‘oyster bar’, cheese and antipasto with your favourite wine on the deck whilst taking in the stunning surroundings of the vineyard and beyond.

Audrey Wilkinson, Hunter Valley

Location
750 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
15-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

A pioneer in winemaking, Audrey Wilkinson was named after the estate’s original founder. One of the earliest wineries in the region and the first in Pokolbin with the initial vineyard planted in 1866, the 270-acre vineyard produces wine made predominantly from estate-grown grapes. The estate was subsequently acquired by another family in 2004, who has since owned and operated this vineyard to enviable success. Known for its premium wine and stunning Hunter Valley views, Audrey Wilkinson is the perfect opportunity to learn everything about wine - from harvesting, ageing to bottling. Enjoy wine directly from the barrel before tasting premium wines at the cellar door, set on the top of a hill with 360-degree views of the Hunter Valley and majestic Brokenback Range.

Bimbadgen

Location
790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
7-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sunday: 11.00am – 3.00pm

A winery that has retained its high standards since the first vineyard was planted in 1968, Bimbadgen continues to stand tall as one of the leading destinations in the region. The name is derived from the local indigenous language that means ‘Place of Good View.’ Aptly named, the winery overlooks the resplendent Barrington ranges from every vantage point. The vineyards are over 50 years of age, producing wines acclaimed for their prestige, balance and finesse that’s distinctive in the estate’s Semillon, Shiraz and Chardonnay. One of the widely recognised wineries to visit, do make time to tour the open plan winemaking facility and enjoy an informative wine tasting session at Bimbadgen’s contemporary cellar.

Tyrrell's Wines

Location
1838 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
12-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10.00am – 5.00pm
Sunday & Public Holidays: 10.00am – 4.00pm

Steeped in history and tradition, Tyrell’s Wines dates back more than 160 years. Filled with rustic charm, this estate has many sites bearing vines that are over 100 years old, producing some of the most distinctive, award winning wines anywhere in the world. Nestled in the foothills of the Brokenback Range, Tyrell is managed by the family’s fifth generation of winemakers, who have amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience from their ancestors who were one of the pioneers in the Australian winemaking scene in 1858. Even though the cellar door is not the most contemporary or refined, the history of this place is priceless and the wines, are exceptional. Do not walk out without trying two of Australia’s favourite wine varieties - Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their Vat 1 Semillon is the country’s most awarded white wine with close to 5,500 medals and over 300 trophies.

Brokenwood Wines

Location
401-427 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
10–min drive

Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 11.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Brokenwood Wines is exactly what you’d expect to find in the Hunter Valley: warm hospitality, exceptional wines and a state-of-the-art cellar door. Established in 1970, this winery has come a long way from being a weekend venture among 3 friends into one of Australia’s most sought-after wine labels. The vineyard’s heavy clay soil produces low yield, but with a remarkable concentration of flavour in the berries. A 5-star winery, Brokenwood’s single vineyard philosophy has gained global recognition with their highly acclaimed flagship Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, ILR Reserve Semillon and the Cricket Pitch range. The cellar door covers 1400 square metres and comfortably accommodates more than 250,00 visitors a year, making it one of the largest in the Hunter Valley wine region.

Harkham Wines

Location
266 Debeyers Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
11-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Friday – Sunday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Quirky, honest and unpretentious are some of the characteristics that best describe Harkham Wines. A small family-owned and operated winery, everyone who has had the pleasure of visiting this artsy spot has nothing but rave reviews about them. Harkham Wines are produced sustainably without the use of fungicides and pesticides. Fruits are handpicked to ensure the highest quality and the winery process is free from chemical additions, flavour adjustments, filtration or fining. Embracing a minimalist approach to winemaking, Harkham strives to produce wines that are pure and honest; true representations of nature. What sets this boutique vineyard apart is their organic methods and ethos of producing very small batches of high-quality wines. Their cellar door is highly recommended with an excellent selection of wines and their bespoke chocolate liqueur and meade which is made with 24-carat gold flakes turn this cellar door into a destination in its own right.

Scarborough Wine Co.

Location
179 Gillards Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
11-min drive

Opening Hours
Thursday – Monday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Ian Scarborough, the patriarch of the family planted his first vineyard in the early 1980s. Since then, Scarborough Wine has gone from strength to strength as one of the pioneers who has helped contribute to the region’s reputation for producing exceptional wines. Passionate about wine, the family is focused on understanding how different soil profiles influence the flavours of the wines produced. As sustainability becomes the norm, the estate is also looking at new viticulture ways to ensure the resilience of their vineyards. Regarded as one of the highlights of many Hunter Valley visitors, the tasting experience offered at Scarborough truly exemplifies their knowledge of wines. Choose either a 100ml or a 20ml pour with 3 different tasting options that best suit your palette. This place uses Riedel varietal specific glassware to ensure your tasting experience is second to none. The Obsessive Range tasting comes recommended. For $60 per person, you’ll enjoy iconic Hunter Valley varieties of Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz from single vineyards along with their Museum Obsessive Chardonnay and White Label Shiraz.

De Iuliis

Location
1616 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
12-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Welcome to one of Hunter Valley’s iconic must-visit vineyards. A fourth generation winery, the De Iuliis brand is widely recognised for their small-batch approach to winemaking - a practice that has earned them a vast array of awards and positive reviews. Their focus is simple: to grow delicious grapes, evident across their three family vineyards. Since their beginning in 1987, De Iuliis continues to win the hearts and minds of wine lovers with iconic Hunter Valley classics as well as innovative varieties, all handcrafted with care in their on-site winery. Winemaker Mike De Iuliis likes to do things differently. As such, he is constantly pushing boundaries and introducing new ideas in the quest to make well-priced wines that anyone can enjoy.

Saddler’s Creek

Location
15 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
16-min drive

Opening Hours
Saturday – Thursday: 10.00am – 5.00pm
Friday: 10.00am – 7.30pm

Saddler’s Creek makes one feel right at home with its relaxed, pared-back vibe. Offering guests an unpretentious experience, this Hunter Valley family-owned winery dates back to 1990 when two friends with a passion for fine wines and horses came together to create Saddler’s Creek Wines, named after a little creek located in the Upper Hunter Valley. Since then, Saddler’s Creek has earned a reputation for crafting premium robust Semillon releases and many other Hunter Valley award-winning wines. The cellar features an outdoor tasting spot and a stunning picnic area that overlooks the splendid Brokenback Ranges. You can also create your own picnic from the Saddler’s Pantry. There’s nothing like enjoying homemade gourmet delights prepared by Chef Jonathan to make your visit more memorable. The team here is knowledgeable, passionate and welcoming, essential criteria to ensure guests have the best experience. It gets better from Friday to Sunday with acoustic, live music and the Saddler’s Food Van offering casual eats.

Tamburlaine Organic Wines

Location
358 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
11-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday: 9.00am – 5.00pm

The winemaking philosophy at Tamburlaine Organic Wines revolves around Contemporary Organic practices. Established in 1966, they are today one of Australia’s largest producers of organic wines with vineyards in the Hunter Valley and Orange region. As stewards of the land, they emphasise retaining the natural health of their soil to ensure the absence of chemical and synthetic fertilisers used in the production of their wines. Through years of research and development, Tamburlaine is able to successfully produce award-winning organic, vegan-friendly wines. They have also extended its range to include low sulphur, no added sulphur and no preservatives. Book a tasting at the cellar door. A vegan-friendly winery, Tamburlaine offers a delectable wine and plant-based cheese tasting.

Ivanhoe

Location
525, Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
14-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Spanning across the ridges of the stunning Brokenback Ranges, the Ivanhoe Estate is a charming, beautiful vineyard. Rich in volcanic soil, the 80-acre vineyard is planted with fantastic grape varieties – from the local Shiraz and Semillon to the more exquisite varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin and Gewurztraminer. The vast majority of vines are over 50 years old, so even though they are low yielding, the fruit consists of rich colours and good tannins with intense flavours which are distinctive to the Hunter region. This Hunter Valley vineyard boutique has been owned and operated by Stephen and Tracy Drayton since 1996. A fifth generation of the famous winemaking Drayton family, the success of Ivanhoe today is attributed to Stephen who combines steeped tradition with his own modern style and passion. The team is warm, friendly and knowledgeable - sample their range of premium wines whilst learning all you can about winemaking.

Constable Estate Vineyards

Location
205 Gillards Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
11-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Sunday: 10.00am – 3.00pm

Get a taste of the region at one of Australia's most picturesque vineyards. Owned by the Constable family, this boutique vineyard produces premium wines that have won many awards at National and State Wine shows. Seven hectares of this estate have been planted with Shiraz, Cabernet, Semillion, Chardonnay and Verdelho. In fact, Constable Estate is known for specialising in Shiraz and Semillion, churning up to 2,500 cases per year. Apart from their excellent wines, their beautifully manicured garden with unique sculptures is worth visiting. A stunning oasis with a variety of trees, bushes, herbs and flowers, the garden is breathtaking. Go for a relaxed, casual stroll around the estate before enjoying their wines at the cellar door.

Tempus Two Wines

Location
Roche Estate, Corner of Broke & McDonalds Roads, Pokolbin

Travel Time
10-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Tempus Two is a modern, cutting-edge Australian winery that doesn’t conform to tradition. Instead of relying on wine recipes handed from past generations, Tempus Two prefers to see the fruit they have each season, combine it with consumer trends and guide each wine on its journey. The result? Delicious wines using fruit sourced from Australia’s premium vineyards that are crafted with substance and style. Backed by the conviction to do things a little differently from other brands, Tempus Two is not ‘shackled’ to a single region. Instead, the grapes are sourced globally based on the approach: the best regions, the best varieties. They pay homage to classic Australian varieties and styles by growing vines in regions such as Barossa Valley, Langhorne Creek, Adelaide Hills and of course, Hunter Valley. From new flavour varietals to classics, there’s something for everyone.

Moorebank Vineyard

Location
150 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin

Travel Time
7-min drive

Opening Hours
Wednesday – Monday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Moorebank Vineyard is a private, family-owned boutique vineyard that’s worth a visit. Warm and welcoming, this hidden winery produces wines that are distinctive, delicious and well-made. One of the pioneers in the region with a long-standing reputation for producing outstanding wines, the Moore family is synonymous with the Australian wine industry that dates back to the 1850s. What sets this winemaker apart is the brand’s focus on sustainability - to produce cleaner, high quality wines with reduced usage of sulphur and synthetic chemicals. This estate also offers a vast selection of hand-made, wine inspired condiments, spreads and sauces passed down from old family vineyard recipes. The wine cellar is still attended to by the owners themselves. Make a booking and enjoy some of the finest wines in the region within the tranquil surroundings of this relaxed country estate.

Keith Tulloch Wine

Location
989 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
9-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday: 10.00am – 5.00pm

Keith Tulloch Wine is a family-owned and operated boutique winery that produces premium wines from top-quality fruits from the region. Founded in 1997, their commitment and passion for their craft has not wavered since their inception, evident with each tasting of their meticulously hand-crafted wines. Subscribing to the belief that attention to detail matters, they ensure their wines have its own unique stamp of personality, power and integrity. Their sought-after wines include the full-bodied Shiraz, the zesty Chardonnay and their flagship, the Kester Shiraz. Wines can be enjoyed either at the cellar door or at their Hunter Valley winery restaurant, Muse Kitchen. Take a guided tour and learn about the winemaking legacy and process as winemakers Keith and Joel take you on a voyage through their current and museum release wines.

Restaurants

At ARIA you’ll be living in a region with some of the best restaurants and cafes right on your doorstep. 

There are over 30 amazing restaurants just in ARIA’s local district alone, catering to all tastes from around the world.

RidgeView

Location
273 Sweetwater Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
10-min drive

Opening Hours
Thursday : 10.00am – 4.00pm
Friday & Saturday : 8.30am – 7.30pm
Sunday : 8.30am – 5.00pm

The RidgeView restaurant is part of the estate’s complete wine country experience with award-winning wines, cellar door and cottage accommodation all in one location. A family-owned establishment that’s constantly striving to improve their craft whilst paying homage to the Hunter origins, the chefs at RidgeView Restaurant place a great emphasis on using high quality local produce and fusing modern culinary techniques to create a unique, contemporary, Australian menu. Lunch and dinner courses are priced at $85 for a 3-course meal. Outdoor seating is available with spectacular views of the picturesque vineyards.

Amanda’s on the Edge Restaurant

Location
1039 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
4-min drive

Opening Hours
Wednesday & Thursday : 5.30pm – 10.00pm
Friday : 11.30am – 3.00pm, 5.30pm – 11.00pm
Saturday : 12.00pm – 3.00pm, 5.30pm – 11.00pm
Sunday : 12.00pm – 3.00pm, 5.30pm – 10.00pm

There’s a lot to love about this celebrated restaurant. Home to the Hunter Valley region for over 21 years, Amanda’s on the Edge just gets better with time. Keeping the food simple and authentic but executed with great finesse, this place offers two set menus – regular and vegetarian. Priced at $120 per person for a 3-course meal with a bottle of wine from Hunter Valley to share between two, be ready to be spoiled for choice with many of the mouth-watering options available.

Muse Restaurant at Hungerford Hill Winery

Location
2450 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
9-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday & Thursday : 5.30pm – 9.00pm
Friday & Saturday : 12.00pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.00pm
Sunday : 12.00pm – 2.30pm

Built on a stellar reputation for producing excellent wines, the Hungerford is an iconic winery steeped in history that dates back to 1967. Set within the stunning grounds is one of Hunter Valley’s award-winning restaurants, Muse. The menu is inspired, delicious and carefully curated. Serving contemporary, Australian cuisine, the menu starts from $155 for a five-course set and increases depending on the wine pairing selection. Starting with a vibrant first course with the lightly cured ocean trout with pickled choko to a hearty fourth course featuring the lamb loin with shishito pepper and Spanish anchovy, each course is as enticing as the next and wonderfully presented with finesse. The restaurant places an emphasis on seasonality, which means their menu constantly evolves but what remains constant is their culinary approach of ‘technique, restraint and respect’ across the board. Dishes are refined with clean flavours and pair beautifully with wines from the vineyard.

Circa 1876 Restaurant

Location
64 Halls Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
11-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday & Thursday : 5.30pm – 9.00pm
Friday & Saturday : 12.00pm – 2.30pm, 5.30pm – 9.00pm
Sunday : 12.00pm – 2.30 pm

The Hunter region is an undisputed mecca when it comes to culinary delights and award winning wines. Located in the grounds of one of Australia’s most picturesque wineries, Circa 1876 has successfully set itself apart with their exceptional culinary farm-to-table journey. Located within the expansive acreage is their organic kitchen garden where the vegetables are harvested. Some of the notable items to try include the 55°C Venison Striploin with smoked corn puree and garlic mousse. A classic game meat that pairs beautifully with the recommended Maude Pinot Noir. It has lovely aromatics of violet, dark cherry, plum and blackcurrant that work especially well with red meat. Each item on the menu comes with a recommended wine from the estate. Desserts here are also showstoppers – a clear indication that Circa 1876 does a lot of things right.

EXP. Restaurant

Location
2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
10-min drive

Opening Hours
Friday – Monday : 5.30pm – 11.00pm

EXP. Restaurant offers something beyond the usual fare consisting of entrée, main and dessert. Instead, diners come here for an experimental tasting menu that promises to be delicious, entertaining and interactive. Sample the stunning multi course menu led by Hunter Valley Chef, Frank Fawkner who expertly combines the best of seasonal ingredients and flavours. The wine list includes premium wines from the Hunter region and around Australia. Guests are guided through the experience of the restaurant’s team of chefs, sommeliers and waiters. EXP was awarded Regional and Contemporary Restaurant of the Year by Restaurant and Caterers Association 2020.

Twine Restaurant

Location
310 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin 2320

Travel Time
16-min drive

Opening Hours
Wednesday & Thursday : 11.30am – 2.30pm
Friday & Saturday : 11.30am – 3.00pm, 5.30pm – 10.00pm
Sunday : 11.30am – 3.00pm


The Twine Restaurant serves delicious Australian cuisine in stunning surroundings within the picturesque Wynwood Estate. Established since 2017, this contemporary Hunter Valley dining restaurant overlooking a vineyard features modern culinary creations whilst showcasing seasonal produce and flavours. Promising items on the menu include the pink gin & citrus cured ocean trout, rock lobster ravioli and the crispy skin salmon with beurre blanc. The dessert selection is small but mighty with offerings that include a gin & tonic cheesecake and a wicked Belgian chocolate tart. Along with a well-chosen wine list that succinctly encapsulates the heritage of the estate and a stunning backdrop of verdant trees, there is no better place to experience Hunter Valley at its finest than a meal at this elegant eatery.

Cafes

Start your day with a coffee at one of the many acclaimed cafes in the region.

The Deck Cafe Lovedale

Location
701 Lovedale Road, Rothbury

Travel Time
11-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday – Friday : 8.30am – 2.30pm
Saturday & Sunday : 8.00am – 2.30pm

Using beautiful, seasonal ingredients, The Deck Café serves up modern Australian dishes on an airy veranda that overlooks a lake nestled in greenery. Dishes range from classics with a twist to imaginative new creations that will excite the foodie in you. The tapas menu is designed for sharing. The duck liver parfait and baby calamari are touted to be particularly good. There is also an extensive vegetarian and gluten-free menu available. Overall, scrumptious food in an idyllic setting with welcoming and friendly staff. Within the estate, there are farm animals that will keep the kids entertained.

Café Enzo

Location
Peppers Creek Village
Broke Road & Ekerts Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
12-min drive

Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday
Breakfast : 8.00am – 10.45am
Lunch : 12.00pm – 2.45pm

Established in 1996, Café Enzo was one of the first cafes in the Hunter Valley. Set in the Tuscan-inspired Peppers Creek Village with sandstone buildings, landscaped gardens and stone fountains, this locale continues to dazzle with its homemade menu cooked with locally grown produce. The menu is modern Australian, delicious and made fresh to order. We are especially fond of the linguini with tiger prawns and pork belly. It’s a nice casual spot for breakfast and lunch with ample free on-site parking. Booking is recommended, especially on weekends.

La Casalinga’s Cafe

Location
696 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Travel Time
7-min drive

Opening Hours
Wednesday – Saturday: 8.00am – 3.00pm
Friday Night Dinners: 6.00pm - 9.00pm
Sunday: 9.00am – 2.00pm (Closed on the last Sunday of the month)

Nestled within Montebello Estate, one of the many fine wine estates in the region lies La Casalinga’s Café – a beautiful, cosy café that serves up traditional Sicilian home cooked food. Here, eating well is a priority and guests are treated as family. Using locally sourced produce based on seasonality along with imported ingredients from Italy, the menu here is as authentic as it gets. From their selection of savoury tarts with garden salad plucked fresh from their veggie garden next door to their penne Boscaiola made with bacon, mushrooms, shallots and cream, you won’t miss going to Italy much once you’ve found this hidden Italia gem. The coffee here is also excellent. If you love high tea, this Hunter Valley cafe offers a $70-per-person Sicilian High Tea set (available once a month) that comes with an array of savoury treats and decadent sweets.