Bimbadgen Estate Winery
Reporter: James Tobin
James heads up the Hunter for a winery experience that beats the rest…they’ve got the 2007 NSW Tourism Award to prove it!
Bimbadgen Estate Winery
Bimbadgen is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘lovely views’. Bimbadgen Estate is a vineyard, a restaurant and accommodation. However, the accommodation is for exclusive use by wine club members.
 |
It has quite a striking, Tuscan look about it and the first thing you notice is a Spanish mission bell tower. It’s surrounded by gardens and vineyards, of course.
The collaboration of the soils with the sun, wind, rain and their thirty-year-old vines enable Bimbadgen to craft some of the Hunter's most complex award-winning wines. These wines, combined with the delectable talents of their Esca Restaurant's Executive Chef, make dining at Bimbadgen a truly memorable experience.
The estates original vines were planted by winegrower John Adler in the 1960’s but were predominantly included in other people’s product – like Tyrells. These days, it is its own label and as such is still quite a small producer – approx. 40,000 cases a year.
Currently, the Estate's mature vines naturally yield approximately one to two tonnes of premium grapes per acre. Ideal for production of the finest wines.
Winery
 |
Set up high on a hill overlooking the beautiful Hunter Valley is Bimbadgen’s state-of-the-art winery. There’s an imposing bell tower, spacious tasting rooms and magnificent cellars. Bimbadgen Estate is dedicated to the art of wine. Bimbadgen Estate Winery is situated two hour's drive north-west of Sydney in the picturesque Hunter Valley.
The winery itself is a reflection of the commitment to quality Hunter Valley wines renowned around the world. No expense has been spared in acquiring state-of-the-art wine-making technology combined with the finest grapes and the best French and American barrels that produce very special regional wines.
|
More Information
Bimbadgen Estate Winery 790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin Telephone: (02) 4998 7585 Cellar Door open 10am – 5pm every day (except Christmas & Boxing Days) |
Esca Bimbadgen
Esca is Latin for food.
Esca Bimbadgen is situated high on a hill in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country. Dedicated to the art of food & wine matching, Esca’s modern Australian cuisine, fresh local and home-grown produce and spectacular views make for a truly memorable dining experience.
Fine wine and fine food is a recipe for pure pleasure, the unique pleasure that is Esca Bimbadgen with its fresh, modern Australian cuisine and its unmatched style.
On entering the winery, you walk up a ramp which overlooks the open plan, state-of-the-art wine making facility. The food here is Modern Australian and the setting is about as modern as can be. There’s a veranda with outdoor seating and a fireplace in doors.
 |
Esca Bimbadgen has a cupboard full of awards and the emphasis at Esca Bimbadgen is quality and relaxation.
Esca Bimbadgen is a regional restaurant that uses produce that is sourced locally or grown on the Estate including lemons, figs and fresh herbs. A feature of the menu are the Esca Tasting Plates, like a “mini-degustation”, where guests can enjoy three ‘tastes’ from the menu each matched with a Bimbadgen Estate wine.
At Esca the Chef uses as much local produce as possible including duck, olive oil, cheese, eggs and fruit and vegetables in season. Yabbies come out of BE’s dam and herbs from the restaurant’s garden. Made on the premises chilli jam, preserved lemons, chilli oil and sesame soy dressing are all available to take home from Bimbadgen.
The wine list offers not only wines from Bimbadgen Estate, but a selection of wines from other Hunter Valley producers and classic wines from regional areas throughout Australia and the world. Esca also has a private dining room for serious wine & food tastings and occasions.
|
More Information
Esca Bimbadgen Bimbadgen Estate Winery 790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin Telephone: (02) 4998 4666 Open for lunch 7 days. Mains from $32. |
Wine Club
Club Bimbadgen
Club Bimbadgen isn't just about buying wine. It's about experiencing it - the making of it, the tasting of it and the sharing of it with like-minded lovers of it.
In fact membership of Club Bimbadgen entitles you to a host of privileges - from special bonus offers on all their classic Hunter Valley wines to seminars and tastings at the winery.
Club Bimbadgen offers you:
- 20% discount on wines purchased online, by phone, mail or at the cellar door
- 10% discount on your bill at their award winning restaurant Esca Bimbadgen
- 10% discount and priority use of accommodation at the Bimbadgen Homestead and Cottage
- Priority access to vintage wines
- Invitations to end of vintage barrel tastings with the winemakers
- Invitations to winemakers dinners in capital cities and regional locations
- Private wine tastings for members and their guests on a pre-booked basis
- Seminars on topics covering all aspects of wine production, wine knowledge and wine appreciation
All you have to do to become a member of Club Bimbadgen is purchase six of their quality new release wines, twice a year, in April/May and October/November.
The first of these 'tasting packs' showcases the best wines and is available for just $99.50 including freight. All new members receive a welcoming gift valued at over $30.
Prices correct as at 01/03/08
The Homestead
A gracious homestead nestled amongst the vines, it is luxuriously equipped for every indulgence. It’s a place of peace with a sense of style.
 |
Bimbadgen Homestead has been designed with a special sense of indulgence in mind. A contemporary version of the classic Australian homestead, it features wide shady verandahs, four generously-sized bedrooms (master bedroom with spa and private ensuite, and three double bedrooms with shared bathroom) plus double-divan in living area, swimming pool and every modern convenience.
Comfortably and elegantly furnished, Bimbadgen Homestead is self-contained and available for long or short-term bookings.
The Cottage
Adjacent to Bimbadgen Homestead is the smaller but still comfortably furnished Bimbadgen Cottage.
The Cottage features shady verandahs, 2 double-bedrooms (with shared bathroom) plus double-divan in living area, swimming pool and beautiful views. It also is self contained and available for long or short-term bookings.