Pokolbin

The chance to see Meatloaf belt out some tunes shouldn't be the your only reason for heading to the Hunter Valley. With new hotels, great restaurants more award-winning wines than ever, it’s a fantastic short escape any weekend of the year.

Head up just after lunch and check-in to the boutique Chateau Elan at the Vintage where you’ll find four different room options, including our favourite, the spa king. Vintage Dr, Rothbury 2320. (02 4998 2500). If you’re a golfer, you’ll love and hate the challenging Greg Norman-designed course, but if a round of stick isn’t your thing, walk next door to Bimbadgen for a late lunch at Esca Restaurant and make sure you order the 2009 Bimbadgen Estate 2009 Chardonnay. The 2009 Shiraz and 2008 Viognier are also tasting well at the moment, so grab a glass or try them after lunch at the cellar door downstairs. 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin 2320. (02 4998 4666).

After lunch, book in for a treatment at Chateau Elan’s Destination Spa and for the guys, the wake-up body scrub is fantastic ($109), even if you’ve had a Chardy or two. The Hunter has a great range of restaurants for dinner, highlighted by Sanctuary at Peppers Guest House (Ekerts Rd, Pokolbin 2320, 02 4993 8999) and Roberts at Tower Estate (Halls Rd, Pokolbin, 2320, 02 4998 7330). Both focus on local produce and award-winning wines from around the district. Roberts is also a good option for lunch, but you’ll find that only on a Saturday or a Sunday. Do one restaurant for lunch, another for dinner and you won’t be disappointed.

Another good lunch or dinner spot is Rock Restaurant at Poole’s Rock  which has been awarded two chef’s hats for the last three years in a row. 576 Debeyers Rd, Pokolbin 2320. (02 4993 3688 ). With a pleasant outlook, good food and some award-winning wines, it’s absolutely worth a look-in, especially for a daytime meal. Around the corner, Brokenwood has some delightful Chardonnays at present, particularly from the company’s Hunter Valley and Beechworth, Victoria vineyards. 401 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin 2320. (02 4998 7559).

Stop by the Hunter Valley Cheese Company next door and pick-up a slab of brie to go with what will no doubt end up being a boot full of chardonnay and shiraz. 447 McDonald’s Rd, Pokolbin 2320. (02 4998 7744). 

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