The resort is nestled amongst its own vineyards and incorporates an exquisite Restaurant, Wine Tasting Cellars, excellent 4 ½ star accommodation, and the Hunter's largest winery.
The daily tour of the on site winery, followed by a private wine tasting with the Cellarmaster, must not be missed!
The Hunter Resort is owned and managed by brother/sister team, Philip & Karina Helé. The Helé’s saw a tremendous opportunity in The Hunter Resort, and in August 1991 they purchased the freehold property. Philip is ex-Regent of Sydney and Clemenger Advertising. Karina did her training with The Regent of Sydney, The Savoy in London, and finally in the kitchens of Neil Perry’s famous Rockpool Restaurant in Sydney.
What makes Hunter Resort so different ?
Hunter Resort offers the total “Winery Experience”. The on site winery is by far the largest, and most advanced in the Hunter Valley. The Wine Tasting Cellars are open everyday to try the fruits of their labour... Crushing some 6.500 tonnes of grapes each year, the winery produces around 6 million litres of wine. Not to be missed is the daily comprehensive winery tour to experience how wine is actually made...right from the grapevine to bottle!
The onsite Hunter Valley Wine School promises an education of wine. “Guests walk through the vineyard and learn how and why a grapevine grows. Then it’s off to the crusher, and into the Winery. They see the huge vats, the Potter Tanks, the filtration equipment, and the largest Rotovat in the Hunter. From there, the tour then moves through into the Cask Hall, and on into the Wine Tasting Cellars. We then take guests through a structured tasting of wines. What are the grape varieties? How are they different? What does one look for, the bouquet, taste, and colour? The objective.. we want all our guests to walk away with a newfound knowledge of winemaking.. And tasting!!” Says the resort’s General Manager, Philip Helé. “And by the end of the year, we will be doing the same with the making and tasting of our boutique beers..”
The Hunter Valley Brewery is making two beers. A full flavoured Ale, and a truly unique alcoholic Ginger Beer. Guests can view the brewing facilities from the Cellar Door whilst tasting the produce. And later this year, the Hunter Valley Brewing Co. brew will be available in a bottled form.
Guest rooms. There are only 35 rooms. They are all both quiet and spacious. They all feature exposed timber cathedral ceilings, solid timber country style furniture, queen size bed, full size bathtub and shower, individually air-conditioned/heated, and all open out onto their own balcony overlooking the surrounding countryside, vineyards and the Brokenback Ranges.
All are 4 star rated, some have a private double corner spa bath. There is also a large cottage that features 2 bedrooms, each with their own bathroom with bathtub/shower.
Every room and every suite have the following inclusions:
- 4½ Star NRMA Rating
- Timber cathedral ceilings
- STD/ISD direct dial telephones
- Remote control Colour TV
- Full size bathtub/shower
- Hairdryer
- Individual whisper-quiet reverse cycle split air conditioner
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Toaster and refrigerator
- Iron and ironing board
- Queen size bed
- Writing desk
- 110/240 volt powerpoint
- Clock radio
- Superb views overlooking our own vineyards, surrounding countryside and The Brokenback Ranges
The 2 Bedroom Cottage also features:
- 2 Bedrooms each with their own ensuite with bathtub & shower
- Kitchenette with sink and microwave
- Separate Dining/Living Room
- CD/Cassette stereo player
- Colour TV & video recorder
- Huge balcony overlooking The Brokenback ranges
The Hermitage Restaurant is open every day for dinner. The 1998 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide describes it as “One of the regions most consistent restaurants”. Head chef Lee Conroy has well over 10 years experience. Lee has worked at the Four Seasons Michelin Star Restaurant and “Bistro Bruno” in London. And prior to coming to the Hunter, he had “The Windsor Castle Restaurant” in Paddington.
The menu changes daily featuring the best fresh local produce prepared in Modern Australian Style, with Asian and Mediterranean influences. Fully air-conditioned, the interior is contemporary. And for those cold winter evenings there is a huge open fire.
San Martino (St. Martin) is the Patron Saint of Churchgoers, Innkeepers, Grapegrowers, Winemakers and the protector of all drinkers. The all day Café San Martino + Wine Bar is set in a rustic courtyard featuring a light Mediterranean menu and a selection of great coffees. The wine bar has a glass fronted air-conditioned wine cellar offering an extensive range of wines available by the glass, bottle, or magnum. They are from all over the world, and include some rare vintage wine from local private cellars. Of course, the resort’s own beer is on tap and can also be enjoyed from the Café as well.
For the energetic… enjoy a game of tennis, or there is a 3Km and 5km walking/jogging track. Go for a swim in our huge pool. Put the fleet of Mountain Bikes to the test. Cook your own lunch on the BBQ. Or just sit back and unwind in our Heated Spa. And nearby, there is horseriding, hot air ballooning, skydiving, golf, horse & carriage tours, galleries, antique stores, cafes, and over 60 wineries...And for children, a playground, child minding service, and special dinner menu.