Guaranteed to be one of the most talked about – and visited – openings in regional NSW for 2018 is a brand new and enormous Cellar Door complex from the legendary Brokenwood Wines. Set to feature a new cellar door, restaurant and cafe plus its own wine museum, the sprawling development will be a significant moment in the storied history that often positions Brokenwood as one of the region’s most beloved, presenting a big change from their current Cellar Door which dates all the way back to the 70’s.
The new Cellar Door, which aims at providing a welcoming “home in the hunter” for Brokenwood’s wine club members as well as Hunter Valley’s frequent visitors, has been designed by inventive duo Eduardo and Maria Villa from Sydney-based firm Villa Villa, built with a sense of adventure with the building making use of a mixed palette of natural materials.
Brokenwood have moved away from a traditional long central island bar for the interior, instead moving towards customer-focused wine pods to offer intimacy and comfort. This means guests will be able to relax by the fire, ideally with a glass of rare wine received from an Enomatic wine dispenser, installed to focus on not-for-tasting and museum wines. There’ll also be a selection of wines available on tap, many of which Brokenwood have been trailing in bars across Australia ahead of the late 2018 opening.
“Our entertainment terrace will have a revolving calendar of events, music, pop-up guests chefs and food trucks,” said General Manger Geoff Krieger. “Picnic parks will be available for parents to relax on the front lawn while kids play or explore our on-site veggie patch”.
While details on the restaurant – including who will be the Head Chef – are still forthcoming, the dining experience will focus on fresh and local produce used in seasonal menus across both the cafe and restaurant.
Of particular interest of the more curious guests will be the wine museum, which promises to be appropriately grand with floor to ceiling glass overlooking the working barrel shed as well as private dining rooms available for hire. A lookout and education space will also be included, dedicated to the memory of Vineyard Manager, the late Keith Barry.
The current Cellar Door from which Brokenwood operate will remain open throughout construction.
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