There are numerous reasons to spend a few days in the vicinity of Hermitage Road, located in the north-west corner of Pokolbin. Marvel at breathtaking views, explore dozens of charming boutique wineries and cafes, visit a brewery or two, and discover plenty of enjoyable activities if lounging by the pool isn't your preferred pastime.
Stretching from Broke Road in the south to the New England Highway at Belford, this sun-drenched stretch aptly earns its name. Drawing inspiration from the respected wine region in France, Hermitage, and aligning with the Merriam-Webster definition of a 'hermitage' as a hermit's dwelling or a secluded private retreat, this locale is truly a hideaway. In local terms, it's referred to as 'Around Hermitage,' and it is home to numerous heavenly hideaways nestled amid the vineyards.
While the hermit's life is traditionally associated with avoiding worldly temptations, the Hermitage experience is a full-blown adventure of indulgent pleasures. So, why resist? Embrace temptation and savour the delights this unique region has to offer.
Cover Image Location: Our Italian Table
STAY
Picture waking up to the melodic tunes of birds singing, accompanied by the sight of kangaroos gracefully hopping through the vineyards. With the stunning backdrop of the Brokenback Ranges, relaxation becomes inevitable. In the vicinity of Hermitage, diverse Pokolbin accommodations await in the Hunter Valley, ranging from resort-style hotels and guest houses to self-contained cottages. Conveniently situated near wineries, restaurants, and concert venues, these lodgings cater to various preferences.
Whether you seek pet-friendly options, family-friendly retreats, accommodations with accessible rooms, adult-only establishments, or properties ideal for large groups, Around Hermitage has you covered, ensuring you find the perfect accommodation for your needs.
McCaffrey’s Estate
Located on a family-owned and operated vineyard, stay in one of two cute, cosy cottages at McCaffrey's Estate. Each cottage features open plan living, a toasty fireplace for the cooler months and access to the pool in those warmer months.
Hunter Valley Resort
Located towards the middle of Hermitage Road is the Hunter Valley Resort, a one-stop shop for accommodation, food, drink and fun! The resort offers plenty of facilities including accessible rooms, breakfast, tennis courts, RV parking with electricity, just to name a few.
Vico Monti
Set on a sprawling 25 acres with hillside views of the private vineyard, Vico Monti boasts the idyllic vineyard stay in Wine Country. Offering plenty of reasons to laze around the property all day including a pool, top outdoor bbq facilities and indoor and outdoor fireplaces and more, it's the perfect abode for a group stay along Hermitage Road.
Estate Tuscany
Located at the foothills of the Brokenback Mountain Range, Estate Tuscany offers a relaxing, boutique stay in Tuscan-style accommodation in the heart of the Hunter Valley. With two eateries on-site and rooms offering both bushland and vineyard views, Estate Tuscany is the ideal location for some rest and relaxation in the Hermitage Area.
Misty Glen Cottage
Nestled on the quiet, Deasy’s Road is Misty Glen Cottage. Quiet and relaxing, this pet-friendly, three bedroom property is ideal for a secluded getaway with family or friends.
27 Rows on Hermitage
Located on a secluded, 25 acres on Hermitage Road, 27 Rows on Hermitage offers four boutique, self contained cottages. Centrally located with cellar doors, breweries and eateries within a short walking distance, 27 Rows is an ideal stay to explore the around Hermitage food and wine trail.
Spicer’s Vineyard Estate
Nestled between the property’s private, eight-acre vineyard and natural bushland, Spicers Vineyards Estate boasts 12 suites in our Guesthouse as well as our private Vineyard’s House. The perfect space for you to relax, unwind and enjoy the moment.
Hunter Valley Stays
For an unparalleled experience of complete solitude, nothing quite compares to having an entire house all to yourself, and that's precisely where Hunter Valley Stays excels. They oversee a substantial collection of privately owned residences scattered throughout the region, with many located around Hermitage Road. Notable options in their portfolio include Corunna Station, Billabong Moon, Windsor's Edge, and Jindalee Estate—each of them serving as splendid retreats with fantastic amenities.
Sip & Savour
Discover hundreds of handcrafted wines scattered throughout the many cellar doors located along the Around Hermitage Trail. From exclusive, boutique drops only sold in the cellar doors to trophy winning, premium single vineyard wines, there is something for everyone.
Hunter Wine Lab
Discover the world of wine at the Hunter Wine Lab, who hold the philosophy of producing wines that are expressive of the true characters of the estate grown fruit.
McCaffrey’s Estate
Join the team at McCaffrey’s Estate for a relaxed wine tasting inside the cellar door or outside overlooking the vines. Family owned and operated, Danielle and Declan McCaffrey will share their tales of life amongst the vines as you sample their delicious single vineyard wines.
Tintilla
Stroll down the picturesque olive tree lined driveway at Tintilla Estate and escape a peaceful oasis amongst the vines. Indulge in their small batch wines paired perfectly with estate grown olives and nibbles.
De Iuliis Wines
Hard to pronounce but oh so easy to drink, De Iuliis Wines is a must do stop along the Around Hermitage trail. Recently crowned 2022 Cellar Door of the Year, enjoy flights of small-batch, handcrafted wines with one of their friendly and knowledgeable team members.
Thomas Wines
Specialising in Semillon & Shiraz, Thomas Wines has gained a somewhat ‘cult status’ for its small range of personality imbued wines, many offering pure current drinking pleasure, as well as remarkable cellaring potential.
Glandore Wines
Situated at the foothills of the Brokenback Mountain Range, Glandore wines offer a range of both traditional Hunter styles as well as new and alternative varietals at their cellar door. With vineyards in 6 different wine regions across NSW an experience at the Glandore Estate cellar door is a friendly and informative way to experience NSW wines at its best.
Keith Tulloch Wine
Keith Tulloch wines are hand-made with meticulous care, and epitomise the qualities of a boutique Hunter Valley wine company. With breathtaking views from the balcony or outdoor terrace, Keith Tulloch Wine is the perfect place to soak in a Hunter Valley sunset with a glass of vino in hand.
Wombat Crossing Vineyard
One of the smallest vineyards in the Hunter Valley, Wombat Crossing offers boutique, single vineyard wines straight from the vineyard that wraps around the cellar door. Taste Estate Semillon, Chardonnay & Shiraz in a relaxed setting with views over the vineyards and the distant Barrington Tops National Park.
Oakvale Wines
Drop into Oakvale wines to discover a range of certified organic wines. Implementing a 'minimal intervention' philosophy, Oakvales vinos are sure to impress your palate.
Misty Glen Wines
Taste, play and stay at Misty Glen in the heart of the Hunter Valley. This boutique vineyard produces Semillon, Chardonnay, Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz which are created into both traditional and unusual wine styles every vintage. Their cellar door is child and dog friendly and even have a "kids play zone" to occupy the young ones whilst the grown ups are wine tasting.
Indulge
All that wine-tasting can really work up your appetite so luckily there's a stack of top-notch eateries where you can refuel before hitting the sightseeing trail again.
Muse Kitchen & Cocoa Nib
Muse Kitchen and Cocoa Nib Artisan Chocolatier stand as essential destinations nestled within the courtyard at Keith Tulloch Winery. Cocoa Nib is renowned for its heavenly handmade chocolates, expertly crafted specialty coffee featuring beans from Newcastle's micro-roastery, Silverskins Coffee, and an irresistible hot chocolate. Adjacent is Muse Kitchen, a premier dining spot celebrated for its delightful and relaxed ambiance, offering exquisite bistro fare that has secured it a prestigious chef's hat for eight consecutive years.
Hunter Belle Cheese
The Hunter Belle Cheese Tasting Room, located beside De Iuliis Wines, combines a Cheese Deli, Bar, and Gourmet Produce & Gift Store into a single space—a welcoming environment where individuals can savour quality wine and craft beer paired with artisan cheese and exquisite food offerings, including fudge and gelato.
The Mill Restaurant & Brokenback Bar
For those seeking a scenic dining experience for lunch or dinner, consider visiting the Brokenback Bar or The Mill Restaurant at Estate Tuscany. With stunning vistas of the Brokenback mountain range, the Bar presents a casual café-style menu with offerings such as wood-fired pizzas and fish & chips. Meanwhile, the Restaurant provides an elevated dining experience with a more sophisticated menu featuring delights like kingfish ceviche and confit duck leg.
Restaurant Botanica
The contemporary Australian menu at Restaurant Botanica incorporates freshly harvested herbs and vegetables from the restaurant's kitchen garden, along with other regional produce obtained from nearby farms. In addition to the regular menu, they provide a plant-based menu, and a highlight is the must-try freshly baked sourdough. This sourdough is crafted using an authentic starter that has been in use for over 150 years.
Ridgeview Restaurant
RidgeView Restaurant is a dining establishment that satisfies various criteria. Revered for its serene rural surroundings, the estate's free-range chickens produce fresh eggs, and the vegetable patch yields an abundance of herbs, citrus, and vegetables for the Mediterranean-inspired menu. Indulge in a leisurely long lunch with the seven or 10-dish Mezze Feast, expertly paired with RidgeView Wines, and consider extending your experience by staying overnight in one of the charming lakeside cottages.
4 Pines at the Farm
For individuals seeking a laid-back dining spot with exceptional local brews, a visit to 4 Pines at the Farm is a must. Offering twelve 4 Pines beers on tap, featuring well-known options such as the Pale Ale, Extra Refreshing Ale, Pacific Ale, In Season IPA, and a regularly changing small batch limited edition Keller Door. Additionally, they serve Brookvale Union Ginger Beer—an alcoholic beverage with a delightful kick.
Play
This particular area of the Valley is not only a culinary haven but also a hub for fantastic outdoor activities, providing ample opportunities to engage in physical pursuits and offset the indulgence of rich dishes and glasses of wine. Whether you're inclined towards hiking, cycling, or simply strolling through the picturesque surroundings, the region offers a diverse range of activities that cater to various interests. It's an ideal way to strike a balance between savouring exquisite culinary delights and enjoying the refreshing outdoor experiences that this scenic Valley has to offer.
Sutton Estate
For a labour-intensive workout hire an e-bike from Sutton Estate and pedal along the 10km cycleway that stretches all the way along Hermitage Road. But, with more than a dozen wineries along the vine-lined route most people break up the ride with a few stops – and sips - along the way. Or, stay on-site and take on the escape room challenge with friends, release your anger in their smash room or aim for a bullseye at the axe throwing gallery.
NSW Segways at the Farm
If mastering the art of balancing on a bicycle feels like a daunting task, there's no need to lose hope. You can still embark on a two-wheeled exploration of the vineyards, this time aboard a self-balancing Segway. The Adventure Centre at Hunter Farm conducts tours along a historic 1880s stock route, ensuring a car-free environment for your journey. Following a brief training session, you'll find yourself gliding through vineyards and navigating off-road trails, all while enjoying scenic views and encountering numerous kangaroos along the way.
Hunter Valley Horses
Equestrians can also saddle up and explore the area on horseback. Hunter Valley Horses has more than 30 horses and several trail rides from pony rides for younger kids to two-hour expeditions through farmland that's ideal riding terrain with spectacular views of the Brokenback Range. They also offer horse and carriage rides, with their gorgeous, well-trained Clydesdales and Australian draught horses pulling covered wagons and open carriages along the country roads, clip-clopping from winery to winery.
Our Italian Table
Immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in a cooking class. Nestled on Mistletoe Lane, Nicita Estate hosts Our Italian Table, offering the opportunity to master the art of crafting (and savouring) pasta or indulging in a three-course Italian feast. For a more extensive experience, dive into a three-day immersive program, gaining valuable insights and techniques from local producers.
