From new must-try restaurant openings to pastry chef delights and a Hunter Valley Winery being named the #1 winery in Australia, here’s what’s new and trending in the Hunter Valley.
Tyrrell’s Topped the Charts
Tyrrell’s was crowned the top winery in Australia by the prestigious Halliday Wine Companion Top 100 Wineries 2025 awards. Awarded for their quality of wine across the range, as well several wines that have been highly rated by the Halliday team this year. A visit at Tyrrell’s boasts rich heritage including the original ironbark hut which was built by hand in 1858. Their tasting experiences include an in-depth exploration of their flagship Vat 1 Semillon, the Vat 1 Vertical Experience, a VIP Tasting experience of their premium range, and the Sacred Sites experience which includes a tour of the vineyard and winery, perfect for the true wine lover.
Liz Silkman Australian Halliday Winemaker of the year
Liz is the face behind some of the Hunter Valley's most awarded wines and in August she was awarded the most celebrated winemaking title in Australia, Halliday Winemaker of the Year 2025. Chief Winemaker at First Creek Wines, and now with her own label with husband Shaun, Silkman Wines, she is well known for making exceptional wine. Her passion is in identifying small parcels of exceptional fruit and making contemporary wines that she loves to drink and share with friends. Silkman is one the hottest micro wine brands in the country having also been Shortlisted by Halliday for Best Winery 2025.
Lucky Duck Restaurant
Nestled on a peaceful dam in Lovedale, Lucky Duck is all about bringing flavour, fun and fortune to your dining experience. Serving up Asian cuisine, their menu ranges from small snacks of BBQ Kingfish Collar, Fried Pork Dumplings and Chicken Wings with Pepper Caramel Sauce to share plates like the Habatchi Grill like Barramundi or Wagyu Flap.
Harkham Wines and Restaurant
Quickly becoming a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, this relaxed yet refined Italian dining experience is not to be missed. Set at the Harkham’s small-family owned winery, the restaurant boasts stunning views of the Brokenback ranges. Their single-vineyard minimal-intervention wines pair beautifully with the menu of homemade pastas, pizzas, steaks and family tiramisu. Drawing inspiration from their Italian heritage you are sure to enjoy an impressive meal with warm and friendly hospitality. The wrap-around fire-place creates an inviting cosy spot for the cooler months, whilst the window seats creates the perfect spot for lounging in the summer sun.
Latitude 32
If dumplings and wine sounds like your vibe, look no further than Latitude 32 Wines. Not only does the winery enjoy sweeping vineyard views but their signature experience includes 5 different dumplings paired to match with 5 different wines. Opening their doors late April 2024, Latitude 32 Wines offers a fun and friendly experience, serving up Rose, Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and more.
Little Wine Co
This small yet mighty winery is making a splash as the newest cellar door on the Broke Fordwich wine trail. Pioneering unique wine varieties like Pecorino, Albarino, and Sangiovese, owners Ian and Suzanne Little’s deep knowledge and dedication shines through in their collection of wines. The Little Wine Co cellar doors provide a great experience for wine lovers seeking both innovation and tradition.
Molly Morgan Wines
Opening their doors in mid-December 2024, Molly Morgan is the newest cellar door in the Hunter Valley. From a bold Hunter Shiraz to a refreshing, juicy Rosé, there’s a Molly Morgan wine to suit every palate. Also offering on-site accommodation, Molly Morgan makes a great stop or weekend away in the Hunter Valley.
Mercer Wines
Opening their own cellar door, Mercer Wines have changed location and you can now visit them on Hermitage Road. Forget the traditional varieties, think new, vegan friendly, sustainable varietals from all over NSW.
Savannah Estate
Visit Savannah Estate at their new cellar door on Broke Road. By sourcing varietals from some of the country’s most distinctive viticultural areas, Savannah Estate creates wines that beautifully capture the unique character and essence of each region.
Ben Ean Patisserie & Deli
The boutique Ben Ean patisserie & deli are quickly gaining popularity for their delicious creations, enjoy sweet treats and a coffee from the Patisserie or a gourmet Italian sandwich from the deli, with the added delight of the view of the vineyards at Ben Ean. In the Patisserie enjoy a range of croissants, cheesecakes, tarts, cakes, macarons and pies, all baked daily by the in-house pastry chef. And in the deli, head up stairs to the newly renovated space and check out their supply of gourmet meats, cheeses, produce & sandwiches. Yum!
