Are you looking for some First Class wining and dining?...

...go no further than the Hunter Valley, in New South Wales

We had been invited to stay at one of Bimbadgen Estate's most recent additions in The Lane Retreat, upmarket, close to the action, and with views of the water and Broken Back Range.

...our little part of the world was amazingly sunny (well the next day, anyway!).

+++

 But wait, there was more...

After our rainy drive north, we were thrilled by a magnificent feast, a grazing platter, delivered to our room, which we could consume at our leisure.

There was more, too: the super-comfy king-size bed, a TV, the bathroom with every amenity...we forgot the teeming rain outside and revelled in luxury.

+++

Next morning...

Next morning our tasty, healthy breakfast was ready when we were, as it had been delivered the evening before with our platter, and there was also yoghurt and juice in the fridge.

We felt spoiled for choice!

+++

Off to the wine-tasting

Of course there was wine!

Bimbadgen Estate began in 1968, and since then has continued to rise as one of the Hunter Valley's most iconic wineries.

Mid-morning, we had been invited for a wine-tasting experience with a sommelier who took us through the many types of Bimbadgen's wines.

The name 'Bimbadgen' comes from the local indigenous word meaning 'place of good view'.

The winery has a wide range of wines and it was wonderful to taste the, in the Bimbadgen Cellar Door.

While we were happy to  taste our wines at the bar, there is also room for groups to enjoy the tasting area.

Other may enjoy a tour of the winery itself.

+++

Pizza on the lawn

Stepping away from our tasting experience, we followed our noses outside...

...to sample a pizza as delicious as anywhere in Italy, yet baked just metres away in Bimbadgen's Pizzeria.

We did the sensible thing and ordered one of two dishes... 

...so we could share them between us.

This is absolutely tha best way to enjoy sunshine, the views and, of course the pizzas, as well as wines that are the perfect complement .

Maybe it was because it was Friday afternoon...

...or perhaps it had something to do with the sunshine that had been missing for days before, but there was a relaxed feel in the air.

+++

Nearby - another find!

After lunch, we dropped in at Emma's Cottage and Alter Wines, a relaxed spot where wines may be tasted, meals are on offer...

...and the friendly and knowledgable Keshia, who lead you through the many on offer.

There is a cosy feel to Alter, the 'alter-ego' of Bimbadgen .

Located close to. Bimbadgen, it is an ideal place for people to drop-in for wine-tasting. Often they stay for a meal ...

...or they buy gifts.

Emma's Cottage is just across the pathway from Alter Wines, and is available for accommodation.

++++

Dining at Esca

Of course the ultimate thrill of our trip was to dine at Esca Bimbadgen. The name is Italian and means “to lure,” and it certainly does that! We dined from a concise yet prefectly spread menu, realising that a meal at Esca Restaurant & Wine Bar is the perfect finale to this fascinating escape to the country - despite rain and flooding!

In keeping with country dining, as much as possible, ingredients are sourced from within the Hunter Valley region.

Or meal was exquisite...just imagine these king prawns infused with garlic and burnt butter, romesco and capers. 

Or a dessert like this? 

+++

Fond farewells

By the time our weekend wine experience was over, the heavy rain-clouds had disappeared...

...and we could fully apprecite the environment of this magical place. Here's hoping that we, and many others, have the opportunity to do the same.

Do put it on your next 'must-do' trip list!

~~~

Just for fun...

This nearby paddock has nothing to do with Bimbadgen, but its elephants made us smile as we left the winery and started to return home.

The Hunter Valley is like that. With its repuation for some of the world's finest wine. and top-class food, there is still room, too, for friendly and fascinating experiences like this, in one of the most beautiful parts of New South Wales.

Sally and Gordon Hammond were invited as guests to the Hunter Valley's Bimbadgen Estate to taste, experience - and share - the winery's many facets. 

All opinions are their own.

MORE INFORMATION: Bimbadgen Estate

~~~

Photography: Gordon and Sally Hammond