Hunter Valley’s best kept ‘little secret’

Aussies are spoiled for choice when it comes to wineries in the Hunter Valley, but there’s one “hidden gem” we often forget about – and we shouldn’t.

When we think of the Hunter Valley, usually the most common wineries that come to mind are in the Pokolbin area from the rolling vineyards of Tyrrell’s Wines to the unique tasting experiences at Peterson House.

And while they are undoubtedly amazing vineyards – there’s more to the Hunter Valley.

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a novice eager to explore the world of wine, there’s something for everyone with the region offering a diverse range of cellars to suit all tastes.

If you look beyond the usual offerings, you will find Briar Ridge Vineyard, a “hidden gem” if you’d like, located just a 12 minute drive south of Pokolbin, in Mount View.

Briar Ridge Vineyard wine maker Andrew Duff.

“Vineyards would say we would be put on a pedestal in the Hunter — and you’ve got the likes of Graveyard Vineyard which is Brokenwood, HVD and Stevens for Tyrells, which are amazing vineyards — they produce great exceptional fruit,” Briar Ridge Vineyard winemaker Andrew Duff told news.com.au.

“But I think Talavera Grove or Briar Ridge is up there as well. It’s just not given the same respect.”

Mr Duff said the award-winning Briar, which has been producing quality wines for almost 50 years, has a long history not many people know about.

“Some of the greatest winemakers that have ever come out of the Hunter have worked here,” he said.

Despite its rich history – it’s often the forgotten vineyard in the Hunter Valley.

“You’ve had Karl Stockhausen, he was a Lindeman’s winemaker back in the day when Linderman’s was huge up here. Neil McGuigan of Australian Vintage Limited, who are now doing McGuigan lines.

“You’ve got Gwen Olsen. Gwen is not only a good friend, but she’s an amazing winemaker who’s now gone to Henschke — a top notch wine producer.

“This vineyard is a little best kept secret because we’re so far up the mountain. It’s got such a history that not many people know about because everyone who comes to the Hunter goes to your Pokolbins and Lovedales.

Andrew describes it as a ‘hidden gem’ located in Mount View – a 12 minute drive south of Pokolbin.

“It’s almost off the beaten track. Previous to working up here I would go Pokolbin, cause that’s the Hunter.

“And then you’ve got Lovedale long-lunch and then you think Mount View and the only thing that immediately pops in my head before Briar is Bistro Molines which is a hatted restaurant.”

What many people may not also know is Briar Ridge has some of the oldest vines in the region, dating back to 1972.

Its wines range from Hunter classics in the premium Single Vineyard and Stockhausen ranges to the contemporary innovations of the Limited Release and Varietal ranges.

In fact, respected wine critic and vigneron James Halliday gave the vineyard a 5-star rating, awarded to only 8 per cent of Australian wineries.

Murray Robson planted the first vines – pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, some Portuguese port varieties – back in 1972. And today it’s run by Jaclyn Davis, John’s daughter who grew up on her father’s vineyards.

Briar Ridge is set to shake things in the Hunter Valley with the opening of its new restaurant Osteria.

Today, Briar Ridge is set to shake things up even more at the Hunter after having announced a trifecta of unveilings including the opening of its new restaurant, Estancia and introduction of an exclusive Mystery Vineyard Tour.

Executive chefs James Orlowski and Gabriel Rodrigues said the concept of their new eatery is unlike anything offered in the Hunter.

“The concept is based on an Osteria – with small bites to accompany the wine, local cheese and charcuterie, a selection of fresh pasta, and large plates to share Estancia smoked meats and vegetables,” the boys told news.com.au.

Executive chefs Gabriel Rodrigues (left) and James Orlowski (right) said the concept of their new eatery is unlike anything offered in the Hunter.

James and Gabriel’s backgrounds naturally leads to Fire to Table, cooking over embers which not only enhances the natural characteristics of the ingredients, but also adds to the laid-back feel of the restaurant.

The boys said the menu will have a core, favourites, and seasonal change.

The food at Estancia can change weekly – a concept that is rare in the Hunter Valley.

“But it can change a lot more often – locally sourced produce will take place, some ingredients only last for a month, in which we hope to keep the customers engaged, returning to try our new, beautiful specials,” James said.

The duo, who previously worked together, decided to open the Hunter’s newest restaurant at Briar, this year. It’s inspired by the rustic charm and elegance of Gaucho estancias in the south of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.

“Gabriel was actually in Parma, Italy, on food research eating at Osterias lunch and dinner capturing as many ideas as possible to bring back to the business; the roots of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine,” James aid.

“When we found out the Osteria at Briar RidgeVineyard was available, we didn’t think twice.”

Briar’s wines have their foundations firmly set in tradition, with vines established in 1972.

Mystery vineyard tour

The new tour gives visitors a glimpse into the vineyard’s rich history, all while sipping on Briar’s finest wines. It’s complimented by a decadent ‘Briar Board’ aka a cheese and charcuterie plater featuring local and imported delicacies.

The family-owned winery has thought of everything — even guests’ fury friends. The Cellar Door and adjacent Wine Garden now include ‘Pooch Platers’ featuring handcrafted dog treats, and pooch hydration station. The kids also get to enjoy a kid-cuterie and food and drink options. as well as a grassed garden with toys and yard games, all supervised from the Wine Deck.

This writer was a guest of Briar Ridge Vineyard