Mulpha expands Hunter Valley offerings with Emma’s Cottage Vineyard

Malaysian-backed developer and hotel owner Mulpha Australia has big plans in the NSW wine region.

Emma’s Cottage Vineyard includes a cellar door, cafe and commercial kitchen.

Malaysian conglomerate Mulpha Australia has expanded further into the NSW Hunter Valley, acquiring Emma’s Cottage Vineyard on the back of its ongoing success with its Bimbadgen Estate winery nearby.

As demand for regional tourism continues apace, Mulpha Australia is developing 60 ultra-luxury villas at its Bimbadgen Palmers Lane Retreat at a cost of $12m.

Mulpha CEO Greg Shaw said there was at least 160 weddings booked for his Bimbadgen Palmers Lane property next year and he looked forward to the completion of the luxury villas mid next year.

Mr Shaw would also not rule out developing luxury accommodation on the recently acquired 12ha Emma’s Cottage property – which currently ­operates as a boutique vineyard – that he plans to integrate with the rest of Mulpha’s holdings in the Hunter Valley north of Sydney.

Mulpha paid $2.65m to acquire Emma’s Cottage, which includes a fully licensed cellar door, 40-seat cafe and commercial kitchen.

Apart from a 3ha boutique vineyard, there is also a five-bedroom, two-level homestead, as well as four self-contained cottages with two to four bedrooms and overlooking the vineyards fronting Wilderness Rd, Lovedale.

“Emma’s Cottage Vineyard is a quality boutique property in this premium tourism region that complements our existing Bimbadgen Estate offering nearby,” Mr Shaw said.

“While the past 18 months have been difficult for most tourism operators, one benefit is that it has reawakened people’s interest in enjoying unique regional experiences in their own country.

“Emma’s Cottage Vineyard is a welcome addition to our premium portfolio that will capitalise on that trend as we look to rebound strongly into 2022 and beyond.”

Mulpha’s general manager of hospitality, Belinda Stapleton said: “While initially we will continue to run the existing business, we see ­potential to further develop a bespoke offering which will be created and launched in 2022.”

Mulpha Australia acquires, develops and manages a range of property and lifestyle investments, which include the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Intercontinental Hotel Sydney, Sanctuary Cove Resort and Bimbadgen winery.

Mr Shaw said there were four homes available for purchase on Hayman Island near the resort ranging from $4.5m to $8m.

He said there has been a lot of interest in purchasing the homes from southern buyers, but because of Queensland’s strict Covid restrictions it had been difficult for prospective purchasers to inspect the luxury villa homes.

Mulpha plans to develop an entire estate on the island off Queensland’s Airlie Beach.

Mulpha is also developing the masterplanned communities of Bella Vista in Sydney’s Hills District and Mulgoa Rise in western Sydney.