Wine tasting with a side of crackers is just the tip of the iceberg for visitors to the Hunter Valley these days. Wineries like Briar Ridge are starting to think outside the square when it comes to attracting tourists and wine enthusiasts alike.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In Briar Ridge Vineyard's case, it was a question of how best to showcase their wine as well as their unique Mount View location. Located a little off the well-worn tourist track, visitors are treated to rolling hills, farmland, terraced vineyards and spectacular views across a valley. What better place for an exclusive private tasting that changes location according to the season?
What's On: The best things to see and do in Newcastle
Under this new offer, visitors are greeted with a glass of Briar Ridge Signature Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir, taken on a vineyard tour, enjoy a platter with fresh produce and condiments from local providores and take part in a Single Vineyard tasting of current and museum release boutique wines made from vines grown on the estate.
Steering the ship is winemaker Alex Beckett who was born and raised in Maitland and attended the Saint Mary's Campus of All Saints College. He studied Viticulture and Wine Science at the University of Adelaide, was awarded the prestigious Sydney Royal Wine Scholarship and joined Briar Ridge as an assistant winemaker in 2016.
He was promoted to the role of winemaker just two years later.
"The fruit from our Mount View vineyards is really unique - where our vineyard is situated gives us slightly higher rainfall and lower temperatures and it means our wines carry a bit more of that softness on the palate," he told Food & Wine.
"Our point of difference really is our location; we're immensely lucky to be custodians over a vineyard site which, while beautiful, also possesses the right topographic and geological properties to create a microclimatic environment that enables very high quality viticulture.
"We are a little bit out of town but it's well worth the trip."
The new private wine-tasting experience builds on Briar Ridge's already enviable reputation as a wine destination. Last year Gourmet Traveller WINE named Briar Ridge Vineyard the best tasting experience in the Hunter Valley. Beckett credits the "amazing team of wine hospitality professionals at the cellar door" for the award.
"It's one thing to make interesting wines - having genuine people there to represent them is also important," Beckett said.
"We found that people wanted to take it that next step further and experience the wines in the location where it all started. Our vineyard is like a natural amphitheatre with three hillside vineyards, all facing into their own valley. Being able to fully immerse our visitors in every step of the process is something we enjoy."
While you're with us, did you know Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here.
NEWS FROM NEWCASTLE'S CULTURAL SCENE
- THE MISSING: Meet the people who vanished
- Medical marijuana on a roll: how cannabis oil changed Ben Saunderson's life
- Newcastle NEX to receive first bite of Amy Shark's regional Love Monster tour
- So many ways to taste the Port Stephens seafood festival
- Vegan Cheese Shop keen to participate in Newcastle Vegan Market