It’s not only lap cats and dogs who like to snuggle up by the warmth and glow of a fire and bask in the heat. Many of us humans enjoy relaxing and snuggling up by the fireside just as much, both at home and when away. There’s something welcoming and comforting about a fireplace that can make you feel completely at home whilst on a holiday. When the weather cools down, the Hunter Valley is always ready to turn the heat up with plenty of winter warmer options. From fiery outdoor bonfires, to intimate in-house log fires, there is something for a range of occasions. So, grab your partner, a hearty bottle of Hunter Shiraz, and a bag of marshmallows for the ideal, low-key Hunter Valley Winter date. Here are our top fireside date spots this Winter in Wine Country.
Wallaringa Farm
Pooles Rock Cellar Door
Immerse yourself in our architecturally designed cellar door. We are dedicated to producing the best of the Hunter Valley Classics, from some of the regions oldest vines. Cosy up this Winter beside our roaring fireplace, enjoying vineyard views from every angle. Book now at: https://poolesrock.com.au/visit-us/
Brokenwood Wines
Wander inside the Brokenwood Cellar Door, order a glass or two of your favourite wine and stroll towards The Wood Restaurant. Look to the right and you’ll see a beautiful fireplace and sofa right in front of the crackling warmth. Add a delicious cheese and charcuterie board and you won’t want to leave. This little spot is the definition of cosy! Make sure Brokenwood is a MUST-VISIT this winter.'
Tower Lodge
The Hunter Valley officially has re-welcomed the return of an old friend. Tower Estate Lodge in the heart of Pokolbin is operating as a luxury hotel once again. Recently renovated, this property boasts an opulent richness with its grand Mediterranean inspired architecturally designed curves and dramatic spaces complimented by cosy furnishings giving it that warm welcoming charm. Curl up fireside with a glass of Tower Estate red in hand, in one of the many glamorous suites for an intimate escape with a loved one, or laze around in one of the many common areas next to one of the several impressive fireplaces with a charcuterie board and good book in hand.
eRemo at Spicers Guesthouse
A relatively new eatery that has well and truly made its mark on the region's top dining chart, eRemo is the renowned, resident restaurant at Spicers Guesthouse open seven days a week. Offering a range of intimate fireside experiences from casual snacks and drinks around the main bar fireplace, the gastronomical degustation dining experience front and centre of the grand fireplace in the restaurant, or a bottle of red with a slow sunset around the large, open outdoor fireplace facing restful bushlands, eRemo is the perfect Winter retreat.
Boydell's
Diners can dine by the open fire at Boydell's Restaurant in picturesque Morpeth. The Restaurant and Catering Association 4.5 star restaurant is open for lunch & dinner from Thursday to Sunday inclusive, serving locally sourced seasonal produce.
Briar Ridge Winter Firepit Picnic Package
Experience the ultimate indulgence at Briar Ridge this winter. Enjoy mouth-watering artisan antipasti, pizzas, and award-winning wines amidst the cosy warmth of our firepits. It really is the perfect setting for a romantic date or a fun gathering with friends in our beautiful Wine Garden in the Hunter Valley. Book in advance to select your preferred picnic package, each including a complimentary bottle of wine, and immerse yourself in the most snug and relaxing food and wine experience that Hunter Valley has to offer.
Whispering Brook
Take a journey through the Whispering Brook wines range fireside in their cosy cellar door. Discover the family owned and operated estates' winemaking process in a relaxed, picturesque environment. Tastings are conducted outside in front of a roaring outdoor fire during winter amongst the vineyards, olive grove and surrounding mountain ranges.
Hanging Tree Wines
Come enjoy a tasting at Hanging Tree Wines' rustic barn-style cellar door. Warm up next to our indoor fireplace, or sit around one of our outdoor picnic-style firepits for some wintery wine goodness
Tulloch Wines
Experience your next Hunter Valley wine-tasting experience fireside at Tulloch Wines. Tulloch has their indoor fireplace burning every day throughout Winter. Pro-tip, elevate your tasting experience and add on one of our gourmet cheese and charcuterie boards made from local produce.
Savannah Estate
At Savannah Estate Cellar Door, families can enjoy a delightful time with their children, as the spacious outdoor area offers a variety of fun-filled games for kids to indulge in. While the little ones engage in friendly competition, parents can unwind by the cozy indoor fireplace, savouring the exquisite flavours of the charcuterie boards paired perfectly with the estate's finest wines. Immerse yourself in the ultimate wine-tasting experience at Savannah Estate Cellar Door, where you can explore a diverse selection of handcrafted wines while taking in the warmth and ambience of the inviting indoor setting.
Lillians On Lovedale
A quintessential two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage with a unique country charm that all city slickers seek, this hidden gem is the perfect spot for a private getaway to the countryside. Snuggle up by the log fire and enjoy a glass of fine Hunter Valley wine with your Netflix movie of choice after your busy day of cellar door hopping through Wine Country.
Arenridge Broke
If cosy indoor days and nights with friends are more your thing, book in at the luxurious Arenridge homestead located in Broke Fordwich. Set on your own private vineyard in the Hunter Valley’s beautiful Broke, Arenridge enjoys 180 degree sweeping views over vines and across the panoramic Brokenback Range. Perfect for large groups of family and friends, Arenridge features six luxurious, light-filled bedrooms, plenty of separate living spaces and an impressive private swimming pool boasting vineyard and mountain views.
Harrigan’s Hunter Valley
Nothing beats a rustic Irish pub with a Beef & Guinness Pot Pie and a pint of beer. Harrigan's offers a relaxed, family friendly bistro with casual pub eats in cozy atmosphere featuring two large stone fireplaces in the indoor bistro – the perfect spot for those easy, hearty winter meals.
Casa La Vina
You’ll fall in love with Casa La Vina and it’s unique Adobe style architecture imitating the traditional ‘Pueblo’ style which dates back to early Native American dwellings. This style features exposed timber ceilings, South Western décor and a cosy clay feel. Combine this with the country serenity of the picturesque Hunter Valley and you have the perfect romantic escape destination. Each of the three Casa La Vina Villas home their own indoor gas log fireplace and private outdoor wood fireplace.
Crowne Plaza Winter Indulgence Offer
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and wind down at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley this Winter. Take advantage of Crowne Plaza's Winter Indulgence deal and save big on your trip to the Hunter Valley. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine by an open fire on the luscious lawn, paired with a gourmet cheese platter and topped off with live music each weekend.
With the Hunter Valley on your doorstep, this package is a great way to explore one of the most iconic holiday destinations; spend the day tasting wine from your choice of over 150 wineries, take a hot air balloon ride over majestic scenery or visit the family-friendly Hunter Valley Wildlife Park or Hunter Valley Gardens and finish off your day with our relaxing Winter Indulgence Experience.
Stay Warm & Stay Here!
In Wine Country, we won’t let the winter blues get you down! Book in for lunch, for a day or an overnight stay with one of our warm local offerings above or check out more holiday options here on our website.
Harrigan’s Hunter Valley
Offering a choice of outdoor dining, fireplace seating or cosy corners. Harrigan’s is the ideal place to catch up with friends and enjoy a drink or dinner with family and friends.
McCaffreys Estate
Stay in your own home away from home at McCaffrey’s Estate self-contained cottages. Centrally located on a 25-acre family owned and operated vineyard the two-bedroom cottages each have their own slow combustion fireplace and outdoor firepit, perfect for snuggling up with a glass of wine on a cool winter’s evening.
Blueberry Hill
Blueberry Hill Vineyard has been making high quality boutique wines for over 25 years. Enjoy a friendly wine tasting and chat at our family ran cellar door and cozy up to our indoor wood burner or take in the view next to our fire pit.
