Back to the Future at Pokolbin Estate

With a historic stone cottage cellar door dating back to 1889, a freakish competition record and a reputation for producing outstanding wines Pokolbin Estate has long been a ‘must-do’ on many a visitors list.

The Hunter’s only vineyard growing a dry Riesling, the estate also boasts one of the largest speciality food outlets in the region.

Pokolbin Estate has certainly bagged more than its fair share of award-winners over the years – especially for their Riesling, Semillon and Shiraz varieties. But guests to the cellar door can also enjoy a unique and unforgettable wine tasting experience as they are introduced to wine varieties they may have never tried before – such as the Mediterranean varieties of Tempranillo or the Italian varieties that include Nebbiolo and Sangiovese, which are grown on their Belebula Vineyard.

Much like all hospitality venues, Pokolbin Estate initially struggled to navigate around the new way of life and operations that resulted from the ongoing Covid-19 situation.

“After the fire that devastated Pokolbin Estate 9 years ago, we had finally bounced back to our former success by 2016,” said Cellar Door Manager, Mitchell Nunn.

“Unfortunately, the past three years have not been as we would have liked. A prolonged drought followed by the horrific fires in December and January this year, and now COVID-19 has been an enormous strain on not just us, but the industry as a whole.”

Like much of the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin Estate Vineyard was forced to close its doors for 10 weeks of lockdown. But during this closure, Mitchell says that loyal customers took to supporting the vineyard with online shopping for their wines and gourmet produce, and this support was the impetus they needed to keep going until they could reopen.

“Since reopening, and with the subsequent closure of the QLD and VIC borders, the Hunter Valley has been flourishing with local tourism from within NSW,” said Mitchell.

“New customers, friends and working relationships have all presented great opportunities to assist us in re-establishing ourselves as a Hunter Valley must-do.”

As we navigate the forever changing guidelines, the team at Pokolbin Estate are continually working around the clock to ensure they can offer the excellent service and world-class wines that long-term wine-club members and new customers have come to love.

Still one of Australia’s most awarded boutique vineyards, Pokolbin Estate has withdrawn from state and national wine competitions over the past six months to refocus on rebranding themselves as not just an award-winning winery, but a family-friendly one as well. Towards the end of 2020, they will be showcasing their wines at this year's Hunter Valley Boutique wine awards.

“Fingers crossed we will take out the Hunter Valley’s best open vintage red for the third year in a row,” added Mitchell.

For more information about Pokolbin Estate, or to book a tasting, visit www.pokolbinestate.com.au or call 4998 7524.