A Favourite Stop on the Wine Trail... Saddlers Creek

Saddler’s Creek Wines is run under the guiding principle of crafting premium wines for the sole purpose of being savoured with both good food and good friends. A James Halliday 5-star winery with a reputation for producing rich, complex and full-bodied premium red wines, it’s set in an idyllic landscape in Pokolbin with stunning views of the Brokenback Mountain range, which make the perfect backdrop for the alfresco tasting and dining experiences that the winery specialises in.

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Owned by the Laureti family, who purchased it in 2014 after being members of the wine club (Club Equus) since 2005, they are inspired by their Italian heritage to celebrate life’s simple pleasures, which is spending quality time with friends and loved ones, sharing experiences, enjoying delicious food and drink, and appreciating simple beauty in our everyday lives. Finalist for Cellar Door of the Year, Outstanding Contribution and Winemaker of the Year - Hunter Valley Legends and Wine Industry Awards in 2022, their wine portfolio showcases a stellar line-up of award-winning white and red wines, including the iconic Bluegrass wines. Winemaker Brett Woodward has been at Saddler’s Creek Wines for 12 years and, along with Assistant Winemaker Sam Rumpit, are excited about their forays into varying wine varieties.

“We’re about to launch a new variety that we’re very excited about,” said Sam.

“Originating from the appellation of Picpoul de Pinet in the Languedoc region of France, it’s a rare white varietal renowned for being the best wine match for oysters. Only five other winemakers in NSW are working with this variety.

“We’re also about to release an Italian Nebbiolo and a Spanish Tempranillo Rosé, and exploring the Greek variety Xinomavro which is widely planted in northern Greece. We’re looking to these varieties because they are more resistant to the hot weather conditions that we’ve been experiencing.”

The winery is expanding, enabling more wines to be produced onsite, and a new function, wine tasting space and bar are being built to complement the undercover section in the picnic area.

Saddler’s Creek Wines is a favourite stop on the Hunter Valley winetasting tours because of the relaxed atmosphere, exceptional wines and chilled-out vibe. The Twilight Friday Wine & Chill is ideal as the first stop on a Friday evening when you arrive for your weekend in the Hunter. The cellar door stays open until 7.30pm, and you can enjoy an early casual tapas-style dinner, share an excellent bottle of wine, and soak up the sounds of the live music under the setting sun and early evening starlight.

The food, wine and live music continue over the weekend, and it’s a popular site for pre and post-wedding celebrations. Children and furry friends are welcome; there’s even the Kids Tasting Paddles so they don’t feel left out of the fun. Each Sunday, there is a themed wine and food pairing experience in the winery to take you on a tasting journey of exploration.

Keep your eyes open for the range of annual events held at the winery, including the yearly Harvest Brunch, always a sellout in February/March, where the lucky few experience picking grapes and stomping in the winery before relaxing over a fabulous brunch. Also in March is the Winemaker’s Table Lunch, a degustation with paired wines. April is the Pooches Picnic – bring your best-dressed dog, and you may win an award. With the new function space being built this year, the team are hoping to hold their first Mother’s Day event in May, and then, also in May is the highlight event of the year, the Bluegrass Bash, a black-tie ball to launch the new release of the signature label wine.

With Christmas just around the corner, Saddler’s Creek Wines is the ideal place to hold your Christmas event or to purchase gifts of wines with bespoke labels to feature your company logo or private message.

The cellar door is open seven days per week from 10am to 5pm and 7.30pm on Fridays. Saddler’s Eats is open from 4pm to 7pm on Friday and 12pm to 4pm over the weekend. Enjoy live music in the gardens every Friday evening and over lunch on the weekends. Tastings start at $10 with bookings on 4991 1770.