Local lad Frank Fawkner's compact space tucked into a corner of Oakvale winery makes you feel you are all – chefs, waiters, diners – on a convivial shared mission. There are some impressive bravura touches (homemade gummy bears!) but the entrees and mains are all about deep flavours and texture contrasts; go for the more unusual offerings like quail or take on the degustation ($110).
EXP.
Top choice in Hunter Valley
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
3 MILES
Known for semillon and shiraz, plus the popular 'Cricket Pitch' range, this acclaimed winery has a slick modern visitor centre appropriately decked out in…
2.88 MILES
The flexibility offered is a particularly appealing aspect of the tastings at this upmarket winery. Pick from around 30 bottles on the free tasting of six…
5.99 MILES
Though this winery has a cellar door on the main road in Pokolbin, it's worth heading up to this location, where the ultra-friendly staff have more time…
4.85 MILES
Try the highly acclaimed cabernet blend and chardonnay, which are both grown, vintaged and bottled on the estate, one of the Hunter's finest wineries…
1.87 MILES
Keith Tulloch is a fourth-generation winemaker who creates small-batch premium drops. His estate has one of the most inviting tasting settings in the…
3.2 MILES
With a sweet location by a little dam, this winery has a good attitude and showcases numerous varieties of wine from five great little estates, some of…
4.31 MILES
This off-the-beaten-track family-run winery makes a great visit; it's a picturesque spot and the owners are warmly welcoming. As well as the tasty wine,…
27.05 MILES
Transformed from a dump and abandoned sporting fields into a magnificent conservation sanctuary, this swampy centre is home to over 200 species of bird,…
Nearby Hunter Valley attractions
0.12 MILES
Sourcing grapes from two local vineyards of theirs as well as various providers, this quality producer has a wide range on offer. It's worth paying the…
0.25 MILES
This sweet spot has a smartly kitted-out tasting area and some under-the-radar but rather tasty whites and reds, including a couple with the unusual white…
0.39 MILES
This warehouse distillery offers a wide range of spirits and liqueurs to taste. Their vodkas are pretty good, as is the Copperwave Gin. Grab a shot of…
1.58 MILES
Check out the Tyrrell's winemakers wall and it reads like a who's who of Australian viticulture. Having pioneered chardonnay growing in the valley,…
1.87 MILES
Keith Tulloch is a fourth-generation winemaker who creates small-batch premium drops. His estate has one of the most inviting tasting settings in the…
2.12 MILES
Focusing only on shiraz and semillon, this quality winery has a slick cellar door operation, all stainless steel and artful sales pitches. There are nice…
2.47 MILES
Enjoy the expansive views with a picnic at this hilltop cellar door. It's a sublime setting for one of the valley's oldest vineyards (first planted in…
2.75 MILES
This sizeable garden, beloved of coach parties to give them a break from the shiraz, is an impressive fairy tale of mazes and floral displays fronted by a…