Located northwest of Newcastle, approximately two-and-a-half-hours’ drive north of Sydney, the NSW Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region.
The birthplace of the nation’s wine industry has a rich history of farming and agricultural production, and long been a popular pilgrimage hotspot for enjoying world-class drops.
With more than 150 cellar doors set among rolling hills and unspoilt nature, the region offers a sense of tranquillity and calm. A popular wedding destination, its natural beauty lends itself to romance and love.
However, the Hunter Valley offers so much more than weddings and wine and is a burgeoning incentives and business events port of call.
Its agricultural heartbeat opens a portal to incredible gourmet delights with fine dining, paddock-to-plate cuisine and bespoke delicacies such as locally made cheese and craft beer in abundance.
“The Hunter Valley’s close proximity to Sydney positions it as an ideal – and growing – destination for MICE events,” says Patrick Lonergan, head of hotel, hospitality and leisure at Mulpha Australia, which operates The Lane Retreat (pictured, above) at one of Bimbadgen Estate’s award-winning Hunter Valley vineyards.
“With a diverse range of properties and venue spaces catering to all types of events, the region boasts abundant accommodation options and a variety of activities, including wine tasting, golf, hot air ballooning and cycling, making it an ideal choice for business events and leisure tourism.”
The Lane Retreat
For visitors to the Hunter Valley, The Lane Retreat is an immersive accommodation site on 15 hectares of Hunter Valley wine country, neighbouring Bimbadgen Estate’s Palmers Lane Vineyard in Pokolbin.
Having opened in October 2023, it features 60 premium one-bedroom studio retreats in a secluded vineyard and bushland setting, with Broken Back Range as its backdrop.
With a swimming pool, firepit, spacious communal areas and The Lane Pantry open for bespoke gift purchases, it delivers an ideal wine-country experience.
“We designed The Lane Retreat to be a sanctuary where corporate teams can disconnect from their fast-paced environments and immerse themselves in natural surroundings,” says Lonergan.
“It’s about fostering creativity, focus and team cohesion in a peaceful setting.
“It has been designed to offer all the contemporary amenities guests can expect while ensuring the Hunter wine country and natural environment remain stars of the show.
“The Lane Retreat will appeal to anyone seeking a corporate retreat, an incentive or special event in a genuinely restful and picturesque setting many miles from the hustle and bustle of the city.”
Bimbadgen Estate
One of the Hunter Valley’s premier wineries, Bimbadgen is a multi-purpose estate specialising in fine wine and gourmet cuisine across a diverse hospitality and events setting.
The cellar door gives visitors insight into wine offerings at the estate, with private sessions available for up to 20 people. The adjoining pizzeria seats 90 people and features a Tuscan-style courtyard and vine-covered pergola, which is perfect for casual woodfired pizza dining.
Esca Bimbadgen restaurant presents elegant food paired with the estate’s wines, with seating for up to 100 people – 40 people on its terrace – and accompanying panoramic views.
Guests can also enjoy intimate dinners among wine vats on the production floor. Additionally, onsite are two private meeting rooms, each accommodating up to 12 guests.
“Bimbadgen is more than just a vineyard,” says Lonergan. “It’s a space where business and leisure merge seamlessly.
“Our private meeting rooms and event spaces offer an out-of-the-box experience for corporate gatherings, all while surrounded by breathtaking views of Hunter Valley.”
Palmers Lane
Located next to The Lane Retreat is Palmers Lane Vineyard, a property with history dating back to 1881, which houses a versatile events venue for up to 130 people (170 cocktail).
Offering a blank canvas for tailored event layouts, the venue has a functional indoor space with outdoor gazebo and lawn for breakout sessions, team activities and alfresco dining.
Equipped with audiovisual tech, Palmers Lane specialises in customisation to accommodate workshops, meetings and corporate exercises.
Being a stone’s throw from The Lane Retreat makes it ideal for visiting groups from Newcastle, Sydney and beyond who can stay onsite and enjoy multiple-day experiences.
“The outdoor gazebo offers a refreshing option for al fresco dining and breakout sessions, while the expansive lawn is ideal for team-building activities, delivering an engaging and productive event experience,” says Lonergan.
Emma’s Cottage
This tranquil vineyard estate is home to Alter Wines’ cellar door, self-contained cottage accommodation and intimate events spaces.
The retreat is Bimbadgen’s sister venue and has cottages from two to four bedrooms as well as a five-bedroom guest house.
As a business events setting, it has capacity for 60 guests for meetings, workshops and conferences, offering flexible indoor areas and scenic outdoor space surrounded by vineyards that create a refreshing environment for breakout sessions and informal networking.
“At Emma’s Cottage, we pride ourselves on providing an intimate, personalised experience for boutique corporate retreats,” says Lonergan.
“Our peaceful vineyard setting allows teams to escape distractions of the city and focus on strategic thinking and collaboration.”
Chateau Elan
Nestled among rolling vineyards, Chateau Elan at The Vintage Hunter Valley is a high-end integrated golf, spa, luxury accommodation and conference resort.
The Greg Norman-designed course is a picturesque backdrop to the venue’s spa suites and villas, and four conference and events spaces suitable for business meetings, sit-down dinners and cocktail events for up to 300 guests.
Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort is a sprawling facility across 300 acres offering premium accommodation, dining, a spa retreat, golf, tennis and other leisure activities, as well as 24 natural-light-filled meetings and conferencing spaces.
It has the capacity to host intimate corporate retreats, large conferences and gala events for up to 3500 delegates, including for outdoor marquee settings.
The 18-hole championship golf course is ranked one of the best in Australia, and Oak & Vine restaurant is regarded as one of the region’s top restaurants, offering Sri Lankan-inspired cuisine that can be served at functions and events.
The resort offers a variety of leisure activities, including hot air balloon rides, gourmet cooking classes and visits to local wineries and restaurants.
Elysia Wellness Retreat specialises in spa treatments, wellness workshops and team activities such as yoga and Tai Chi.
Stay n’ Sip
Husband and wife duo Pierre and Mercedes met while studying wine in the Hunter Valley, and they have turned their passion into a successful tastings business.
French-born Pierre and Hunter Valley local Mercedes bring Stay n’ Sip directly to guests at event venues and accommodation in the region (and beyond).
Their wine tastings are designed to be fun and educational by spruiking the virtues of Hunter Valley drops through personalised experiences in an amiable and relaxed setting.
