Latest news with #Pokolbin
Time Out
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This beautiful, Spanish-style villa is just two hours from Sydney – and sleeps up to 15 guests
'One of the best weekends of my life' is a big call, but I reckon I've just come close. The first reason? I sat down to a long, sun-drenched lunch at Iron Gate Kitchen – Pokolbin's new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant – with seven of my friends. It was the kind of lunch where delicious plates of food keep on coming, stories are flowing, you're not entirely sure how many bottles of wine the table's had – and you don't really care. I love those lunches. The second reason is spending time with said friends. And the third? We spent the weekend at Iron Gate Estate, a Spanish-style villa set on a 25-acre, award-winning winery. I don't think MTV Cribs: Hunter Valley Edition is in the works, but if it was – this place would be on it. I can't overstate how beautiful this villa is. With a soft, sun-worn golden exterior, grand curved archways, terracotta tiles, a lush ultramarine pool, classic European fittings and fixtures, and gardens bursting with pretty florals, it looks like something you'd find in the Spanish countryside – and not two hours from Sydney. With seven bedrooms sleeping up to 15 guests, four bathrooms, multiple living spaces with two fireplaces – and both indoor and outdoor entertainment areas – Iron Gate Estate is also bloody huge. It's perfect for weekends away with friends (just like I did), but also birthday celebrations, family holidays and hen's weekends. And the fact that you have a beaut restaurant and cellar door just a stroll down the road is the cherry (or grape) on top. After lunch – and cocktails on the lawn at sunset – we retreated to the villa for chilled Champagne by the pool. We then made pizzas topped with sweet tomatoes, soft salty prosciutto and warm melted cheese. We danced in the kitchen and played Pick-Up Sticks around the fire. I didn't know where my phone was. I don't remember even thinking about it. We may have drunk more wine. Waking up wrapped in crisp white sheets, with views of the shimmering blue pool, well-manicured lawns and twisted vines, and the smell of bacon frying beckoning me from the kitchen, I felt blissfully happy – peaceful, loved, and, in even better news, I did not have a hangover. I already can't wait to come back to Iron Gate Estate. And the good news is you and your friends can stay here too. My tip: BYO pizza dough – it goes down a treat. Find out more here.
The Advertiser
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, is set to host a new weekly market from September
Organic Food Markets will launch their first weekly Pokolbin markets with food and non-food stalls on Sunday, September 7. This new market is set to bring local flavour and community spirit to the heart of Hunter Valley wine country at 691 Hermitage Road, offering a fresh destination for locals and visitors to explore the best of regional produce, artisan goods and handcrafted wares. Set among the vineyards, Pokolbin Market will run every Sunday from 8am to 2pm, rain or shine - with a focus on local growers, creators, makers and musicians. The market is now calling for stallholders and performers to join its exciting launch line-up. Stallholders will cater for both locals and visitors looking to fill their fridges with goodies and their shopping bags with local treasures. "Pokolbin Market will be a celebration of the incredible talent and produce of the Hunter," says Amanda Choularton, Director of Organic Food Markets. "With boutique wines, fresh-picked produce, handmade crafts and live music - all in one of NSW's most beautiful locations - it's set to be a must-visit experience every Sunday." Organic Food Markets operate at a number of venues in Sydney as well as in Newcastle. Stallholder Expressions of Interest are now open, with organisers seeking a wide range of vendors including: In addition to the weekly markets, stallholders will also enjoy bonus exposure during the D'Vine Festival on Sunday, September 21, when Pokolbin Market becomes a featured venue. Stall Fees: Vendors can apply directly at: Organic Food Markets will launch their first weekly Pokolbin markets with food and non-food stalls on Sunday, September 7. This new market is set to bring local flavour and community spirit to the heart of Hunter Valley wine country at 691 Hermitage Road, offering a fresh destination for locals and visitors to explore the best of regional produce, artisan goods and handcrafted wares. Set among the vineyards, Pokolbin Market will run every Sunday from 8am to 2pm, rain or shine - with a focus on local growers, creators, makers and musicians. The market is now calling for stallholders and performers to join its exciting launch line-up. Stallholders will cater for both locals and visitors looking to fill their fridges with goodies and their shopping bags with local treasures. "Pokolbin Market will be a celebration of the incredible talent and produce of the Hunter," says Amanda Choularton, Director of Organic Food Markets. "With boutique wines, fresh-picked produce, handmade crafts and live music - all in one of NSW's most beautiful locations - it's set to be a must-visit experience every Sunday." Organic Food Markets operate at a number of venues in Sydney as well as in Newcastle. Stallholder Expressions of Interest are now open, with organisers seeking a wide range of vendors including: In addition to the weekly markets, stallholders will also enjoy bonus exposure during the D'Vine Festival on Sunday, September 21, when Pokolbin Market becomes a featured venue. Stall Fees: Vendors can apply directly at: Organic Food Markets will launch their first weekly Pokolbin markets with food and non-food stalls on Sunday, September 7. This new market is set to bring local flavour and community spirit to the heart of Hunter Valley wine country at 691 Hermitage Road, offering a fresh destination for locals and visitors to explore the best of regional produce, artisan goods and handcrafted wares. Set among the vineyards, Pokolbin Market will run every Sunday from 8am to 2pm, rain or shine - with a focus on local growers, creators, makers and musicians. The market is now calling for stallholders and performers to join its exciting launch line-up. Stallholders will cater for both locals and visitors looking to fill their fridges with goodies and their shopping bags with local treasures. "Pokolbin Market will be a celebration of the incredible talent and produce of the Hunter," says Amanda Choularton, Director of Organic Food Markets. "With boutique wines, fresh-picked produce, handmade crafts and live music - all in one of NSW's most beautiful locations - it's set to be a must-visit experience every Sunday." Organic Food Markets operate at a number of venues in Sydney as well as in Newcastle. Stallholder Expressions of Interest are now open, with organisers seeking a wide range of vendors including: In addition to the weekly markets, stallholders will also enjoy bonus exposure during the D'Vine Festival on Sunday, September 21, when Pokolbin Market becomes a featured venue. Stall Fees: Vendors can apply directly at: Organic Food Markets will launch their first weekly Pokolbin markets with food and non-food stalls on Sunday, September 7. This new market is set to bring local flavour and community spirit to the heart of Hunter Valley wine country at 691 Hermitage Road, offering a fresh destination for locals and visitors to explore the best of regional produce, artisan goods and handcrafted wares. Set among the vineyards, Pokolbin Market will run every Sunday from 8am to 2pm, rain or shine - with a focus on local growers, creators, makers and musicians. The market is now calling for stallholders and performers to join its exciting launch line-up. Stallholders will cater for both locals and visitors looking to fill their fridges with goodies and their shopping bags with local treasures. "Pokolbin Market will be a celebration of the incredible talent and produce of the Hunter," says Amanda Choularton, Director of Organic Food Markets. "With boutique wines, fresh-picked produce, handmade crafts and live music - all in one of NSW's most beautiful locations - it's set to be a must-visit experience every Sunday." Organic Food Markets operate at a number of venues in Sydney as well as in Newcastle. Stallholder Expressions of Interest are now open, with organisers seeking a wide range of vendors including: In addition to the weekly markets, stallholders will also enjoy bonus exposure during the D'Vine Festival on Sunday, September 21, when Pokolbin Market becomes a featured venue. Stall Fees: Vendors can apply directly at:
The Advertiser
20-07-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Death of famed Hunter vineyard manager
THE Hunter Valley's Dr Harold William Tulloch, one of Australia's most distinguished viticulturists, has died at the age of 91. Known universally as Harry, he was a grandson of John Younie Tulloch, the founder of the Hunter Tulloch wine dynasty. His 70-year wine career began with a 1955 graduation from Roseworthy Wine College, and until recently, he managed the vines on his son Keith's Pokolbin vineyard. At Roseworthy he became great friends with fellow student John Vickery, later Australian master of riesling winemaking, and the pair rode their AJS 350 cc bikes across the Nullarbor to get experience in a vintage in Western Australia. After Roseworthy graduation Harry was appointed to head South Australia's Nurioota Research Station from 1956 to 1960. He then spent two years in the US gaining a viticulture honours degree at California University's famed Davis Wine School. Back in Australia, he worked in viticulture research in South Australia and in 1969 returned to the Hunter to plant major vineyards, and in 1970 he joined with his late wife Anne in establishing their own fine Mount View Wines brand. His achievements in 1992 brought him a University of Newcastle honorary doctor of science, and in 2023, he was created a Hunter Valley Legend of Wine. He is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Keith and Amanda, and Bruce and Dorothy, and grandchildren Cadell, Lydia, Joel, Jessica, Abigail and Alistair. His funeral will be held from 2.30 on Friday, July 25, at the Keith Tulloch winery, 989 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin THE Hunter Valley's Dr Harold William Tulloch, one of Australia's most distinguished viticulturists, has died at the age of 91. Known universally as Harry, he was a grandson of John Younie Tulloch, the founder of the Hunter Tulloch wine dynasty. His 70-year wine career began with a 1955 graduation from Roseworthy Wine College, and until recently, he managed the vines on his son Keith's Pokolbin vineyard. At Roseworthy he became great friends with fellow student John Vickery, later Australian master of riesling winemaking, and the pair rode their AJS 350 cc bikes across the Nullarbor to get experience in a vintage in Western Australia. After Roseworthy graduation Harry was appointed to head South Australia's Nurioota Research Station from 1956 to 1960. He then spent two years in the US gaining a viticulture honours degree at California University's famed Davis Wine School. Back in Australia, he worked in viticulture research in South Australia and in 1969 returned to the Hunter to plant major vineyards, and in 1970 he joined with his late wife Anne in establishing their own fine Mount View Wines brand. His achievements in 1992 brought him a University of Newcastle honorary doctor of science, and in 2023, he was created a Hunter Valley Legend of Wine. He is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Keith and Amanda, and Bruce and Dorothy, and grandchildren Cadell, Lydia, Joel, Jessica, Abigail and Alistair. His funeral will be held from 2.30 on Friday, July 25, at the Keith Tulloch winery, 989 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin THE Hunter Valley's Dr Harold William Tulloch, one of Australia's most distinguished viticulturists, has died at the age of 91. Known universally as Harry, he was a grandson of John Younie Tulloch, the founder of the Hunter Tulloch wine dynasty. His 70-year wine career began with a 1955 graduation from Roseworthy Wine College, and until recently, he managed the vines on his son Keith's Pokolbin vineyard. At Roseworthy he became great friends with fellow student John Vickery, later Australian master of riesling winemaking, and the pair rode their AJS 350 cc bikes across the Nullarbor to get experience in a vintage in Western Australia. After Roseworthy graduation Harry was appointed to head South Australia's Nurioota Research Station from 1956 to 1960. He then spent two years in the US gaining a viticulture honours degree at California University's famed Davis Wine School. Back in Australia, he worked in viticulture research in South Australia and in 1969 returned to the Hunter to plant major vineyards, and in 1970 he joined with his late wife Anne in establishing their own fine Mount View Wines brand. His achievements in 1992 brought him a University of Newcastle honorary doctor of science, and in 2023, he was created a Hunter Valley Legend of Wine. He is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Keith and Amanda, and Bruce and Dorothy, and grandchildren Cadell, Lydia, Joel, Jessica, Abigail and Alistair. His funeral will be held from 2.30 on Friday, July 25, at the Keith Tulloch winery, 989 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin THE Hunter Valley's Dr Harold William Tulloch, one of Australia's most distinguished viticulturists, has died at the age of 91. Known universally as Harry, he was a grandson of John Younie Tulloch, the founder of the Hunter Tulloch wine dynasty. His 70-year wine career began with a 1955 graduation from Roseworthy Wine College, and until recently, he managed the vines on his son Keith's Pokolbin vineyard. At Roseworthy he became great friends with fellow student John Vickery, later Australian master of riesling winemaking, and the pair rode their AJS 350 cc bikes across the Nullarbor to get experience in a vintage in Western Australia. After Roseworthy graduation Harry was appointed to head South Australia's Nurioota Research Station from 1956 to 1960. He then spent two years in the US gaining a viticulture honours degree at California University's famed Davis Wine School. Back in Australia, he worked in viticulture research in South Australia and in 1969 returned to the Hunter to plant major vineyards, and in 1970 he joined with his late wife Anne in establishing their own fine Mount View Wines brand. His achievements in 1992 brought him a University of Newcastle honorary doctor of science, and in 2023, he was created a Hunter Valley Legend of Wine. He is survived by sons and daughters-in-law Keith and Amanda, and Bruce and Dorothy, and grandchildren Cadell, Lydia, Joel, Jessica, Abigail and Alistair. His funeral will be held from 2.30 on Friday, July 25, at the Keith Tulloch winery, 989 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
Time Out
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This new sunlit restaurant on an award-winning Hunter Valley estate needs to be on your wine country hit list
The punchy gilda, bursting with salt and vinegar, and the velvety burnt Basque cheesecake may take you back to scoffing them on the streets of San Sebastián's Old Town. The grand, curved archways, golden-honey tones and terracotta tiles sure do evoke a rustic Spanish-style villa. But those vineyard views – all gentle green hills and twisted vines – and award-winning tropical verdelho and party-ready sparkling chardonnay – are all the Hunter. This is Iron Gate Kitchen, a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant now open within Pokolbin's celebrated and historic Iron Gate Estate. And you need to add it to your wine country hit list, now. Opened in May this year, the fire-fuelled restaurant brings together punchy Iberian flavours and fine vino in a sunlit, communal-style space that's the stuff of long lunch dreams. The 130-seat dining room features both indoor and alfresco seating – making it an ideal spot for your next weekend away with friends in the Hunter. Iron Gate Kitchen is helmed by head chef Lara Hagan (ex- Circa 1876), with talented general manager Harrison Plant (ex- EXP) leading the front of house. Hagan says: "In the winter, especially at Iron Gate Kitchen, it is all about bright sun-drenched courtyard lunches with seafood and semillon. Pair this then with a dinner elsewhere in the Valley that has a fireplace and serves big juicy reds, alongside with some really refined countryside produce. I swear you'll find some of the best cooked lamb of your life in the Hunter." Menu highlights include golden and crisp salt cod croquettes brightened with lemon juice; wood-fired flatbread topped with creamy stracciatella, 'nduja and fresh basil; slow-cooked caramelised lamb shoulder with a zippy salsa verde; and sizzling garlic prawns. Iron Gate Kitchen's wine list features Iron Gate Estate's award-winning drops by head winemaker Geoff Broadfield, who has been making wines in the region for more than 40 years – backed up by vino from friends across the Valley. Cocktails-wise, my pick is the Blood Orange Margarita, best enjoyed on the grass at sunset. The beautiful architecture and chic, sun-drenched interior design is by Emilie Delalande of Etic – the same gun behind Redfern's colourful Southeast Asian eatery, Island Radio. Also a bonus: Iron Gate Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner – which is good news if you're feeling a little dusty in the AM and no one in your crew is keen to warm up the pans. And one more thing: Iron Gate Estate's Spanish-style villa, which sleeps up to 15 guests and boasts a lush swimming pool, stunning European design and plenty of entertaining areas, is available for hire. Hello, birthday parties, hen's dos and weekends away with your people. Take it from me – it'll be a weekend for the memory books. You can find out more and book here. Address: 178 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320. Where to drink, eat and stay in the Hunter Valley.
