Hunter Valley weekends just got cosier!
For nearly two decades, Harkham has been a Hunter Valley staple, renowned for its small-batch, single-vineyard wines crafted with a focus on minimal intervention. Now, owner and winemaker Richie Harkham is taking things a step further with the July 18th launch of a brand new restaurant on the winery grounds.
This isn’t a venue for white tablecloths and hushed conversations. Harkham’s restaurant is all about relaxed conviviality. The space is bathed in natural light, thanks to expansive windows that blur the lines between indoors and the picturesque Hunter Valley setting. On cooler evenings, a custom-built fireplace crackles invitingly, adding a touch of warmth.
The menu, designed by Head Chef Shaun Nash (formerly of Cutler & Co) echoes this easygoing spirit. Shared plates are the order of the day with Italian classics done right. Fried olives are bursting with tangy goat’s cheese, juicy meatballs bathed in a rich pomodoro sauce, and a decadent tiramisu made with a treasured family recipe. Local produce takes centre stage, with ingredients sourced from respected suppliers like Gourmet Life and neighbouring Hunter Valley farms like Nolan’s.
Of course, no Harkham experience would be complete without a perfect wine pairing. The restaurant’s list features the full range of Harkham’s natural and reserve wines, alongside a curated selection chosen by Richie in collaboration with leading wine distributor Andrew Guard. Expect to find bottles from other Hunter Valley producers, rare French finds, and even a caviar service for those looking to indulge.
But Harkham isn’t just about wine aficionados. Craft beer lovers are well-catered to, and there’s even a selection of high-end spirits like Dom Perignon and Clase Azul tequila. And for those seeking a unique tipple, a bespoke cocktail list awaits. Created by Richie and Byron Woolfrey of Trolley’d, a bar service known for its focus on sustainability and local ingredients, these cocktails are an ode to the Hunter Valley itself. The Espresso Martini is infused with house-made chocolate liqueur and roasted wattleseed and the Blood Orange & Smoked Chilli Margarita features blood oranges sourced from a nearby winery.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Harkham’s wines or not, the wine list alongside the new restaurant is a beautiful love letter to the local industry.
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Looking for more to do in the Hunter Valley? Hop From Winery To Winery