The Convent Hunter Valley

Location

The Convent is set amid the beautiful gardens and vineyards of Australian wine country. Known locally as Hunter Valley, the region’s wine production is supported by the river of the same name. Explore the area’s verdant landscape on horse drawn carriage tours of local wineries or take a helicopter to get a bird’s eye view.

Accommodation

Dating back to 1876, the hotel’s building blends period European architectural styling with the picket fences of the American Hamptons. An intimate hotel, The Convent has just 17 guest rooms; each of which has French windows that open onto wide verandas and sweeping views of the estate. Look to the Superior Rooms for a private lounge area and the Premier Suite for decadently oversized accommodation.

Dining

A short walk down the tree-lined driveway is the hotel’s restaurant, Circa 1876. Housed in a historic cottage and surrounded by the estate’s picturesque grounds, it’s Hunter Valley’s most highly regarded restaurant and is incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike so be sure to book well in advance.

Under the incumbent head chef’s direction, the restaurant has moved from à la carte dining to two, three and five course tasting menus – think kangaroo scotch egg, wagyu rib eye and deconstructed lemon tart. Diners overlook the organic kitchen garden meaning that you can fully appreciate the restaurant’s ‘farm to fork’ ethos. The hotel’s second eatery, Restaurant Eighty Eight, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a more relaxed atmosphere and similarly focuses on fresh, organic produce.

Facilities

To continue your sensory education, the hotel offers superb tasting opportunities at the winery on the estate. However, to burn off the indulgence guests have free use of the tennis court, outdoor pool and boules court. To get further afield, hire a bike to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside. Speak to our specialists about pre-booking activities including hot air ballooning, golf, bushwalks, horse riding and cheese tasting at the Hunter Valley Cheese Company. At the end of the day, be sure to head back inside to enjoy a glass in front of the open fire in the restaurant’s champagne lounge.