To our loyal Bimbadgen customers, members and visitors,

It’s been another busy year here at Bimbadgen. So many changes including our General Manger Belinda moving to Sydney to head up Hospitality for Mulpha Group, although you will still see her smiling face around the Valley from time to time, – I’m excited to be taking on the role of General Manager and look forward to another year full of events, new products and our Hunter Valley offering continue to grow.

This year we have returned to normal without distancing and restrictions and we are excited for all the things to come at Bimbadgen. Here is a little snapshot of what’s happened and what’s in the pipeline for the year ahead:

In 2022, we made the leap into proper distilling after producing our first batch of Freshwater Gin last year. Now we have upped the ante and bought a state-of-the-art custom Still from Germany (codenamed “Karl”) and are super excited to create our own bespoke range of spirits and share them with you. We are also pleased to announce the appointment of Kip Bundy, our full-time distiller joining the team to help drive our spirits programme.

Esca Bimbadgen restaurant keeps getting better and better thanks to Executive Chef, Mark Marshall. A new summer menu has launched so if you haven’t been to Esca for a while, now’s your chance to book a long lunch or better still, dinner on NYE!

The Cellar Door goes from strength to strength with Manager Yvette at the helm. We are looking to introduce some new tasting experiences in 2023, so be sure to book in for a tasting when you are visiting the Hunter Valley.

Over at our Palmers Lane property, our accommodation project is well underway and is set to open around August 2023.  With 60 studio retreats in the works, it’s going to be a fantastic addition to our wedding and function space at Palmers Lane.

Our Growers Range recently went through an exciting re-brand – still the same great tasting wines but with a fresh, contemporary label that really makes it pop on the shelf. We also toasted our winemaker Richard at the Hunter Valley Wine Show as his Growers Range Vermentino scored a trophy, while the Semillon and Rosé took out Gold.

Last year, we acquired Emma’s Cottage vineyard in Lovedale, featuring four charming cottages for our members to enjoy. It has been a year of big changes here also as Meg continues to run the property. We have just launched Alter wines that act as Bimbadgen’s alter-ego in the Valley. There is also a new functions space in the works here that will suit smaller weddings and corporate gatherings.

Another great feat of 2022 was welcoming back concerts at Bimbadgen. While it was almost a wash out at Crowded House as an electrical storm nearly halted the evening, thankfully all cleared up for a memorable event. We look forward to welcoming Sting to Bimbadgen in February – if you’re yet to get tickets, we advise acting quick, these events always sell out!

For now, wishing you all a very safe, happy and healthy festive season and I cannot wait to welcome you back to events in the new year!

Warm regards,
Sophie Andrews
General Manager – Bimbadgen