villa d'esta vineyard

It's a small personal vineyard , unlike industrialized sized operations in Hunter Valley, and it was very enjoyable for us due to its owner Zolie. We were a group of 5 friends who decided to just swing by the winery and it turned out to be a very memorable experience. Zolie, the owner , was a 4th generation of wine makers. His great grandfather, grandfather, and father made a name for the family planting grapes and making wine in Budapest, Hungary. He decided to move to Australia 18 years ago and set up here. It took him 2 years just to clear the land and prepare it to be able to grow grapes. He makes all natural wine without chemicals . Once we got there, he brought out 3 bottles- a Chardonnay, a Shiraz ,a Cocumbark Red. He brought a plate of crackers and a plate of cheese . Before we know it, we were telling stories on life , and we had gone thru the 3 bottles . They were great tasting wine. I am not a sommelier, but these were very good wine. He then brings out a couple more of his best vintage. We went through those too. His company was very engaging. I would like to think he enjoyed our company too. He then shows us his distilling area, his wine barrels , his wine stock, etc. It was a personal tour, as we were practically the only ones there. We ended up buying 36 bottles (3 dozen) bottles from him. For every 6 bottles we bought, he gave away 1 bottle. They were reasonably priced between $Au 15 to 20. We ended up inviting him to a local pub (the only one around he can recommend) to have a hearty dinner. We practically spent the whole afternoon to evening with him. It was a very pleasant and memorable visit. Hardworking individuals with passion are just fascinating . Do visit Zolie and his vineyard. You'll like him. The good wine and the great view from his vineyard makes things even better.

A small winery with wines made in the Hungarian tradition, the reds are very good and the Chardonnay is excellent.

We were warned before visiting that we needed to allow plenty of time, especially if calling at the end of the day.We realised this was good advice as soon as mine host came out with three glasses when it was only my wife and I calling! He also came out with crackers and cheese and we almost didn't need an evening meal when we got back to our accommodation!The wine 'tasting' was more like 'consumption' of three bottles and we bought 3 bottles on the way out to try and make up for it (but we would have bought them anyway!)Highly recommended!

Good wine, good people.We went mid week, they were in the middle of harvest and still had time for us. Even gave me partner a bunch of fresh grapes off the vine. Bit of a drive from the hwy but worth it.