Harkham Winery in the Hunter Valley is opening a new restaurant on Thursday, July 18 featuring live music every Saturday afternoon and a shareable menu, alongside its picturesque cellar door.
Harkham Winery, a small family-owned business, lies in the heart of the Hunter Valley with breath-taking views of the Brokenback Range. Known for its dedication to small batch, single-vineyard varietal wines, Harkham employs minimal intervention in their winemaking process.
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Since their first vintage in 2005, the Harkham family has pioneered natural and orange wines in the region, using traditional clay amphorae for fermentation. Their limited production of 20,000 bottles annually finds its way to some of Australia’s finest dining establishments, such as Brae, Margaret, and Bentley Restaurant & Bar.
Owner and winemaker Richie Harkham has teamed up with restaurateur Marco Ambrosino and head chef Shaun Nash, formerly of Cutler and Co, to craft a menu that aligns with Harkham wines. The menu, designed for sharing, includes five sections: starters and snacks, protein, pasta, pizza, sides, and dessert. Standout dishes include fried olives with goat’s cheese, spaghetti aglio olio peperoncino, vodka rigatoni, and veal cotoletta, with desserts featuring tiramisu and a cheese selection. A snack menu offers smaller plates outside main meal times, and seasonal truffles and caviar service add a touch of luxury.
Supporting chef Shaun Nash is sous chef Robin Clough, who brings experience from Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany and London, as well as stints at Vue de Monde and Quay. Their combined expertise promises a culinary experience that complements Harkham’s wine offerings perfectly.
Harkham’s wine list, curated by Richie and Australian wine distributor Andrew Guard, showcases boutique producers and minimal intervention wines from the Hunter Valley and rare French selections. Beer lovers will find a varied selection, and those seeking something special can choose from Dom Perignon and Clase Azul tequila.
In addition to wines and beers, Richie has collaborated with Byron Woolfrey, co-founder of Trolley’d, to create an exclusive cocktail list. Trolley’d is renowned for its sustainable approach, using native Australian, foraged, and local organic produce. The cocktails feature unique ingredients like Riberry and Illawarra plum. Highlights include the Finger Lime & Riberry Negroni, Blood Orange & Smoked Chilli Margarita, and an Illawarra Plum & Lavender Whiskey Sour.
The restaurant's design, led by Jessica Enander Dunne, who also designed Harkham’s cellar door and accommodation in 2012, uses timeless and earthy materials to blend seamlessly with the Hunter Valley landscape. A floor-to-ceiling window wall opens up to the outdoors, and a custom round fireplace creates a cosy atmosphere on colder nights. The large open-plan area accommodates 180 guests and includes a bar, restaurant, private dining room, and cellar door. The surrounding outdoor area features a fire pit for winter warmth and barbecues for summer gatherings, making it ideal for private functions, weddings, and conferences.
Harkham’s new restaurant will operate from 12 pm to 5 pm on Thursdays, 12 pm to 11 pm on Fridays, 8 am to 11 pm on Saturdays, and 8 am to 6 pm on Sundays. The cellar door will be open from 10 am to 5 pm, Thursday through Sunday.
Reservations can be made via Harkham’s website.