For well over a century, Hunter Valley wine growers have refined variety, technique and style to achieve universal recognition and acclaim for its long-lived Semillon, full flavoured Chardonnay and elegant Shiraz. These three classic varieties are the primary focus of Bimbadgen’s Hunter Valley vineyards.
The red volcanic soils that run along the crest of the valley are perfect for the cultivation of premium Shiraz; while Semillon thrives on the ancient sandy loam of the valley floor. The soil profile can change in a matter of a few steps, allowing us to craft distinctive, site specific wines that express not only the characteristics of the Hunter Valley and the vineyard site, but of the individual blocks within.
As Bimbadgen’s vineyards are over 50 years of age, the low yielding production is delivering wines of prestige, intrigue, balance and finesse like never before.
Bimbadgen’s Palmers Lane vineyard was planted in 1968 and the McDonalds Road vineyard shortly thereafter; both sites providing a highly sought after source of old vine Semillon, Shiraz and Chardonnay.
Our unique name stems from the local indigenous language meaning ‘Place of Good View’. The visionary architecture of the winery, including the striking bell tower that is the iconic image of our brand, seeks to complement the natural landscape by capturing the stunning views from every possible vantage point.
Acquired by the Lee family in 1997 as the crown jewel within the Mulpha Australia luxury property portfolio, significant investment over twenty years has seen Bimbadgen quietly emerge as one of the most prestigious and significant vineyard and tourism destinations in the Hunter Valley.
Our wine production predominantly supplies Mulpha Group hotel assets including Hayman Island, the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove, and the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel in Sydney, as well as a range of international hotels owned by Mulpha International.
The remaining wine is highly sought after and sold through our Cellar Door, Exclusive Wine Club, Esca Bimbadgen restaurant and select distribution in NSW.
The original Bimbadgen vineyard on Palmers Lane was planted in 1968 at the end of a dirt road that remains virtually untouched to this day. With century old fig trees framing a spectacular view of the Brokenback mountain range, this vineyard remains one of the Hunter Valley’s best kept secrets.
15 hectares of vines planted predominantly in a North-South orientation, with the ‘Contour’ blocks following the shape of the land through the centre of the vineyard. Less than two kilometres away from the Bimbadgen winery as the crow flies, this vineyard typically ripens a full two weeks later than the McDonalds Road site, the reasons for which remain a mystery.
The soil profile at Palmers Lane is one of the most clearly delineated and distinctive anywhere in Australia. At the top of the hill is the red volcanic soil upon which our Shiraz thrives, producing a pretty, perfumed and elegant wine. At the bottom lays our prized Semillon blocks, planted on lean, sandy loam soils. These blocks consistently deliver the fruit that shines in our Signature range, the very highest quality Bimbadgen wine produced only in the very best seasons.
Positioned high above the surrounding area overlooking the patchwork of vineyards from Rothbury and Pokolbin to Lovedale, the 12 hectare McDonalds Road vineyard typically produces brooding wines of unmistakable depth and concentration. Starring among the McDonalds Road blocks are the dry grown blocks adjacent to the 7th green of the Vintage Championship golf course.
Our winemaking philosophy begins by treating every individual block as a potential Signature wine, vinified separately with equal care. Bimbadgen’s winemaking team has the luxury of drawing on the distinctive attributes of each block and vineyard to blend our Single Vineyard range of the highest quality, with only the most select parcels being classified as Signature wines.