How many times a week do you find yourself having that ‘I am so busy’ conversation? Does your mind race with all those things you haven’t done or need to be doing? When was the last time you really disconnected and did something as simple as sit, and watch the world go by?

What if we told you that there was a place whose sole purpose was to help you do just that, relax and switch off. Well there most definitely is and you don’t need to jump on a plane to experience it, this little slice of nirvana happens to be in the Hunter Valley and it’s called Tinonee Vineyard Estate.

Located along Milbrodale Road in the dramatically beautiful area of Broke, Tinonee Vineyard Estate is not new by any means. The original section of the homestead dates back to 1932 and the cellar door was most recently refurbished in 2017, resulting in something quite extraordinary.

Set across 50 acres of land at the foothills of the Broken Back Range, every aspect of the property has been carefully considered and manicured to absolute perfection. In addition to the views and the peaceful setting Tinonee Vineyard Estate is also home to the 1813 wine label and their truly unique cellar door experience.

Launching in 2017, the 1813 label brings a serious collection of wines to the table. Local winemaker, Daniel Binet, has crafted an impressive range from Tinonee Vineyard Estate including a Moscato, Fiano, Verdelho, Rosé and a few delicious reds including their flagship Shiraz, The Governor. A salute to Governor of the day, Lachlan Macquarie, this very special wine has its own unique tasting experience; being paired with the rich, intense flavour and full-bodied taste of Lindt 85% Cocoa Dark Chocolate. A perfect match really.

If you prefer a more traditional wine tasting experience, perch yourself at the wine tasting bar or, for something a little more relaxed, take the lounge option in the beautifully appointed renovated alfresco space. Complete with stunning views of the Brokenback Mountains and comfy lounges, this fully glassed-in area with artisan steel hand-made doors is an ideal place to appreciate the 1813 wines and add a bit of serenity to your day.

On a cold winter’s day, there’s nowhere else you’ll want to be than sitting by the state-of-the-art fireplace, with a glass of red in hand reconnecting with your people. Pure bliss! As are those perfectly constructed cheese platters, coming in three different sizes, the $10, $15 or $20 option, overflowing in local flavours it's the ideal excuse to extend your stay just that little bit longer.

The rich seam of red volcanic clay and sandy loams located by the Wollombi Brook are what differentiates Broke’s wine from other Hunter regions. A distinction that comes through in the aromas and flavours offered by each of the 1813 wines. There are eight in total and we encourage you to try them all.

What’s also to love about 1813 is the story behind the name. Called 1813 as a reference to the year that currency was first established in NSW, the label itself is an intricate depiction of the holey dollar, combined with the stamp of the dump that was punched out of the middle, creating two coins from one.

Prior to 1813 the sole currency of NSW was rum. It was through rum sales that Governor Macquarie was able to build a mint and establish legal currency in the state, in of course 1813. Not long after this, work began on the Great North Trading route resulting in the settling of Broke way back in 1824.

The Broke area has come a long way since then, quietly developing into a quality wine producing region in its own right. With a plethora of accommodation options, fresh farm gate products, delightful cafés, a chef hatted restaurant, and of course, amazing cellar door experiences like 1813 at Tinonee Vineyard Estate, what’s not to love.