Rustic charm, rare wines, and a revived distillery experience
Image credit: MJK Creative
If you’ve ever driven down McDonald’s Road in the Hunter Valley, chances are you’ve passed Ben Ean - maybe even dropped in for a wine tasting, dined at Baumé, or enjoyed a coffee and custom-made cake from the Ben Ean Patisserie.
One of the Hunter Valley’s oldest and most iconic estates, Ben Ean has become the complete destination when it comes to food and beverage experiences since relaunching in 2017, and now, tucked within this historic estate is something even more special.
Invited by the team to experience this new something special, our evening began in the Ben Ean cellar door where we were welcomed with bubbles and a selection of canapes curated by Chef Jon.
A spectacular space in itself, we weren’t given enough time to get too comfy with the evening quickly shifting to the main attraction, which sits just to the right of the Ben Ean cellar door.
Unremarkable from the outside, any such ordinariness is quickly swept away when you walk through the oversized wooden doors, with a feeling of stepping back in time instantly overwhelming you in the best possible way.
Originally built by John McDonald in 1907, the Ben Ean Distillery operated until 1963 with its purpose being to produce brandy spirit, which was then used to craft fortified wine. Untouched for more than five decades, it was Hunter Valley Living Legends Brian McGuigan and Colin Peterson who thought it time the historical space was reimagined.
The result: an extensive refurbishment being undertaken and the distillery reopening as a tribute to the winemaking heritage of Ben Ean, and affectionately renamed - The Still House.
Heritage listed, T Still House now oozes rustic elegance, from its extraordinarily high ceilings complete with exposed beams, character-filled timber wall paneling and towering vertical wine walls, all complementing the spectacular copper still, which is an absolute showstopper.
The Still House is intimate, with capacity capped at 12 people, which means the experience feels incredibly personal, whether you’re with friends, clients, or on a wine-lovers’ getaway. The team have also created a range of food and wine experiences for you to enjoy, starting with…
Chef Jon
The Tasting Experience
Our evening was more of a dining experience, however the space is set up for tasting only experiences, a guided session that lets you explore both the premium The Still House range and select drops from the Ben Ean cellar door.
It’s not just about sipping and nodding – the host takes you deep into the stories, the vintages, and the craftsmanship behind each bottle. It’s thoughtful, considered, and perfect for those wanting a deep dive without a food pairing.
The Still House Tasting Only: $50 pp | 1hr 45min
Add Food?
Of course, if you want to take things up a notch, as we did, pair your tasting with a 3-, 5-, or even 7-course lunch or dinner.
Executive Chef Jon works with only the best seasonal produce, all of which is beautifully plated, and each dish designed to complement the wine. If you’re feeling indulgent, go all in on the 7-course option, as we did. Our highlight was the Tomahawk Steak, which was carved right before us, cooked to perfection with melt-in-the-mouth kind of flavours.
The surprise cheese course was an absolute delight, and rounded out the evening perfectly.
Tasting + 3 Courses: $190 pp | 2hr 30min
Tasting + 5 Courses: $220 pp | 2hr 50min
Tasting + 7 Courses: $290 pp | 3+ hrs
Meet the Makers
One of the more unique options is the Meet the Makers experience. A rare chance to connect with the people behind the wines and allows you to join one of the featured winemakers from the Ben Ean Cellar Door Range as they share personal stories, vintage insights, and guide you through a tasting of their handcrafted wines – all in a relaxed, intimate setting.
Meet the Makers + 3 Course: $190 pp | 2hr 30min
A Penfolds Moment
If you’re a serious wine lover, the Penfolds tasting experiences are unmissable. Inside The Still House, you’re guided through current Penfolds vintages alongside top drops from Ben Ean. Want to go all the way? Add a pour of the legendary Grange for an extra $65 — a worthy splurge.
Penfolds Tasting Only: $120 pp | 1hr 45min
Penfolds + 3 Courses: $250 pp | 2hr 30min
Penfolds + 5 Courses: $290 pp | 2hr 50min
Penfolds + 7 Courses: $290 pp | 3+ hrs
Add Grange tasting: $65 pp
The Ultimate: Penfolds Degustation
For the ultimate indulgence, the Penfolds Ultimate Degustation is next-level. Six stunning courses, paired with both current and back-vintage Penfolds wines, finishing with a pour of Grange. It’s everything you’d expect from a luxury wine experience, delivered with genuine Hunter hospitality.
Penfolds Ultimate Degustation: $600 pp | 3+ hrs
Private Hire?
Yes absolutely. Planning a team offsite or a day out of the office? The Still House is also available for corporate hire. With vineyard views, morning and afternoon tea, and enough character to inspire big ideas, it’s a welcome change from your usual boardroom.
Corporate Hire: $600 per day | Max. 16 people
The Still House is where Ben Ean gets seriously refined – without losing that warm, relaxed Hunter Valley charm. Whether you’re there for a long lunch, a Grange tasting, or to meet the minds behind the wine, the Still House offers something that’s hard to find: a premium experience that still feels warm, down-to-earth, and full of soul.
