Striking and bold the Hunter Valley's Wild Ren Wines makes a lasting impression
From the moment you take the turn off Broke Rd into Peppers Creek Village in the Hunter Valley, you sense something special is just around the corner.
The immaculately presented landscaping coupled with the gorgeous stone cottages has you feeling as though you’ve stepped into a bygone era. Peppers Creek Village is a destination all on its own and it’s here you’ll find Wild Ren Wines.
Launching at the end of September 2021 and officially opening the cellar door on November 5, owner Renee Burton explains that Wild Ren Wines wasn’t what she had always envisaged, more that fate would have its way,
“I’ve been involved in the wine industry for a long time, and I’d had thoughts of starting my own wine brand but nothing like this, however, as life does I found myself in a position where I had to re-evaluate everything. I had two young girls and what was important to me was that I created something that allowed me to be a strong role model for them.”
“I hadn’t remotely thought about opening a cellar door, but then this location became available in 2020 and if it hadn’t have been for this space I probably wouldn’t have, it was clearly meant to be.”
Formerly the cellar door of David Hook Wines, today what you’ll find is the result of Renee’s more than 20 years of experience in the wine and tourism industry, and an extension of Renee’s own personality and life experiences.
“The building was originally a winery, so I didn’t want to lose any of its character rather complement the uniqueness by keeping the sandstone intact, hardwood beams and columns, and polished concrete floors, but I also had to think about what was already in the Hunter Valley so as to bring something different.”
The striking wine bar style cellar door seamlessly merges the classic lines of old with bold interiors selections resulting in a completely original cellar door design. When it comes to the wines, it's here Renee’s originality shines brightest, with every detail of the wine making process being considered.
Renee’s experience in the wine industry is reflected in the quality selection of wines that include Hunter Valley classics Shiraz and Semillon alongside new world wine varieties such as Grüner Veltliner and Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre (GSM).
“I didn’t set out to change the wine world with Wild Ren Wines, my plan is to keep this a boutique offering and what I wanted to do with the cellar door is bring something to the Hunter Valley that isn’t here already.”
When it came to creating a name for her new wine brand, Wren was a natural fit. Apart from the play on her name, it’s the perfect representation of Renee’s own personality and life experiences. Not only are wrens beautiful, but they're strong as Renee explains,
“The Wren have a striking blue colouring which I've incorporated into my brand, however if you dig beyond the beautiful blue what you find is they face each day with brave, courageous hearts. They need to be intelligent, resourceful and agile to thrive. The family is ruled by the female Wren who is protective of their brood, adjusting as they need to survive harsher conditions. I really connected with this as I've made a big part of my business is about encouraging and supporting girls and women to realise their potential.”
For those who are drawn to a beautiful wine label you won’t be disappointed, each of the Wild Ren wine bottles has its own story to tell which Renee encourages guests to explore via her whimsical branding which extends beyond wine into gift cards and Renee's newest addition the Wren Gin.
A visit to Wild Ren Wines brings with it the opportunity to also explore its equally beautiful neighbours that include Cafe Enzo, Comyns & Co, Fetch Gifts and Homewares, and Pukara Estate making this a must-visit destination in the Hunter Valley.