History meets luxury at Boydell’s

In 1826, Charles Boydell planted some of the first-ever vines in the Hunter Valley, along the Allyn River in East Gresford. Nearly two centuries later, Daniel and Jane Maroulis fell in love with the property and moved their family from western New South Wales to pursue their dream of small-scale wine production.

Since the winery’s establishment in 2015, Boydell’s has quickly gained prominence within the local and national wine industry, winning a plethora of awards and achieving a four-and-a-half-star rating for their first appearance in the Halliday Wine Companion guide. “We work with one of Australia’s best winemakers, Liz Silkman, and keep a hands-on approach every step of the way to produce consistently honest and good wine,’” Daniel says.

The next step for Daniel and Jane was to create a tasting and dining experience for guests to sample their signature varietals paired with fresh, local produce. This month, they will open the doors of their stunning new restaurant and cellar door in Morpeth, truly solidifying the young – but already highly regarded – brand’s place among the best wineries in the Hunter Valley region. The heritage-listed building incorporates the rich biography of Charles Boydell and his vineyards, but with a fresh, modern take. “Authenticity is important to us,” Daniel says of the historic architecture and design. 

Oysters at the Boydell’s restaurant.

The restaurant, led by head chef Sheldon Black, will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday and offers a contemporary menu of regional and seasonal produce. “We’ll change the menu regularly, keeping Boydell’s wines in mind to create a wonderfully harmonious experience," Sheldon says. “The courtyard is the perfect spot for springtime dining and drinks, and the large fireplace inside will be nice and cosy during winter.”

If you feel inclined to stay awhile, the accommodation is opulent glamping at its absolute best. Boydell’s Camp is an indulgent African safari tent overlooking the historic vineyards and lush grazing paddocks on the Allyn River. Imported directly from Africa and decorated for the ultimate luxury getaway, the tent boasts a freestanding copper bath, timber flooring and a king-size bed.

Inside Boydell’s African Safari Camp

“Ditch your devices and sit on the verandah watching kangaroos grazing or enjoy paddle boarding on the beautiful river – just indulge in the peace and quiet,” Jane says. “We wanted to give our visitors a unique experience unlike anything else available in the Hunter Valley.”