Carriages

Set on 16ha of picturesque grounds and she-oak forest, the vineyard produces small parcels of chardonnay and shiraz. Much of the vineyard work is undertaken by hand by a small team; the wines are contract-made by Andrew Thomas. Carriages Shiraz and Chardonnay are typical of the modern Hunter Valley style, the Chardonnay elegant and crisp without heavy oak overload. A 10-room boutique hotel is set in a garden of its own within the vineyard. Not to be confused with The Carriages in the Goulburn Valley (see separate entry). -JAMES HALLIDAY