Business Event Case Studies

St Hugo, Barossa Valley, SA

Volvo Recharge C40

Your attitude of ‘anything is possible’ and ‘we will make it happen’ also provided me with a feeling that we were in good hands. An exceptional customer experience.

Greg Bosnich Director, Public Relations & Corporate Communication, Volvo Car Australia Pty Ltd

About the event:  

This event at St Hugo winery introduced Volvo’s newest all-electric vehicle, the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric, to media who represented the automotive, lifestyle and technology sectors. 

Media guests and senior Volvo Car Australia executives, including the National Managing Director and Director of Public Relations & Corporate Communications, enjoyed welcome drinks at St Hugo, which were then followed by a four-course luncheon. The event provided an opportunity for the winery to not only showcase its extensive grounds, award-winning wines and superb cuisine but also several of its venues, allowing the winery’s history and beautiful setting to shine through. 

About St Hugo: 

St Hugo is located in the world-renowned Barossa Valley region of South Australia, an approximate one-hour drive from Adelaide. The Barossa Valley is famous for its food and wine traditions, hospitality and proud European heritage. 

The St Hugo winery honours the name and traditions of visionary winemaker Hugo Gramp who lived and worked his entire life in the Barossa and successfully built the Gramp & Sons winery into the industry pillar that is today known as St Hugo. With the first vines planted by Hugo’s grandfather in 1847, St Hugo wines are now prized by wine collectors and connoisseurs the world over. 

St Hugo boasts a range of premium spaces for business events, whether for a business meeting, a luxurious wine-tasting occasion for a corporate incentive, an Australian Good Food Guide two-hatted restaurant experience or a bespoke event space.  Venues include the Hugo Gramp Room (maximum capacity of 18 guests), the Stone Lounge and a stunning courtyard (with a maximum capacity of 50 guests for the Stone Lounge and 80 guests for the Courtyard), an outdoor deck area with sweeping views, a private meeting room and the award-winning St Hugo Restaurant. 

Why St Hugo? 

The client, Volvo Car Australia, had held an event at St Hugo a number of years previously and, having loved the venue, selected it again for this important VIP media vehicle launch. 

The Event Execution: 

The event was a drive and showcase program that was conducted twice in October. Media representatives were invited to drive the new Volvo C40 vehicles from Adelaide Airport to St Hugo in the Barossa Valley, having flown into the airport earlier in the day from various states across Australia. 

On arrival, six Volvo vehicles were arrayed around the impressive St Hugo entrance and were strategically positioned close to the vines.  This display not only maximised the vehicles’ features but also ensured the stunning St Hugo surrounds would feature in media photography and videography. 

Welcome drinks, which were non-alcoholic due to it being a drive program,  consisted of sparkling and still water as well as assorted soft-drinks, and were hosted in the beautiful St Hugo Restaurant with its superb vantage point overlooking the vineyards and heritage courtyard.  Lunch was then held in an historic area of St Hugo, the Stone Lounge, which is part of the original gravity-fed winery constructed in the 1840s. 

Executive Chef at St Hugo, Nik Tucker, introduced the four-course menu to the guests, highlighting the fresh, seasonal produce that had come directly from the St Hugo onsite kitchen garden.  

The delicious lunch menu included dishes such as grilled asparagus, St Hugo speck, Manchego cheese, toasted chorizo, panzanella salad, apricot-glazed chicken with roasted swedes and parsnip puree and for dessert, lemon curd tart and burnt meringue. 

The Volvo National Managing Director, Stephen Connor, spoke during lunch about the launch of the Volvo C40 and also the future outlook for Volvo in the EV market. 

Whilst no wines were served at lunch due to the guests being due to make a return drive back to the airport and Adelaide city,  the Tourism & Events Manager from St Hugo, Shane Gibbons, maximised the opportunity to talk about the amazing portfolio of St Hugo premium wines on offer. Media guests were invited to enjoy special complimentary shipping on any six-pack wine purchases they might wish to make, which was very positively received.  

As a special memento, all guests were also given a take-home bottle of the St Hugo DR3, a fine wine collaboration with legendary Australian Formula 1 driver, Daniel Ricciardo. Not only an excellent wine but a fitting complement to the automotive theme of the event.  

A corporate socially responsible event: 

No alcohol was served at the event, which not only showcased the responsible driving commitment of Volvo Car Australia but also supported the Responsible Service of Alcohol commitment of St Hugo. 

The Verdict: 

Glowing feedback was received from Volvo Car Australia post-event, thanking the St Hugo team for their efforts in ensuring the successful delivery of an exceptional media launch of the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric. 

“A final thank-you on behalf of Volvo Cars for the unwavering support that you provided us during our media event this week. From our initial contact, your personal commitment to ensure we delivered the best possible experience to our invited guests, thus allowing us to showcase our brand and product, was infectious. Your attitude of ‘anything is possible’ and, ‘we will make it happen’ also provided me with a feeling that we were in good hands. An exceptional customer experience. 

The media absolutely had a wonderful experience and our combined efforts have reaffirmed to them that we’re a brand that puts people at the centre of all we do. We know our product is second to none and the reports being written by them after the drive clearly demonstrate that. 

Wishing you ongoing success, and we look forward to coming back to Adelaide, Barossa Valley and, in particular, St Hugo in the near future.” 

Greg Bosnich Director, Public Relations & Corporate Communication,  Volvo Car Australia Pty Ltd:  

On behalf of the St Hugo team, the Tourism and Events Manager summed up the motor vehicle launch event:  

“Volvo was a delightful, professional client to work with. They were very responsive to all communications and ensured that we received all information in a timely manner so that we could prepare and deliver successful events for them. We look forward to welcoming them back for their next event/s at St Hugo.” 

Shane Gibbons, Tourism & Events Manager, St Hugo & Jacob’s Creek 

Printhie Wines, Orange, NSW

The Huddle Breakfast Forage Walk

Besides the beautiful view and the well-kept vineyard, the Printhie staff go above and beyond to ensure the event runs smoothly. The attention to detail sets Printhie above others - they honestly think of everything!

Jess Conliffe, Organiser of The Huddle by Jumbled Online

About the event:

The Huddle is an annual two-day event staged for women in business. The 2023 program included a number of social events and conference sessions that featured an inspirational lineup of women speakers and entrepreneurs who shared their life and business experiences.

Over 700 delegates attended The Huddle Conference from as far afield as Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and New Zealand. Conference sessions were staged at the Orange Function Centre in the heart of the township of Orange, with delegates staying at a diverse array of accommodations, from five-star luxury boutique properties to hotels and apartments.

A feature satellite event of The Huddle Conference is the bespoke Breakfast Forage Walk, an optional buy-in activity, which in 2023 was staged for 170 participants at the stunning Printhie Wines Estate. This roving breakfast event was first held at Printhie Wines in May 2022 and will take place again in 2024, when it is held in March.

The Huddle Breakfast Forage Walk is a curated stroll through the vineyards and orchards at the Printhie Wines Estate and, like The Huddle Conference itself, provides an opportunity for delegates, VIP speakers, and mentors to network in a friendly and relaxed environment.

About Printhie Wines:

Printhie Wines is situated in the Central Tablelands region of NSW and is ten kilometres from the township of Orange, an approximate 3½ hour drive from Sydney.  Orange Regional Airport is also serviced by airlines which provide direct flight connections to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

The Estate encompasses 50 acres set in picturesque countryside amongst rolling green hills, quintessential farming sheds and dams and cradled in the protective shade of magnificent Mount Canobolas. The winery boasts elevated vineyards, which, in combination with cool-climate winemaking craftsmanship, produce impeccable wines.  A member of the select winery collective, Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia, Printhie’s high elevation delivers award-winning  ‘Wine with Altitude’. Printhie handcrafts the SWIFT sparkling range, which was crowned Best Australian Sparkling at the 2022 Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships in London and has also been voted Best NSW Sparkling for the past six consecutive years.

At Printhie Wines Estate, groups can enjoy a wine-tasting experience at the state-of-the-art Cellar Door, a gourmet picnic amongst vineyards and the heritage apple orchard or go beyond the cellar door for an intimate Sparkling Masterclass to uncover the process behind Printhie’s sparkling wines. A range of dining and meeting venue options are available for groups and include the Private Cellar, the Printhie Dining Restaurant, The Tasting Room, the Pavilion, alfresco dining at the ‘Chaff Shed’ and also the original fruit packing shed built in 1910.

Reasons why client selected Printhie for this event:

The capacity of Printhie Wines to craft a premium experience meant that the delegates participating in the Breakfast Forage Walk had an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Orange region.  Printhie Wine’s experience in creating bespoke events was one of the many reasons why the Estate was chosen for the event, along with the team’s ability to liaise seamlessly with the conference organisers to deliver a memorable and enjoyable event.

Based on the success of the initial event in 2022, it was decided to make the Breakfast Forage Walk a signature inclusion in The Huddle Conference program, as an optional activity. In addition to delivering an enjoyable experience for the participants, the event organisers identified that it presented an opportunity to obtain impressive visuals and social media content for ongoing conference promotion.

Event execution:

Delegates who registered for The Huddle Conference were invited to purchase a ticket for the optional morning activity at Printhie Wines.

The 170 guests who participated in the walk were provided with a map revealing a three-kilometre trail through the Estate’s apple orchards and vineyards. They were invited to find their way to four food and wine stations dotted along the route. Delegates were invited to pause for photo opportunities at locations specially chosen by the Printhie team to showcase the most picturesque settings and backgrounds on the Estate.

Local produce and fine wines a feature:

Each station provided breakfast treats and perfectly matched wines, including Printhie’s Sparkling  Vintage Brut and Swift Sparkling Rosé.  For those preferring a non-alcoholic beverage, spritzers of freshly-pressed aromatic Printhie grapes enhanced by native botanicals were available.

The four stations along the Walk included the Apple Packing Shed, the Cellar Door, an area featuring a coffee van with a barista dispensing hot beverages, and the final stop, a delicious ‘Pastry Point’ with trestle tables adorned with delicious pastries and sweet treats.  Printhie Wines partnered with a local eatery, Groundstone Café, to cater for the unique roaming breakfast. Printhie Wines also provided off-site bar and beverage services at the Orange Function Centre for the full day of The Huddle Conference.

Inland Oysters:

At the conclusion of the Walk, guests were invited to stay on and relax at the Cellar Door where optional oyster and cheese platters could be purchased along with Printhie wines, with an exclusive offer available for those delegates wishing to buy takeaway wines. A feature of the Printhie Wines Cellar Door is its oyster tank, which enables the winery to have a regular supply of fresh oysters on hand, despite its location several hours from the ocean. Showcasing cutting-edge marine technology, Printhie is the only winery and cellar door in Australia to have this innovative oyster tank available.

A sustainable event providing an invaluable legacy:

Every item provided for The Huddle Breakfast Forage Walk event was either recyclable or compostable, and delegates were given a branded ‘The Huddle’ glass as a keepsake. No plastics were used, and the wine glass lanyards, which enabled delegates to stroll along the route hands-free, were returned to the winery at the conclusion of the event to be reused at next year’s event.

Printhie Wines was delighted to showcase the premium produce and wines of the Orange region to the conference delegates. The winery not only provides invaluable local training and employment opportunities in this regional NSW location, but expenditures by winery visitors have broad dispersal, benefiting a range of regional accommodation suppliers, restaurants, cafes, and retailers.

The Verdict:

From the Printhie Wines Team:

“This beautiful breakfast experience exceeded all expectations, with our guests pronouncing it a one-of-a-kind event. We enjoy creating bespoke corporate and consumer events of all sizes, tailoring programs to suit our guests’ needs and making use of our various on-site venues, including the Packing Shed, Cellar Door and restaurant, Printhie Dining.”

Emily Swift, Marketing Manager, Printhie Wines

From the host organisation:

"Every year we host a breakfast forage at Printhie and it is always a highlight! Besides the beautiful view and the well-kept vineyard, the Printhie staff go above and beyond to ensure the event runs smoothly. The attention to detail sets Printhie above others - they honestly think of everything! We can't wait for them to host our next event!"

Jess Conliffe, Organiser of The Huddle by Jumbled Online

 From a guest:

"Participating in The Huddle's Breakfast Forage at Printhie Winery was an exceptional blend of nature and corporate engagement. The 3km stroll through the picturesque Printhie Apple Orchard, complemented by bubbles and breakfast, resulted in a truly distinctive experience.

This immersive event seamlessly integrated corporate networking with the pleasure of uncovering hidden gems within the vineyard. Printhie Winery's meticulous planning and attention to detail not only underscored their expertise in crafting exceptional wines but also highlighted their proficiency in orchestrating distinctive events that leave a lasting impression on all attendees. Even as a frequent visitor to the vineyard, I found myself still captivated by the stunning setting.

The flawless execution by the Printhie team demonstrated their unwavering dedication to delivering a unique and memorable experience for all.”

Amy van de Ven, Business Owner, Quest Orange

Artisans of Barossa, SA

Spring Seminar on Emergency Medicine 2023

This event was the perfect way to showcase what the Barossa Valley is all about and what Artisans of Barossa is able to achieve - great food, amazing wine, and a sense of community. 

Claudia Fechner, Sales & Events, Artisans of Barossa

About the event:

The Spring Seminar on Emergency Medicine 2023 was an international conference held in the Barossa Valley region of South Australia from 17 to 20 October 2023.

The primary conference venue was the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort, and the event was hosted by Peripheral Hospitals Emergency Medicine Conference, a non-profit organisation devoted to teaching and learning in Emergency Medicine. The annual conference is focussed on Emergency Medicine Physician Specialists from throughout Australasia.

On each evening of the conference, delegates participated in offsite dinners at selected venues, one of which was staged at Artisans of Barossa. A range of other winery locations also featured in the social program, enabling delegates to enjoy diverse culinary experiences across the Barossa Valley.

About Artisans of Barossa:

Artisans of Barossa is a collaboration of eight family-owned wineries with a shared commitment to protect and promote the art of small-batch winemaking. They are based in various locations around the Barossa Valley region of South Australia, which is renowned for its food and wine traditions, hospitality and proud European heritage.

Located just outside the township of Tanunda, less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide, Artisans of Barossa offers over 100 wines, with some 45 different wines available for tasting in its Wine Room. 

The Artisans of Barossa collective comprises John Duval Wines, Spinifex Wines, Sons of Eden, Lienert Vineyards, Schwarz Wine Co., Purple Hands Wines, Hobbs of Barossa Ranges and Chaffey Bros. Wine Co. These wineries are known for showcasing the classical wine styles of the Barossa, preserving traditional winemaking, saving old vine vineyards, undertaking Nouveau Barossa winemaking and leading with emerging wine varietals.

Artisans of Barossa has several spaces available for business events. These include the Green Room and The Artisans Room, both of which can accommodate up to 20 guests seated. The property’s restaurant, Essen by Artisans of Barossa, specialises in contemporary cuisine and is regarded as a benchmark dining space. It can accommodate 102 seated guests or approximately 125 guests for a cocktail-style event. The property’s expansive lawns also provide scope for the staging of business events, as was the case for the Emergency Medicine Physicians group.

Reason for selecting the winery venue:

The event organiser indicated that the Artisans of Barossa model of eight local family-owned businesses working together to support the small business community across the Barossa was very appealing. The fact that over 100 wines from eight small-batch wineries could be showcased at the event and that locally made and supplied produce was a feature of the venue’s kitchen were also factors in the winery’s selection for the event.

The Execution:

Artisans of Barossa’s delightful indoor and outdoor function areas provide panoramic views over the nearby vineyards and across to the rolling hills and stunning Barossa Ranges. The function areas easily flow from indoor to outdoor, and this capability was maximised for the evening event.

Artisans of Barossa 2021 “Small Batch” Blanc de Blanc was served to guests on arrival at the venue's entrance. Staff then guided guests to the outdoor marquee for an evening of roving canapes, a gourmet grazing table, presentations, and quality Barossa Valley beverages.

The free-standing clear marquee erected on one-half of the property’s extensive manicured lawns was strategically positioned adjacent to the bar, which was opened to the outside. The other half of the lawn area was set with barrel tables and stools for guests. A number of outdoor games, such as Giant Jenga, Connect 4, Quoits and Finska, were set out on the lawns for guests to play and enjoy.

The interior of the marquee featured festoon lighting and olive branch hanging hoops to add to the atmosphere, with additional wine barrel tables and stools, leaving plenty of space for guests to dance. The set-up included a stage and two large screens at each end of the marquee, a lectern for speeches and an area in the centre of the marquee set aside for a local musician to perform.

Additional heating was placed around the venue to warm guests on the cooler Barossa Valley Spring night. The glass doors of Essen restaurant remained open throughout the evening, providing an additional location where guests could seek out a quieter spot for conversation and relaxation.

An area under the terrace was set with a large ‘grazing table’, enabling guests to select from an array of gourmet items and local culinary specialties. These included local cheeses (Paris Creek Triple Cream Brie, Section 28 Monteforte, Onkaparinga Creamery Reserve Blue), house-made duck rillette, South Australian meats such as prosciutto, mortadella & salami, pickled vegetables, local almonds, honey and dried fruits, Barossa bark, Tanunda Bakery sourdough and labneh, Jersey Fresh butter, Dominic Torzi Field Blend olives and house-made dips.

To complement the grazing table, substantial canapés were served by roving waiters throughout the venue. Canapés included pulled pork sliders with spicy slaw, chicken yakitori skewers, tempura asparagus with yuzu koshi kewpie, beef bourguignon pies, Spencer Gulf prawn cocktail, house-made chips with herbed chevre, and chicken liver parfait with caper berry on brioche. To end the night on a sweet note, a decadent lemon tart with passionfruit and jersey cream was served.

How might the winery have especially assisted in the lead-up to or during the event?

On behalf of the client, Artisans of Barossa liaised with multiple local suppliers for the marquee and staging requirements as well as the entertainment,  booking talented local guitarist, Brad Brysky, who was born and raised in the region.

With Artisans of Barossa able to provide access to over 100 wines, the Artisans of Barossa events team helped narrow the wine selection down to a final eight wines, which would pair well with the food menu.

 What the client liked most about the winery:

The client indicated that Artisans of Barossa fitted the brief to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere, along with showcasing the best of the Barossa region at the conference welcome event.

Venue ambience was key, with the architecture and venue décor creating a warm and inviting vibe which played a significant role in setting the mood for the beginning of the conference.

The capacity to showcase the region and high-quality wines from multiple producers all in one location enabled attendees to experience the versatility of the region. The optional games also provided additional entertainment and engagement opportunities, enhancing the overall experience.

All these aspects collectively contributed to creating a very successful conference welcome event.

The organiser made special mention of the excellent communication available via the Artisans of Barossa events coordinator, from the initial enquiry stage through to post-event.

Most memorable aspect of the entire event?

This event at Artisans of Barossa provided invaluable support for a number of small business operators in the local community, ranging from produce, wine, equipment, lighting, staging and entertainment suppliers. The event itself also served to shine a spotlight on the many attractions and appeal of the beautiful Barossa Valley region.

The Verdict:

From the Professional Conference Organiser:
“When you visit Barossa you MUST visit Artisans of Barossa. A relaxed atmosphere with first-class food. A fabulous opportunity to sample small winemakers in a beautiful setting with knowledgeable staff.”

Denby Collinge, Principal, Conference Magic

From the Artisans of Barossa organising team:

“This event was the perfect way to showcase what the Barossa Valley is all about and what Artisans of Barossa is able to achieve - great food, amazing wine, and a sense of community. We showed guests from throughout Australasia the diversity of local produce, on the grazing table and in the canapés, along with the range of different wines, locally-made homewares and art, whilst also creating an ambient, welcoming atmosphere - we couldn’t have showcased Artisans of Barossa better.”

Claudia Fechner, Sales & Events Coordinator, Artisans of Barossa

Mandoon Estate, Swan VAlley, WA

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd Meeting

Business events staged at Mandoon Estate greatly benefit from our capacity to provide quality on-site accommodation at Maya Maya, premium event and function facilities, intriguing art and history, along with award-winning wines and a range of dining options.

Andrew Pruyn, General Manager, Mandoon Estate

About the event:

Fortescue Metals Group Ltd, a global metal mining and green energy company headquartered in Australia, held a two-day meeting at the Mandoon Estate winery in Western Australia, with the event also incorporating a meaningful cultural team-building activity.

About Mandoon Estate:

Located beside the magnificent Swan River, Mandoon Estate is in Western Australia’s  beautiful Swan Valley, approximately 25 minutes from the city of Perth and just 15 minutes from its domestic airport.

Some of Western Australia's finest wines and local produce are found in the Swan Valley which is the oldest wine region in the state. Nowadays, it is home to over 100 wineries and numerous gourmet food producers.

Mandoon Estate has developed a reputation as one of the region’s best wineries and most popular destinations. It is a member of the select winery collective Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia and showcases a range of award-winning fine wines and hand-crafted beers. 

Mandoon Estate winery was established in 2008 on an historic heritage property dating back to the 1840s. In addition to its Cellar Door, the picturesque grounds are also home to a microbrewery and casual dining venue, Homestead Brewery. There is also a fine dining restaurant, Wild Swan, a gourmet deli, a beer garden and luxury boutique hotel,  the 32-room Maya Maya.

History and culture combine at Mandoon Estate:

The Swan Valley region holds a truly unique history influenced by the Traditional Owners of the land, with Mandoon Estate being located on the land of the Noongar People.

The Estate partners with a range of local Aboriginal businesses and organisations to celebrate and preserve the Indigenous Noongar culture and traditions. The word "Mandoon" itself is derived from the Noongar language, meaning "place of many trees.”

The property’s original homestead, which was built circa 1895, now houses Maalinup Aboriginal Art Gallery, where guests can not only view and purchase Australian native herbs and spices, hand-painted giftware and authentic Aboriginal art but can also engage in hands-on bush tucker sessions hosted by Western Australian Indigenous woman, Dale Tilbrook.

Business Event venues at Mandoon Estate:

Mandoon Estate boasts a range of premium event and function facilities which can host up top 400 guests.  The pillar-less function centre, the Surveyors Rooms can be divided into three separate venues which are complemented by a spacious pre-function foyer. An exclusive outdoor area is also ideal for networking drinks and private wine tastings overlooking the river and the historic homestead, with the property also specialising in long table lunches along the banks of the Swan River.

The Fortescue event:

Attendees at the Fortescue Metals Group meeting were accommodated on-site in 14 spacious and luxuriously appointed rooms at the beautiful boutique hotel Maya Maya, which overlooks the Swan River and the property's original Verdelho vineyard, which was planted in 1895.

One of the Surveyor's Rooms was set in a U-Shaped format for the meeting, with arrival tea and coffee, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea being served in the Surveyors Foyer. It was also the venue for a ‘Quick Start’ breakfast on Day Two of the meeting.

The meeting dinner was held on-property at the Homestead Brewery which features casual cuisine, offering inside dining as well as alfresco tables on the outside shaded deck overlooking the vines.

Cultural team-building engages group:

A highlight of the meeting was a ‘Bush Tucker Tasting’ held in the Estate’s art gallery and hosted by respected Aboriginal Elder, Dale Tilbrook, who has been a Swan Valley local since 1998.

The session commenced with a warm welcome from Dale which was delivered in Noongar language. It was followed by an informative talk during which Dale spoke about local Aboriginal history, art and culture, Indigenous farming and traditional foods. Meeting attendees learned about the nutritional and healing properties of native foods and were then invited to sniff, touch and taste a range of sample produce such as herbs, spices, peppers, sauces and fruits. 

The Verdict:

Positive feedback  was received from the client post-event with special mention made of the service staff at Mandoon Estate - in summary, the organiser advised “The two days were great!”

Mandoon Estate management indicated that business events were most welcome at the Estate, especially with so many creative and inspiring event and venue options available.

“Business events staged at Mandoon Estate greatly benefit from our capacity to provide quality on-site accommodation at Maya Maya, premium event and function facilities, intriguing art and history, along with award-winning wines and a range of dining options. When enhanced by inspiring cultural team-building activities, such as those offered through Dale Tilbrook, it’s easy to see why we continue to attract prestigious meetings, conferences and incentives to our Swan Valley Estate.”

Andrew Pruyn, General Manager, Mandoon Estate

Brokenwood, Hunter VAlley, NSW

Australian Wagyu Association

Image Credit: MJK Creative

The evolution of Brokenwood Wines into one of Australia's most respected wine labels is a true example of a commitment to excellence and this is also conveyed in the way business events are hosted at the winery.

Geoff Krieger, CEO, Brokenwood Wines

About the event:

The Australian Wagyu Association, a member-based organisation which focusses on the production of wagyu beef, enjoyed a Progressive Wine Bar Tasting at Brokenwood Wines as part of their Hunter Valley conference social program.

About Brokenwood Wines:

Established in 1970, Brokenwood Wines is one of Australia’s most reputable wine labels. It is amongst the leading 5-star wineries of the Hunter Valley, Australia’s most-visited wine region renowned for its national parks, cooking schools, fine dining, spa retreats, golf and award-winning wineries.

 The Brokenwood winery, which is an approximate 2½ hour drive from Sydney, is known for its range of wines, from crisp refreshing whites through to full-bodied reds. 

Brokenwood’s state-of-the-art Cellar Door complex encompasses 1,400 square metres, making it the largest in the region, offering capacity for cocktail events of up to 300 guests. The design of the Cellar Door building is an innovation in itself and honours the critical elements of Brokenwood's history and culture - it is ideal for corporate events, whether they are meetings, private dinners, team building, product launches or incentive rewards.

Other event spaces include the award-winning The Wood Restaurant and adjoining Terrace Wine Bar, the Halliday and Beeston Rooms and the Brokenwood Museum. The venue respects the winery’s rural and rustic heritage but also encompasses modern technology, with the highly trained staff delivering a second-to-none food and wine experience.

As a member of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia and Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, Brokenwood actively pursues sustainability initiatives in energy efficiency, waste management, recycling and vineyard practices. The winery is a signatory to the Australian Packaging Covenant, emphasising responsible waste management in product packaging. This focus on sustainability extends to the kitchen, where eco-friendly practices and locally sourced ingredients prevail, enhancing the appeal of Brokenwood as a venue for events showcasing corporate responsibility.

Why was Brokenwood Wines chosen for this event?

The concept of Brokenwood Wines’ creative ‘Progressive Wine Bar’ was an attractive choice for the attendees to enjoy a pre-dinner networking activity, the winery being within easy access of the delegates’ accommodation and conference venue.

As part of the AWA Conference social program, the event brief was simple - inclusive, enjoyable and accessible for all attendees, regardless of their wine knowledge and in a format that allowed them to learn and interact.

The event execution:

Guests attending the event at Brokenwood Wines stayed nearby at the 72-room Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens, where the conference was staged. Attendees came from throughout Australia, with a number flying into Newcastle Airport, the closest major airport to the Hunter Valley region.

The event enabled the conference group to participate in Brokenwood’s ‘Progressive Wine Bar’ experience, before they adjourned to the Mercure Resort for their conference dinner.

The ‘Progressive Wine Bar’ activity provides an alternative to traditional wine-tasting experiences and is suited to larger groups of more than 40 people. The format offers extra scope for networking, and the service of canapés and cheeseboards complements the activity.

Upon arrival, guests were given a wine glass and invited to progress around Brokenwood’s four unique circular tasting pods. Each pod featured a Brokenwood wine variety such as Semillon, Chardonnay, Light Reds (Rosato, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese & Tempranillo) and Shiraz, providing a diverse tasting experience.

 A comment from Brokenwood Wines:

“The evolution of Brokenwood Wines into one of Australia's most respected wine labels is a true example of a commitment to excellence and this is also conveyed in the way business events are hosted at the winery.

“Our philosophy is that our guests should ‘enjoy great wine in a relaxed setting’ and the Progressive Wine Bar Tasting experience in our unique tasting pods showcases how this can be achieved. All aspects of the winery, from our Cellar Door to the Terrace Wine Bar and the fine cuisine of The Wood Restaurant, complemented by our exemplary team, promise a slice of Hunter Valley heaven for business events.”

Geoff Krieger, CEO, Brokenwood Wines

Image credit: Ned Meldrum Photography

Image credit: MJK Creative