The Purple Fields and Liquid Gold of Wine Country

Credit: Island In Mist Photography

The Hunter Valley has long been celebrated for its wine, but venture beyond the cellar doors and you'll discover two unique family run experiences that capture the region's agricultural innovation and natural beauty. From fragrant lavender fields in Broke to award-winning olive groves in Denman, these destinations offer visitors a chance to slow down, taste something extraordinary, and connect with the land.

Summer Smiles Among the Lavender

Each December, the landscape just beyond Broke transforms into a sea of purple as Hunter Lavender Farm opens its gates for just four precious weeks. This year's season runs from 6 December to 4 January, celebrating the theme "Summer Smiles in Bloom" - an invitation to wander, taste, and find joy among 15,000 lavender plants buzzing with bees and filled with summer fragrance.

For founders Marianne and JR Villanueva, the farm represents a remarkable journey from corporate life to a countryside dream. The couple first fell in love with lavender during their 2018 honeymoon in Provence, France. "When we both saw lavender as far as our eyes could see, he was just as captivated as I was," Marianne recalls. "It was surreal, and the memory has become an inspiration for our farm today."

Taking a bold gamble in 2019, they purchased a 14-acre property in Broke and planted 4,000 lavender bushes in their first year. "Everyone told us to start small, but we went with our instincts," says Marianne. "Basically, go big or go home!" Now in their fourth season, the farm has flourished into a beloved destination where around 30 per cent of visitors return year after year.

Beyond the Instagram-worthy field walks, Hunter Lavender Farm offers genuine sensory experiences. The Lavender Bar serves lavender infused cocktails, mocktails, and the popular lavender gelato in new flavour combinations, while visitors can enjoy picnics at Serenity Square Garden with views over vineyards and mountains. Hands-on experiences include the Honey Harvest Experience and Beekeeping for Beginners, where guests suit up in protective gear and explore active hives to discover honey production firsthand.

The farm's therapeutic focus extends to mindful experiences such as the Lavender Labyrinth, a meditative walk rooted in ancient traditions, and the increasingly popular Yoga in Lavender Bloom session on New Year's Eve. "It's all about slowing down, connecting with yourself and the natural world, and letting the lavender work its calming magic," says Marianne.

Source: Pukara Estate

From Grove to Table at Pukara Estate

While lavender captivates in Broke, another family story unfolds among the olive groves of Denman, where Pukara Estate has spent more than 25 years perfecting the art of premium olive oils and vinegars. Under the stewardship of husband-and-wife team Steve and Racquel Goodchild, the estate has become one of Australia's most recognised names in gourmet food.

Steve planted the first olives in 1999 after running international olive industry research tours and recognising the Hunter Valley's potential for premium production. "Both Steve and I come from generational farming families, and he always knew that he wanted to be a farmer-producer," says Racquel.

What truly sets Pukara Estate apart is its exceptional range of vinegars. In 2006, Steve laid down 12 oak barrels using a mother culture sourced from Seppeltsfield in the Barossa, which has been in continuous production since the late 1800s. Using a rolling blend method with Hunter Valley grapes and wine, they create authentically Australian aged vinegars that are rare in a market dominated by imports. Their Caramelised Balsamic remains a best-seller, while innovations like fig, pomegranate, and guava varieties continue to inspire home cooks and chefs alike.

"Our vinegars are about making flavour accessible," Racquel explains. "You can take the simplest dish - grilled vegetables, a salad, even fruit - and transform it with just a drizzle." Pukara's commitment to sustainability shines through their innovative olive-grazed lamb program, where lambs graze directly in the groves, managing undergrowth and eliminating the need for herbicides while developing a distinctive flavour profile that's caught the attention of local chefs.

Visitors to Pukara's tasting rooms in Muswellbrook, Pokolbin, or Newcastle can sample oils and vinegars, explore condiments, artisan jams, pesto, and even the Earth & Grace skincare range made with the estate's signature olive oils. The Connoisseur Club offers members early access to new releases, including the highly anticipated Novello oil made from the season's first harvest.

Hunter Lavender Farm: www.hunterlavenderfarm.com.au | Season: 6 December - 4 January

Pukara Estate: www.pukaraestate.com.au | Open year-round.