New wine tastes for cottagers

Emma's Cottage is a much-loved gourmet destination in the Hunter Valley - and a popular spot for wine lovers to spend a weekend away.

Emma's Cottage changed hands recently and is now part of the fast-growing Mulpha Group, which also owns nearby Bimbadgen Estate.

The Emmas's Cottage cellar door has just started selling a new range of wines under the Alter label, made by Bimbadgen winemaker Richard Done, but crafted in some different styles.

The two wines I have tried were a savoury 2021 shiraz-pinot blend - a combo once hugely popular in the Hunter - solid value at $28 - and a 2019 semillon, just starting to show some mature characters but also with some bright acidity ($38). 

The Emma's Cottage vineyard wine under the Alter label are described as "contemporary Hunter wines".

Done said the Alter range has been in the planning for some time. 

“We have been wanting to diversify our wine offering to enable us to showcase a modern interpretation of popular Hunter Valley grapes, with the range including a non-vintage sparkling, vintage Blanc de blancs, semillon, chardonnay, rosé and shiraz.”

To celebrate the new brand, the labels (above) have been created by Australian fabric and wallpaper designer Annie Coop.

Emma’s Cottage, which has been in operation for over 40 years and was a regional tourism pioneer, continues to offer five accommodation options.

“The new range of Alter wines will complement our accommodation, newly refurbished cellar door and gift store," says estate co-ordinator Meg Adams.

"We also have plans underway to expand our cellar door to include a function space catering for up to 80 people, so it will be the perfect venue for intimate weddings, casual celebrations or larger events.”

For more details see https://emmascottage.com.au/