4 Things to Consider When Booking a Hunter Valley Function Venue

Planning an upcoming event? Browsing for a destination party? Maybe you’re even getting a head start on this year’s office Christmas bash (if so, we admire your organisational skills). Whatever your event, the picturesque Hunter Valley is home to a host of stunning wineries and function venues brimming with delicious food, premium wine and gorgeous outlooks.

Whether you’re planning a small, intimate gathering or a large, extravagant affair, you’re guaranteed to find a Hunter Valley function venue to cater to your needs. Here, we outline several key considerations to assist you in selecting the best space for your event. Hot tip: our Cellar Door ticks all of the boxes below.

1. Versatility of the Space

Depending on the style of function you’re planning, your venue space may require certain features and amenities. A birthday lunch for twenty guests could mean a specific restaurant seating configuration, while a corporate event could benefit from several smaller rooms in the same vicinity for ease of access. Considering the nature of your function, the number of attendees and what kind of space you’d like is a great first step in selecting a venue.

At Brokenwood, we have a range of spaces dedicated to various offerings. This is exactly what our newly built Cellar Door was designed for; you can spend the entire day here exploring and tasting each unique area in a versatile venue that’s naturally primed for a range of events, both formal and casual, large and intimate. If you’re seeking a restaurant for a big family get together or looking for Hunter Valley conference facilities, our winery boasts the flexibility and attention to detail to meet and exceed your every need.

2. Casual Dining vs Fine Dining

Whether looking for Hunter Valley conference venues or family birthday dinner spots, no event is complete without the perfect menu to accompany it. Is your function casual or formal? What time of day is it being held? Are multiple meals required throughout the day? Will a wine tasting feature in the proceedings? Whichever menu or tasting preference you choose, our Cellar Door houses both casual and fine dining options to cater for a wide range of events - and all under one big roof. 

Relax with Casual Eats

Spread out in style at our outdoor Terrace Wine Bar for a long, lazy luncheon or afternoon siesta, perfect for large groups or corporate gatherings. Book the adjoining tasting pod area for even larger groups, or to hold some delicious wine tastings for your guests. Cru Bar + Pantry is the perfect spot for a relaxed yet refined lunch of specialty dishes, wood fired pizzas and our famous charcuterie boards. 

Indulge in the Finer Things

For those seeking a touch of formality to their proceedings, The Wood Restaurant caters to a cosy evening celebration on a Friday or Saturday. Alternatively, stroll into our private dining rooms and lounge area for an elegantly intimate setting perfect for friends and family or even small corporate functions. The Beeston & Halliday private rooms feature gorgeous warm decor and can connect via an adjoining wall, making them ideal for impressing those big clients or rewarding your colleagues with some well earned indulgences. 

Take your breaks in the outside lounge area and gaze down through floor-to-ceiling windows at our cellar, where all the magic of Brokenwood buzzes in and out. If it’s function rooms in the Hunter Valley you’re seeking, these are right up your alley.

3. Onsite vs Offsite

While traditional events are usually held at one site only, there’s a lot to be explored in the stunning Hunter Valley region that can elevate your function into a truly memorable experience. Visit our Pokolbin winery and take advantage of our many indoor and outdoor spaces before heading out to explore the charm of Wine Country.

Treat your party to a winery tour and taste your way through the neighbouring Cellar Doors before returning to us on your own private shuttle. Take a walk through our lush greenery, visit our onsite Chef’s Gardens, or book our shuttle to visit the local stores and gift shops down the road. If you’re planning for that all-day extravaganza, an offsite attraction or two may be just the thing you need to kick your celebrations up a notch.

4. Premium Service

A final consideration that needs no introduction, and yet something that can make the difference between a pleasant experience and a truly exceptional event, premium service is our number one tip when it comes to choosing Hunter Valley function venues. 

From our tasting guides to our consummate sommeliers, every Brokenwood team member is equipped to provide you and your guests with service that goes above and beyond. 

Our Events Team is dedicated to curating the best bespoke event for your group, and we’ve had plenty of experience hosting a myriad of different functions over the years. From specialty table settings with themed decor to streamlined tastings and exquisite table service, we can ensure your event goes down as smoothly as a Hunter Valley Semillon paired with freshly shucked oysters.

Book Your Next Function at Brokenwood

Ready to host your next function at Brokenwood Wines? From large dining spaces to function rooms in the Hunter Valley, we’ve got you and your party organised for a scenic, streamlined event. Complete our Functions Guide or submit an event enquiry form to find out how we can best cater to your needs.

Discover more about all of our premium offerings at our Functions page, or get in touch with our friendly team here.