Pema’s Cottage was established in 1985 with the first vintage being produced in 1989. We are one of the smallest vineyards in the Hunter Valley and produce premium boutique wines from the seven different varieties of grapes grown onsite. The grapes are hand picked to ensure the best fruit goes to our winemakers to work their magic. Today, our head winemaker Richard Done uses both grapes on the grounds and sourced locally to produce Alter Wines.

Originally planted with Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet franc, Shiraz and Pinot noir. A second Shiraz block was added in 1991 and the original Shiraz block was grafted over to Verdelho. Whilst some of the Verdelho has now passed on the older Shiraz vines have been allowed to grow suckers from their own root stock and these are now producing lovely fruit. So now we have two Shiraz options, both a little different in flavour and growth habits.

Pema’s Cottage was bought by Mulpha Group, owners of Bimbadgen winery in Pokolbin, in 2021 and in 2022, with the expertise of the wider wine-making team, launched a new wine brand and Cellar Door at Pema’s Cottage. A new take on Hunter Valley wine, we are the proud home of Bimbadgen’s alter-ego: Alter Wines.

Want to find out more? Why not come and visit, we’re always up for a chat. And a glass of wine.