Talit’s Estate Vineyard, Hunter Valley

April 4, 2024

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Talit’s Estate Vineyard is described as a little bit of Provence in the Hunter Valley. When you pull up at the blush pink house sitting atop the estate surrounded by vineyards and open the blue door we feel as though we have friends who own a gorgeous house in French wine country. Driving up to the house feels as if you’re living in a real life movie set. The property was designed by French architects and based on a chateau in Aix-En-Provence. A “Bonjour” sign on the lawn welcomes guests.

Talit’s Estate Vineyard is set on 50 acres of property with Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah and Chardonnay vines and over 50 olive trees. In 2000, a couple with a love for French culture and influenced by the charm of a classic country estate in Aix En Provence, embarked on a mission to recreate this Provençal gem in Broke. Blending French architecture with Australian elements, they incorporated a variety of French antiques and locally reclaimed materials to build a homestead that blends the two. From 2000 to 2012 they focused on growing premium grapes on the estate that were purchased by wineries.

In 2012 Gayle Meredith acquired the property. She and her son Matt Gillings transformed Talit’s into a winery partnering with winemaker Daniel Binet. Gayle also styled the property and added a pool, kitchens, artwork and new gardens. In 2020 they opened the cellar door located in front of the dam.

The Provençal style house is sprawling covering three floors with 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms and 6 Parking Bays for up to 12 guests. Walking through it and staying there is like having a friend who has a beautiful house in the countryside.

The ground floor is a lobby area that branches off to three of the bedrooms. The main bedroom has a king bed and an enormous copper soaking tub. The vibe of the house is really like you’re staying at a friend’s family house in Provence with vintage perfume bottles on a set of drawers and little knick-knacks.

Upstairs on the second floor is the modern kitchen and dining room with the lounge area with a fireplace and large television. Air conditioning units keep the house toasty or cool. There’s also an alcove with a queen bed tucked away. Each floor conveniently has a bathroom and there are multiple vine covered terraces that look out onto the vineyard below and the cellar door in the distance.

The third floor is an alternative for the ground floor master bedroom with a charming chalet-like attic room as well as a bathroom and landing area. This bedroom looks out onto the greenery outside and I watch wallabies hop past, stop and pause regarding me as I them.

The pool is also a great spot to park yourself on a sunny day or enjoy the manicured parterre gardens or partake in a game of petanque. And when it’s time for a drink meander down to the cellar door where you can relax in front of the dam, play quiots and sip wines and feast on a cheese or charcuterie platter.

Basics toiletries are supplied and the kitchen has two complimentary bottles of Talit’s estate wine (a rose and a tempranillo) but everything else needs to be brought in. You can also eat at the numerous fantastic cafes and restaurants in the area. Talit’s is located 15 minutes from Pokolbin, 1 hour from Newcastle or 2.5 hours from Sydney.

So tell me Dear Reader, if you could style a house from a particular region or country what would it be?