Leogate Estate - Hunter Valley

Leogate Estate has a wine-making heritage almost as rich as the magnificent Hunter Valley soil it lies upon. It was once the prized vineyard of Len Evans, a pioneer of modern Australian wine, who first planted it in the 1960s as part of his famed Rothbury Estate, and often referred to it as his favourite vineyard. And little wonder. It is a strikingly beautiful piece of Planet Earth, some 326 acres in the rolling foothills of the Broken Back Ranges of Pokolbin, the heart of the Hunter’s wine tourism.

In 2008, it passed into the hands of Bill and Vicki Widin, former Angus beef producers who drew on their deep knowledge of the land to not only continue Len’s work, but expand on it. Leogate Estate formally launched in 2012, named for the soaring lion’s head iron gates they placed at its entrance, marking its intent to be not just a producer, but a destination. They followed two years later with a cellar door and full events centre, headlined by The Gates Restaurant, which has gone on to win multiple fine dining awards. In 2022, they added the accommodation: 20 luxury villas and a four-bedroom guest cottage, which have become one of Pokolbin’s most popular drawcards.

And the cherry on top? The main homestead, a sweeping five-bedroom residence with magnificent views. It’s a beautiful balance of opulence and fun with a suite of impressive spaces for entertaining and relaxing, all immersed in the vines and vistas and constant activity, yet set far enough apart from the public areas to enjoy complete privacy as well.

Sustainably run with ample water across dams and storage, Leogate Estate currently has 165 acres planted, all supported by an exceptional wine-making operation distributing to China, the UK, and the US. Leogate wines sit on the prized Qantas first and business class lists, have collected countless prestigious national and international awards, and hold a five-star rating from James Halliday.

Leogate has come a long way, and there is no question it still has a long way to go. The Estate is being offered for sale by Expressions of Interest, in conjunction with Andrew Jolliffe at HTL Property.