Winery Spotlight: Blueberry Hill Vineyard

At WithWine not only are we passionate about wine, but we are also passionate about helping wineries reach their potential.

In our new Winery Spotlight series - a cellar door census if you will - we chat with some of our clients about their plans for 2021. This week it’s our mates at Blueberry Hill Vineyard.

Nestled in the beautiful Hunter Valley, in Pokolbin just off Wine Country Drive, is where you’ll find the Blueberry Hill Vineyard cellar door.

“ Blueberry hill vineyard has existed in some form or other since 1970 when the first vines were planted,” explained Sam Harman Manager at Blueberry Hill. “The brand was launched as a way to showcase the grapes on our vineyard, giving them their own distinct label and boutique market presence.”

The overachievers grow a large variety of grapes, pumping out Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cab Sav, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.

“We focus on making traditional, French-style wines,” Sam continued. “We want the grapes to speak for themselves and showcase their distinct flavours, and this gentle, fruit-driven style allows for that.”

Like most wineries - and the rest of the world - 2020 was not the easiest year and Blueberry Hill is pivoting their strategy to boost sales. 

“The biggest challenge for us in 2020 has been attracting customers post-lockdown. Being a small business, face-to-face is how we make the vast majority of our income. Getting people back through the doors so we can showcase our products has been the number one priority.”

Never ones to back down from a challenge, the team at Blueberry Hill Vineyard are gearing up for 2021: “2020 taught us that nothing can be taken for granted. We are aiming to get involved with lots of events in 2021 to increase our market presence and get Blueberry Hill Vineyard’s wines the recognition they deserve.” So keep an eye on our their social media feeds and their mailing lists to ensure you don’t miss their ventures in 2021.

You can’t chat with wineries and not ask what wines they actually enjoy, and the cellar door staff love the classics:

Sam: “ I’m a fanatical Chardonnay drinker. Can’t go past it.”

Sienna: “Absolute Chardonnay snob, I love good French-style Chardonnays’ and everything about them.”

Amanda: “I was a white wine drinker, but since working with the team at Blueberry Hill, I love a good Hunter Shiraz. Especially if it’s sparkling!”

Emily: “Dessert wines and Moscato for sure. If it’s sweet I’ll give it a go!”

When they aren’t enjoying their own tipples, the Blueberry Hill's team love savouring some of the fruits of their neighbours’ labours. “Some of our favourite wineries include Macquarie Dale Organic, Leogate, Gartlemann, Scarborough, and Pepper Tree Wines, to name a few.” Excuse us while we plan a tasting tour around the Hunter...

So the next time you are taking a jaunt through the Hunter around Polkobin, be sure to stop in for a tasting at Blueberry Hill Vineyard.  You can find them here.