A Day On The Green: Raury Donkin, Bimbagen Winery

Rauri Donkin, Senior Winemaker at Bimbadgen Winery, Hunter Valley, talks wine at A Day On The Green.

What's the secret to a good drop of vino? Good company! 

How long have you been doing brilliant things with the grape? We have been making wine as Bimbadgen since 1996 and our vineyards have been around since the 1970s.

You are hosting A Day On The Green this year — have you got anything special planned for it? We are all about great wine and food but also of course the experience you have while enjoying it. Check out The Gazebo Lounge & Bar for a total concert experience!

Besides the wine, of course, what else does your winery offer? Esca Bimbadgen restaurant is an award-winning winery restaurant, open seven days for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Saturday. Stunning views over the Hunter Valley vineyards offer the perfect setting for your dining experience.

Any wine recommendations for concert-goers? Bimbadgen Sparkling Semillon — perfect for hot summer days out on the amphitheatre. Our sparklings are fun and lively twists on popular varieties.

What's the perfect food partner for your best-loved wine? Our Estate Shiraz is a classic Hunter Valley variety — perfect with red meat, think rare-cooked lamb or venison. 

If you could only drink one variety of wine for the rest of your life, what would it be? Chardonnay! We love our Estate Chardonnay, gorgeous white peach aromas and hints of cashew nut. Perfect accompaniment to your next roast pork dinner!

Paul Kelly presents The Merri Soul Sessions will be playing at Bimbadgen Winery, 28 Nov.