Calais Estate Winery — Attraction in Pokolbin

We hadn’t been to this winery before and went simply for the picnic graze package I saw online ($120 for two). We have done picnics at Audrey Wilkinson ($160) and Bimbadgen ($125). Calais picnic was two to three times the amount of selection and it was fully set up for us beautifully (the others you get a hamper and small box of food). If you’re in the hunter for a romantic getaway hands down recommend this picnic experience on quality and value for price. We arrived early so decided to do a wine tasting which is actually the reason we will be back here every time we come to the hunter from now on. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. Emily was so knowledgeable and PASSIONATE about her job. You could tell she actually loved working there and showing people all Calais was and has to offer. Her attitude is infectious. We just left feeling happy like a half day well spent! After the picnic we loved the relishes so much and found out they were sold on-site but the shop was closed that day. However, Emily opened the shop for us to buy some. This wasn’t her department, her job or even her expertise area but she had that above and beyond customer service you just don’t see anymore. She loved that we loved them and wanted to make sure we had it. What a gem. We love red wines and each one was different which was really cool. Obviously all wines are different but Calais reds actually tasted very different between them all. I don’t know hard to explain that but if you like red wine, you’ll get it. Anyway, the wines are well priced ($30-50 a bottle), taste amazing, service was great and the food was great also. Super...

Very disappointed by our tasting at Calais. There was ONE other couple tasting with us. The member of staff, although friendly, spent 90% of his time with the other couple, not even taking time to explain some of the wines he was pouring before rushing back to the other table. He didn’t get us cheese and chocolate like he provided to the other table. Finally, when we decided to walk out due to the inequality of service, we spoke to the manager who dismissed us straight away with a “oh but they paid”... we had we also paid (bearing in mind the tasting there is 3 times the price as other places $15 vs usually $5), but what a bad customer service to be provided this answer as well. Noting paying is...

Today we had organised a grazing picnic and tasting at Calais Estate winery. There are truely not enough adjectives to describe how amazing this experience was. Started with a wonderful tasting with John who was very knowledgeable and accommodating of our questions. The gift shop was well worth a visit and then we were taken to a beautiful table and chairs picnic setting under a tree where the most amazing platters were waiting for us. The variety and quantity of food was spectacular and the ladies who looked after us and the gentlemen who prepared the stunning food were so welcoming and nothing was too much trouble. Cannot recommend this experience more...