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The Botanica Vaucluse is bringing the Hunter Valley to Sydney’s east for one night only

The Botanica Vaucluse is bringing the Hunter Valley to Sydney’s east for one night only

Hunter Valley favourite Margan Wines and Restaurant will take over The Botanica Vaucluse this June for an intimate four-course wine dinner featuring bluefin tuna, dry-aged duck and estate-grown wines.

Usually, experiencing Margan means packing the car and escaping to the Hunter Valley for the weekend. Next month, Sydneysiders can skip the road trip altogether.

For one night only on Saturday 20 June 2026, The Botanica Vaucluse will host the acclaimed Hunter Valley winery restaurant for an intimate four-course wine dinner bringing a taste of vineyard dining to Sydney’s east.

Known for its produce-driven menus and estate-grown wines in Broke Fordwich, Margan has built a loyal following around seasonal dining that feels deeply connected to the land it comes from. Now, in a rare Sydney collaboration, that same philosophy will be brought to Vaucluse alongside The Botanica’s refined garden-framed dining experience.

Designed by The Botanica’s co-head chefs Abby James and Thai Sams, whose experience spans Quay, Bentley and some of Sydney’s most respected kitchens, the winter menu moves through the full arc of seasonal dining.

The evening begins with bluefin tuna sashimi crostino before moving into Whitsundays coral trout with almond, cucumber and karkalla, followed by dry-aged duck with blueberry, pickled beetroot and black tea. Dessert finishes with Pink Lady apple, Dassai sake and walnut.

Each course will be paired with wines from Margan’s Hunter Valley vineyard, including the vibrant 2024 La Niña Sparkling Rosé on arrival, the crisp 2025 Ceres Hill Albariño, the rich and layered 2025 Ceres Hill Barbera and a luscious 2023 Margan Botrytis Semillon to finish.

The dinner will also offer something surprisingly rare in Sydney’s dining scene: elevated gluten-free dining without compromise. Recently certified 100 per cent gluten free by Coeliac Australia, The Botanica has become one of the few premium restaurants in Sydney where guests can experience luxury dining in a fully gluten-free environment.

“Margan felt like a very natural fit for The Botanica,” said Evette Moran, Co-Founder and Co-CEO at Mark Moran Group. “Both venues are incredibly passionate about seasonal produce and creating thoughtful dining experiences that feel connected to where the ingredients come from. Bringing that shared philosophy together for one night felt really special.”

Hosted within The Botanica’s lush Vaucluse dining space, the intimate evening is expected to bring a little slice of the Hunter Valley to Sydney for one night only.

Tickets are priced at $169 per person, inclusive of matching wines.

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