Karin Adcock, the entrepreneur who created the Pandora jewellery craze in Australia, has transformed one of the Hunter Valley’s historic vineyards into a wine tourism destination.

Danish born Karin owns Winmark Wines, formerly known as Pooles Rock, which was owned by Macquarie Bank executive David Clarke.

Winmark has been shortlisted for Best New Winery in the Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

And last Thursday Winmark Wines & Art Gallery was named Cellar Door of the Year at the Hunter Valley Wine Industry and Legends Awards.

“Winning the trophy for Best Young Chardonnay for our 2021 Winmark Reserve Chardonnay recently at the NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show was such a high for my new brand, but this week’s news from Halliday and recognition as Cellar Door of the Year really raises the bar for Winmark and puts it in amongst the top echelon of wine producers in Australia,” Karin says.

“It’s such a joy to be recognised in such great company.

“The Hunter Valley is home to some of the best cellar doors in Australia, so it’s such a huge honour to be named Cellar Door of The Year and we are so humbled by this recognition.”

Karin has spent the past seven years refurbishing the property “from a dying vineyard” to a thriving cellar door and luxury accommodation, and has installed the region’s largest sculpture garden.

The three large luxury houses (plus one stylish tiny house) on the property are distinctive for both their generous proportions and for the fact that Karin has used her lifelong passion for interiors to create memorable and luxurious spaces that are full of treasures from around the world.

The revamped 130-acre estate, with 28 acres under Chardonnay, includes a number of Winmark landmarks.