Art, wine and an abandoned hotel – it’s what fairy tales are made of

In an impressive feat of guerrilla decorating, Stoneleigh Vineyards arecelebrating the magic behind their wine with the installation of The StoneleighHotel. The sandstone building sitting at 48 Kensington Drive, Chippendale hasbeen transformed into a woodland playground, laden with jungle green vines andmoss covered furniture. 

An immersive experience centred solely on wine and its countlessattributes, you can meander through the Great Wining Hall, the Wild Valley Ballroom,the Sauv Blanc Powder Room and the Pinot Noir Study to be transported to theenchanting vineyards of the Marlborough Estate.

Draped in greenery, the lobby’s front desk sets the scene, encouragingyou to explore the overgrown hotel, stopping for tasting sessions and to hearabout their process of wild fermentation along the way. Stones artfullyarranged mimic trickling creeks that wind through the vines, nourishing thegrapes from season to season. These stones represent the ‘sun stones’ strewn throughoutthe Stoneleigh vineyard, storing up heat during the day to slowly release it asthe temperature drops, continuing to ripen the grapes throughout the night. Ferns andsoil create the illusion of an elfin labyrinth and we’ve no doubt that after a fewtasters you’ll be sure you’ve stepped through a portal into a fairy tale.

It is these unique winemaking traditions that provide Stoneleigh Wineswith an unparalleled flavour profile and textural distinctiveness that pullsyou back for a second and third glass every time.

Sample several of Stoneleigh’s infamous drops beneath wine bottlechandeliers. Stoneleigh Hotel is open for its final weekend thisWednesday, Friday and Saturday (30 Nov, 2 – 3 Dec).

For more information visit the Stoneleigh website here.