Family friendly Blue Wren to unveil results of one-year redevelopment

Since coming under new ownership 12 months ago, the winery has been quietly renovated, recreated, and reimagined into a first-class function centre, family-friendly destination, and cosy restaurant serving home-grown fresh produce.

To celebrate its first anniversary, the new Blue Wren has a weekend of events planned, with a six-course dinner tonight, a black tie cocktail night open to the public on Saturday, and a child-friendly family day on Sunday.

General manager Haylee Robison said people would be surprised by what they find on the weekend if they haven’t visited Blue Wren recently.

“The only thing we haven’t changed is the name,” she said.

Renovations have included a new cellar door, new restaurant and courtyard, a new children’s area and the addition of a vintage truck that will function as a stage for live entertainment.

Ms Robison said the winery’s main hall was now one of Mudgee’s biggest function spaces, seating 200 or 500 standing.

New chef Anna Fekkes built herb and vegetable gardens in the new outdoor dining area and can often be seen stepping outside during service to pick some fresh ingredients.

She is also an animal lover who has played a big part in establishing the petting zoo, which houses lambs, pigs, chickens and ducks.

The winery’s lunch trade has become busier, and the restaurant has just started serving a new menu.

“We’re forever changing,” Ms Robison said. “We’re never at a standstill.”

The cellar door offers a range of local produce, and the winery has become a base for many wedding industry professionals – a stylist, a beautician, a florist and a cake decorator – who work with Blue Wren often and now make the winery something of a one-stop shop for brides.

The new owner intends to introduce himself to guests at Saturday night’s black tie cocktail event from 6pm to 8pm.

From 9am to 5pm on Sunday, Blue Wren will be open for a family fun day with face painting, snow cones and the opening of the new petting zoo.