Laundy Hotels is embracing the cold season with Taste of Winter – a curated food and wine experience across 23 venues in New South Wales, including 14 Sydney locations.
From now until 31 August, each venue will spotlight a hero wine from state regions including Orange, Mudgee, and the Hunter Valley, alongside an international selection from Burgundy, Mendoza, and Tuscany.
These wines will be paired with limited-edition winter dishes that celebrate the flavours, regions, and craftsmanship behind them.
Laundy Hotels CEO Justin Tynan told Australian Hotelier the experience was created to celebrate the season through wine, food, and connection.
“Winter is the perfect time to slow down and savour—so we wanted to curate a promotion that encourages guests to explore our venues and experience the warmth and richness of winter through perfectly paired wines and dishes,” he said.
Danielle Richardson, Laundy Hotels director, said winter is the perfect time to show a different side to the group’s venues.
“Taste of Winter is about celebrating the season with comfort food, great wine, and that unique pub warmth that feels especially inviting when it’s cold. Whether you’re at a local in Western Sydney or a hidden gem in the Southern Highlands, we’ve created experiences that make winter something to look forward to.”
She adds: “It’s that feeling when you walk into a pub and it just feels right — that’s what this campaign is all about.”
Tynan said the process of choosing wineries to partner with for a promotion like this one is about seasonality and compatibility.
“We’re passionate about partnering with wineries that align with our values. It’s also important that their wines speak to the season, pairing well with the richer flavours of our winter menu. From a brand perspective, we also look for partners who bring great stories, a sense of place, and something unique to the glass,” he said.
Each venue will also champion wines based on their location and cuisine, to ensure for a thoughtful and considered pairing.
“We take a collaborative approach, working closely with our venue managers and suppliers to work through which is the best suited product for that venue. Each venue has its own vibe, cuisine, and customer base—so we consider what works best in that context,” said Tynan.
“A coastal pub might call for a fresh, vibrant white, while a neighbourhood bistro might lean into a bold red. The goal is to create a seamless pairing experience that feels curated, local, and true to each venue’s identity.”
He added that the experience is also about connecting customers with the partnered wineries.
“It’s a chance to champion incredible wineries and make wine feel more approachable and fun, with a touch of adventure added through our passport mechanic and prize pool.”
Visitors will be able to get a Taste of Winter passport and earn a stamp at every participating venue visited, the most stamps collected earning a $10,000 cash prize. A two-night stay at Watsons Bay Hotel will also be awarded to the entrant who completes the full trail by visiting all 23 participating Laundy venues.
Participating Venues:
Sydney and Inner Suburbs:
- Arturo’s Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, Woolloomooloo
- Woolly Bay Hotel, Woolloomooloo
- Bells Hotel, Woolloomooloo
- Watsons Bay Hotel, Watsons Bay
- The Light Brigade, Woollahra
- The Woolpack, Redfern
- The Lord Nelson, The Rocks
- Crossways Hotel, Strathfield South
- Red Lion Hotel, Rozelle
- The Oxford, Drummoyne
- Woolwich Pier Hotel, Woolwich
- Horse & Jockey Hotel, Homebush
- Northies, Cronulla
- The Mona, Mona Vale
Greater Western Sydney:
- Sinclair’s, Penrith
- The Log Cabin, Penrith
- Brooks, Jordan Springs
- The Marsden Brewhouse, Marsden Park
Illawarra Region:
- Plough & Ale, Calderwood
Central Coast:
- Chittaway Bay Tavern, Chittaway Bay
Hunter Region:
- Orana Hotel, Blacksmiths
Mid North Coast:
- Tea Gardens Hotel, Tea Gardens
Northern Rivers:
- Lennox Hotel, Lennox Head