Hospitality group Accor has announced the rebranding of Grand Mercure The Vintage hotel to Peppers Hunter Valley after a refurbishment, marking the return of its boutique hotel brand to the region.

Owned by Stevens Group and Accor Vacation Club, along with additional owners, the property now showcases a contemporary wine country aesthetic with upgraded villas.

The reimagined Peppers Hunter Valley offers one, two, and three-bedroom villas, which have undergone extensive ceiling-to-floor renovations.

Upgrades include new lighting, modernised kitchens, updated furnishings, and refreshed textures, as well as a transformed reception space.

Nestled within 'The Vintage' precinct, the hotel is set amid vineyards and a championship golf course designed by Greg Norman.

Accor stated that this development further enhances the area's appeal as a destination for leisure and golf enthusiasts.

Accor Pacific chief operating officer Adrian Williams said: “The return of Peppers to the Hunter Valley is a proud and symbolic moment for us. This is where the Peppers story began, and to see the brand come full circle – now elevated, refreshed, and reconnected to its roots – is incredibly special.

“The transformation of this property reflects the strength of our partnerships and the continued demand for meaningful, premium escapes that balance charm with sophistication. Peppers Hunter Valley is not just a beautiful place to stay – it is a return to what makes travel personal, local, and unforgettable.”

With a portfolio that spans luxury to economy, Accor operates over 20 international brands in New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and French Polynesia.

The company's presence extends globally, with more than 5,700 hotels and resorts in over 110 countries. The Peppers brand itself has properties across Australia, New Zealand, and other locations.

Earlier in the year, Accor expanded the Peppers brand to Gladstone in partnership with Yaralla Sports Club, introducing the area's first five-star hotel.