Cover image credit: McLeish Estate
Picture the scene. Wine, cheese, throwing down the picnic blanket and soaking in the vineyard views. It’s nearly time to swap the views of our screens for the views across the Hunter Valley.
As the days get longer and evenings get warmer, reconnecting with friends and family in the great outdoors sounds like the perfect plan.
Take your pick below from the some of the best spots to picnic in the Hunter Valley this Spring and Summer.
GREENWAY WINES
Imagine having your very own 5-star vineyard picnic experience! From your styling, your picnic basket and blanket, to menu, to wine selection. At Greenway Wines this is what is unfolding in the seclusion of their boutique vineyard and cellar door in Broke Fordwich. So why not escape to the vineyard, with a loved one, friends or family, a fabulous bottle of wine and decadent picnic hamper. Greenway Wines have partnered with the Pokolbin Picnic Co to create an indulgent picnic experience just for you.
Your day starts with a wine tasting at the Red Barn Cellar Door, then the selection of your favourite wine from the tasting menu leaving you free to wander off to find your styled picnic location ready for you on the vineyard grounds. Greenway Wines will supply all the elegance you'll need to ensure the most magic of picnic experiences.
Full details and how to book HERE.
Image credit: Greenway Wines
GRAZING ON THE GROUNDS AT TYRRELL'S
Spend some time enjoying the beautiful scenery and history of the Tyrrell's property, located in one of the most picturesque settings in the Hunter Valley. Bring a picnic rug to spread out on the grass or sit at one of the picnic tables that overlook the vineyards and stunning Brokenback range, with the historic slab hut built in 1858 situated behind you. Perfect to enjoy before or after your tasting experience at the Cellar Door (tasting booked separately).
Includes: Individual picnic boxes with locally sourced cheese & charcuterie, a bottle of your favourite Hunter Valley range wine to share between two people, and a Tyrrell’s etched Riedel wine glass each to take home with you.
Full details and how to book HERE.
Image credit: Tyrrells
HOLLYDENE ESTATE WINES GARDEN PICNIC
Sitting amongst the roses surrounded by delicate pinks, whites & creams; lounging amongst cushions & sipping bubbles; soaking up the panoramic views from the stunning gardens at Hollydene Estate whilst enjoying a long lazy afternoon filled with fun, laughter and friends. As a family-owned winery in the Upper Hunter Valley, Hollydene work closely with the locally owned and run Wandering Wild Events to bring luxurious picnics to the Upper Hunter. With wines and food from the estate, styling from Wandering Wild and breath-taking views to die for, idle afternoons on the lawns at Hollydene are just the beginning of your summer ahead.
Call ahead to book 02 6576 4021.
Image credit: Hollydene Estate
AUDREY WILKINSON PICNIC AMONG THE VINES
Take in one of the most iconic views in the Hunter Valley whilst sipping on award winning drops paired with delectable goodies at Audrey Wilkinson this Spring. Enjoy a self-guided tour of their onsite museum, followed by a master class and premium tasting from an in-house wine expert. Collect your bottle of handpicked wine along with an individual picnic hamper per person and select a scenic location within the 270 acre property to enjoy the picturesque view and immerse yourself among the vines where you will feel as though you have the whole vineyard to yourself! Please note this experience goes ahead in all weather. (We do have under cover seating on our deck for rainy days.)
STOMP! WINES
Book your picnic or BBQ Hampers to enjoy on the grounds of Stomp! Wines. All you need to do is find the perfect spot in the grounds to relax and they’ll set up your picnic ready for you to relax and enjoy your time with friends and family. If your feeling playful enjoy a game of bocce, noughts & crosses or Giant Jenga.
Full details and how to book HERE.
Image credit: Stomp! Wines
Image credit: Saddlers Creek Wines
CALAIS ESTATE
What better way to spend an afternoon at a winery than to relax over a gourmet picnic with a bottle (or two) of wine! Calais Estate have not just one, but three picnic options available!
Choose from their Gourmet Picnic Pack, that you can enjoy on the Estate or take away; a Grazing Picnic, presented on a set and styled table for an indulgent look, this is a grazing picnic full of locally made and delicious food – think gourmet cheeses, dips, olives, fresh fruit and something sweet. And for those looking for total luxe – the Luxury Picnic , the ultimate indulgent picnic brought to you by partner Miss May's Picnics. Known as the number 1 luxury picnic experience in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, you can sit back and relax, enjoying the day in style!
Full details and how to book HERE.
MCLEISH ESTATE WINES
Sun, Semillon and Shiraz: the picturesque McLeish vineyard has it all, thanks to the launch of the Wines of Distinction Tasting and Regional Tasting Plate. Guests can further enjoy the McLeish hospitality, they are given a picnic rug, too, to set up where they please on the estate’s stunning hill-top vantage point.
McLeish Estate has put together a range of charcuterie and cheese plates that are designed to share and pair with their wines. For something more substantial, there’s try their Regional Tasting Platter for two that can be pre ordered (24 hours’ notice). The McLeish family called on chef Matt Dillow from The Deck Café to design the uniquely Hunter Valley tasting plate. Created with fresh local produce, from homemade hummus and relishes, delicious zucchini and pine nut frittata, and paired with high-end McLeish wines.
There’s plenty of places to experience a wine tasting at McLeish, from the stools at the main bar to the cosy tables underneath the chandelier. Otherwise, head out under the seated pergola or picnic amongst the vines where you’ll find the perfect vineyard views for a refreshing, crisp Semillon.
Full details and how to book HERE.
Image credit: McLeish Estate
If you’re looking to create your own experience, feast on local Hunter Valley produce with the wonderful selection of cheese, olives and chocolate all made locally and available to purchase. View full list of local produce offerings HERE.
For soft, hard or smelly cheese - The Smelly Cheese Shop in Pokolbin is your one stop shop. Their bestselling right now include Triple Cream Brie, Vintage Mature Cheddar and their Southern Creamy Blue, as well as their own ploughman hamper… enough to get our mouths watering!
Image credit: Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop
It goes without saying that we have a wonderful selection of beautiful reds, whites and roses to accompany your perfect picnic. Head to our wide selection of wines available to purchase online to find your drop of choice.
