Vintage is one of the best times to visit the Hunter Valley. The grapes are bursting with colour and flavour, the vines are looking lush and green, and the community is in full swing with everyone pitching in to harvest the grapes at the right times – whites are picked first, followed by reds. Harvest traditionally kicks off about 100 days after the vines flower and in the Hunter Valley that's usually between January and March, depending on the weather. This year's harvest started early January, making it the earliest Vintage in Australia for 2025. Want to get in on the action and experience the 2025 vintage first-hand by picking and stomping grapes?
Bonvilla Estate
Step into a day of rustic charm and celebration at Les Vendanges, Bonvilla Estate’s annual grape stomping event! Join the team for a fun day of “feets-on” taste of vineyard life. Immerse yourself in the tradition of grape picking and stomping, enjoy live music, lunch truck by Chef Johnathan, and fine cheese in the afternoon. Challenge your friends to a game of Bocce or unwind with lawn games. Each ticket includes access to all activities, bubbles on arrival, flowing wines and a promise of a bottle of Shiraz delivered to your doorstep next year, crafted from the very grapes you help stomp! For more information and to book click here.
Date and time: Sunday 2nd February, from 10am
Tickets: $85 (Adult) $25 (Children)
Oakvale Wines
Come along and spend the day with the team at Oakvale Wines as they take you through the full experience of a Hunter Valley harvest. From the grape picking, sorting & stomping, followed by a hearty lunch in the best location, the vineyard. Plus live music and Oakvale wines by the glass. For more information and to book click here.
Date and time: Saturday 22nd February, 10:30am - 4pm
Tickets: $200
Margan Wines
Join Andrew, Lisa, Ollie and Team Margan for an exclusive behind the scenes look at the 2025 harvest as it rolls out. Immerse yourself in the heart of the Margan vineyard, sample grapes straight from the vine, and witness the magic of winemaking as you taste the latest vintage wines straight from the barrel and tank. Lisa Margan will host an informative masterclass sharing her insights into the art of winemaking and the unique terroir of the Broke Fordwich Region. Following, indulge in a seasonally inspired three-course lunch in the stunning rammed earth Barrel Room, complemented with a selection of Margan premium sustainably farmed wines. For more information and to book click here.
Date and time: Sunday 23rd February, 10am - 4pm
Tickets: $195
Stomp! Wines
Take a fun, educational look at the life of a Winemaker during Vintage with Stomp! Wines. Help the team squish, measure and stomp grapes before a feast. The day includes measuring grape ripeness, sampling our 2025 juices & ferments, blending & tasting and a three course lunch with accompanying wines and live music prepared by Chef Matt Dillow from The Deck Cafe Lovedale. For more information and to book click here.
Date and time: Saturday March 8th, 11:30am - 3pm
Tickets: $195
McLeish Estate
In 2025 McLeish vineyard will be celebrating 40 years of producing wines in Pokolbin Hunter Valley and they are inviting you to come and join them for a very special Vintage Festival. Join Jessica and the McLeish team for a feast of delicious food and exceptional wine. Celebrate the 2025 Vintage with a locally hunted menu from Chef John Ralley and seafood paella cooked in wine barrels. Commencing at 11am with live music from Patrick McMahon, followed by a progressive and interactive lunch and a range of vintage activities (grape stomp & wine barrel rolling). Bring your friends for a celebration of Summer weather on the communal lawn long tables and enjoy the Garden Wine Bar. For more information and to book click here.
Date and time: Saturday 15th March, 11am - 4pm
Tickets: $130
