THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

The Hunter Valley has made its mark on the nation's live music map having hosted some of the biggest names in the world including Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Fleetwood Mac and Elton John. If you’re in the mood for some live music during your stay, you don’t always need to plan and source a ticket to one of these headline shows. Here are some of the top places to kick-back to live music each weekend in the region. Whether you’re after sunshine, vine side acoustic blues in the afternoon or a sun-drenched beer garden with a band covering all the classics, there is no better way to celebrate the end of the week than with some great vino and vibes.

For many pet owners, the hardest part about travelling is leaving our four-legged companions behind. Luckily for us, most venues in the Hunter Valley are in the same boat – pooches are part of the family and in many cases, staff rosters as well. You’ll find that many wineries and even restaurants will have a resident fury friend on-site, in charge of the hellos and goodbyes.

 

​If warming reds, fortified wines, toasted marshmallows and log fires is your idea of the perfect winter's day, you're in luck. Here's a list of cosy cellar doors where fine wines, flames and friends go hand in hand. Pictured: Oakvale Wines.Blueberry Hill Vineyard​Blueberry Hill keeps their firepit cranking from 4.30-6pm on Friday and Saturday...

​ If you're looking for exquisite views, kick-ass wines and a bucolic bistro that enchants all who enter, head to this hidden haven in the mountains. ​When you think of the fairy kingdom what comes to mind? A breathtakingly beautiful realm with lush green hills and majestic mountains with intoxicating beverages and out-of-this-world food? Welcome ...

​1. It's vintage time! Yep, it's the most exciting time to visit the Hunter Valley as winery crews start harvesting grapes for the 2019 vintage. They start picking grapes for white wines first – several have already harvested Verdelho – before moving onto the red varieties. For behind-the-scenes footage of all the vintage action follow #v19 or...

It's been dubbed the "best-kept secret in the Hunter Valley" but the secret is well and truly out – Broke is stunning, secluded and produces an exceptional glass of wine.​With impressive views just about everywhere you go, Broke is the quintessential rural retreat.It's a peaceful pocket of the Valley that's slightly off the beaten track (about 15km...