Autumn in the Hunter Valley is a fusion of endless days of sunshine and warmth followed by crispy, clear evenings, the perfect setting to come together over good food and wine with loved ones. A time when wine, food and connection is a focus for the region, come and discover why the Hunter Valley’s reputation for food and wine is second to none. There are so many wine and food events in the region during this time that it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you are travelling with friends, with your family, or with your partner, we have helped unpack some of the events taking place over the next few weeks for you.
Love Beer? Love BBQ? Love live music? Love a relaxing day (or weekend) in the vineyards? The Hunter Valley Beer & BBQ Festival has all that plus more. Still over two days, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd April, the rolling lawns of Hope Estate’s amphitheatre will become a Beer & BBQ lover’s paradise. Now in its third year, the festival will have the classic favourites and some new twists thrown in.
Hope Estate will again be showcasing over 40 of their vast range of beers and ciders from easy drinking Ales and Lagers, German styles, thirst quenching Sours through to the crafty styles of Porters, Stouts and more. Imagine this amid the inviting smell of BBQ and sound of live music coming from their concert stage.
Returning in an all new format for 2023, A little bit of Broke runs over three days in the picturesque, country charmed village of Broke Fordwich, a mere fifteen minute drive from Pokolbin. A weekend to discover incredible wine, food, farm gate produce, events, live music, experiences and accommodation, this year's festival spans over fourteen fabulous locations to immerse yourself in.
Access each venue via the hop on hop off bus, allowing you to Surround yourself in luxury and explore the wonders of the region with sunrise yoga, sunset wines and tunes. Stroll through expansive organic kitchen gardens, savour a meal in a hatted restaurant, picnic with a alpacas, discover the secrets of beekeeping, craft a masterpiece during art ‘n sip, reap the benefits of a cedar wine barrel soak, and indulge in a foot scrub crafted with local botanicals. Finally, bask in the picturesque scenery while sipping on a glass of the region’s finest wines surrounded by good company.
LOVEDALE LONG LUNCH
Shaping up to be one of the tastiest events of the year, Lovedale Long Lunch returns May 20 and 21 this year. Explore the picturesque subregion of Lovedale, and savour the exquisite flavours offered at six different venues. Enjoy carefully selected wines and live music as you spend quality time dancing in the sunshine with friends among the vines. An event known to sell out, click here to learn more or to secure your LLL package and tickets today.
TEMPRANILLO & TAPAS, CHAT SERIES AT WINE HOUSE
Join the team at Wine House Hunter Valley with wine guru Adam Winder and take a deep dive into the wonderful variety of Tempranillo. Seize the opportunity to learn all about this variety, its different styles and the distinctions between old world and new world winemaking techniques. Sample six wines from six local producers’ side by side paired with six delicious tapas food pairings. Saturday, April 22 at Wine House Hunter Valley. Click here to learn more or book.
SHIRAZ SHOWCASE LUNCHEON AT RIDGEVIEW
A premium food and wine pairing like no other, Ridview will showcase and match six of their top shiraz, including aged releases, to a four-course delectable degustation, an experience true Shiraz lover do not want to miss. The pairings aim to showcase and demonstrate how versatile Hunter Valley Shiraz can be, and break the stigma that all Hunter Shiraz is the same. Located on the picturesque Ridgeview estate, sit back and succumb to the state of relaxation as you wine and dine looking out on the properties ever spanning vineyard views. Set to take place on Saturday, May 6, click here to learn more or to secure your tickets today.
RIBS & REDS: AGED VS NEW BLUEGRASS MASTERCLASS
Join the team at Saddler’s Creek to explore their signature Bluegrass Collection whilst discovering how these wines evolve through years and years of cellarding. A food and wine pairing hosted by the experts, be guided through half a dozen of their iconic red wines including young, new releases versus ten year cellar releases. Uncover how time in the cellar has transformed each wine over the years and learn tips and tricks on how to sniff, sip and swirl like an expert. Crafted for longevity, the Bluegrass Collection is sure to impress and is ready for your enjoyment, young or old paired with a delicious array of ribs done three ways. 11am every Sunday during the months of May & June. Click here to find out more.
Thomas Wines Shirazmataz 2021 Shiraz Release at Jimmy Joans
Get up close and personal with Thommo & his clan for a relaxed afternoon session where all seven of his new release Shiraz from 2021 vintage will be available by the glass or bottle (along with all of our usual tap beers & cocktails in usual Jimmy Joans fashion!) Pull up a picnic rug or grab a seat by the fire pit & enjoy some live tunes & snacks into the evening. For the whole hog, join us for the official Shiraz release lunch from 11.30am. Reserve your seats for the official Shiraz release luncheon here on Saturday May 13.
RIEDEL WINE GLASS EXPERIENCE + AFTER PARTY
Did you know that the shape and size of your glass affects your perception of aroma and flavour? Find out how at Wine House Hunter Valley's RIEDEL Wine Glass Experience, an entertaining and educational class on how the right glassware can help you get more from the wines you love. Hosted by Managing Director of RIEDEL Mark Baulderstone, you will not only gain a new perspective on wine but you will also take home a set of four RIEDEL Performance wine glasses valued at over $200. Set to take place on Saturday, June 10, click here to discover more or to secure your spot today.
EPIC TASTING EXPERIENCE AT HUNGERFORD HILL
Experience a taste of the region's only two hatted restaurants paired with delectable wines from Hungerford Hill this Autumn. The Epic Tasting Experience entails a mini degustation of Hungerford Hill wines matched with bite-sized dishes curated and created by award-winning two hatted Muse Restaurant, bringing together the best of hunter wine and culinary skills in perfect harmony. This experience operates from Tuesday to Saturday throughout Autumn. Click here to book or find out more.
THE TWILIGHT MARGAN EXPERIENCE
Celebrate the changing of seasons in Broke Fordwich with the Margan Twilight Experience. Enjoy a relaxed evening indulging in one of the state's top paddock to plate dining experiences under the stars. Sit back and admire the grandness of the Brokenback Mountain Range whilst enjoying delectable cocktails prepared with estate made vermouth before an intimate degustation dinner in the courtyard under the milky way. Running every Friday and Saturday evening over the coming weeks, click here to learn more or to make a booking today.
SMOKE IN BROKE
Get ready for the most finger licking, boot scootin’, BBQ festival in the Hunter Valley this June long weekend at Broke Fordwich. A local’s favourite, Smoke in Broke showcases all things BBQ in a festival style with local wines, rides for the kids and plenty of entertainment all weekend long.
Mini Taste of Wollombi Festival
The Mini “Taste of Wollombi” Festival, a prelude to the grand relaunch of the Taste of Wollombi Festival next year (2024), is set to tantalize your taste buds and immerse you in the rich culture and heritage of the region over the June long weekend.The festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of Wollombi’s local produce, wines, and culinary delights. With a series of events lined up, each one promises a unique and memorable experience.
CHARDONNAY & SHIRAZ MASTERCLASS AT SADDLER’S CREEK WINES
Unlock the secrets of the Hunter Valley this Autumn and join Saddler’s Creek for a delightful and educational wine and food journey, expertly crafted by Saddler's Creek Winery and acclaimed Chef Jonathan Heath. Enjoy a selection of three Chardonnays and three Shiraz, each paired with a delectable degustation plate. You'll learn the nuances of winemaking techniques and how to pair each wine with its own unique flavour profile. A truly unforgettable experience awaits. 11am every Sunday through April, click here to learn more or to make a booking.
MARGAN BARREL HALL SALE
The Margan Barrel Hall Sale is back this June Long Weekend! Come down as team Margan open up their museum reserves, and showcase the best of their cellar. You can even meet the maker himself!
PETERSONS COLOURFUL LUNCH
Petersons invite you to come along and celebrate the 40th anniversary of Peterson Wines and 20th anniversary of Savannah Estate at their Colourful Long Lunch on June 17th at Ben Ean. Start the day with live music, canapes, freshly shucked oysters and a Peterson House champagne bar in our Garden Terrace. Then head upstairs to their Heritage Courtyard, where you will be welcomed by tasting bars showcasing their new release and museum wines, followed by a 3-course lunch with matching wines. There will be prizes, including a bottle of Penfolds Grange and signed magnums and jeroboams from Petersons Wines and Savannah Estate.
CHAT SESSION - CHARDONNAY WITH LIZ SILKMAN
Join Liz Silkman at Wine House on Saturday, June 24 to rediscover the art of Chardonnay. Liz is undoubtedly the queen of Chardonnay, her wines have amassed an embarrassing number of gold medals, trophies and accolades but you won't meet a more down to earth winemaker. Join the team at Wine House Hunter Valley to hear Liz' insights into all things Chardonnay as she presents a bracket of six Chardonnays from her own label as well as those from other leading winemakers. Click here to secure your tickets today.
HUNTER VALLEY BEER & WINE FESTIVAL
Indulge in an unforgettable day of gastronomic delight at the 11th annual Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival! Set to take place on Saturday 24th of June 2023, the festival will be held within the picturesque grounds of the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley. Enjoy a carefully curated selection of premium wines, gourmet food, beer and cider as you take in the beauty of the Hunter Valley. This is a unique opportunity to tantalise your taste buds and to truly experience the unparalleled atmosphere of the Hunter Valley.
EPIC ANNUAL LUNCH AT MUSE RESTAURANT
Muse is a renowned two-hatted restaurant, located at the entrance to Pokolbin in the beautiful iconic Hungerford Hill winery. The emphasis is on seasonality and quality, showcasing the best of fresh Hunter Valley local produce. The seasonal nature of the menus results in dishes which are constantly changing, with a consistent culinary approach of technique, restraint and respect. An exclusive five-course menu will be matched with a selection of premium aged and new release Hungerford Hill wines. This annual event is always a sell out, so be sure to book early to avoid missing out! World class entertainment is included in the ticket price and is an un-missable day. Held on June 17 and June 24, click here for more information or to book.
BURNING OF THE BARREL
Join the Glandore team for the highly anticipated and sell out event Burning of the Barrel. As the name suggests, over 79 tonnes of wood and one or two sacrificial wine barrels (empty of course) are ignited, lighting up the night and heating up the Hunter Valley to celebrate the end of the harvest. Indulge in delicious foods and delectable Glandore Wine’s dance, sit and laugh around the bonfire and finish the evening gazing at the fireworks display.
BASTILLE DINNER AT BOYDELL'S
Don your beret and Louboutins, wax your moustache and join Boydell's for a fabuleuse soirée. The team love indulging in the finest food and wines (especially French food and wine), and Bastille Day is a great excuse to celebrate this passion. Channelling her inner Bocuse and Robuchon, Chef Paula Rengger has designed a menu of classic French dishes with a contemporary twist. To complete the experience the four courses will be paired with Boydell’s and French wines. Join either sitting on Friday July 14 or Saturday July 15 for an unforgettable evening.
