An easy two-hour drive from Sydney and Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley has so much on offer. From award-winning wineries and exceptional restaurants to hot-air ballooning and concerts under the stars, there’s always something to keep you going back for more.
Here’s some suggestions to get you started!
1. EXPLORE THE SUB-REGIONS
Hunter Valley Wine Country is made up of several unique sub-regions and wine and food trails, so it’s really worth exploring further afield than just Pokolbin, which is in the heart of the wineries. Head out to the beautiful Broke Fordwich where you’ll find Margan Family Wines and Winmark Wines; to Denman in the Upper Hunter to visit Hollydene Wines; Lovedale for Allandale Wines, Saltire Estate and Adina Vineyard & Olive Grove, and of course, Mount View for Briar Ridge Wines, Savannah Estate and Carillion Wines with their stunning views.
2. THE ONLY WAY IS UP
Take to the skies on an early morning hot air balloon ride, a scenic helicopter tour or a spin in a vintage tiger-moth – it’s the perfect way to really take in the vast and diverse area that is the Hunter Valley wine region. Check out Balloon Aloft, Beyond Ballooning and Aerologistics.
3. DINE IN STYLE
It’s foodie heaven in the Hunter. Experience world-class cuisine at Muse, Bistro Molines, Muse Kitchen, The Wood at Brokenwood, Restaurant Botanica and so many more fantastic restaurants.
4. TRY SOME TASTING TREATS
The Hunter has always attracted visitors for its great wine. It’s now doing the same for its fantastic fresh produce. Make sure you take time to taste some cheese at Binnorie Dairy, The Smelly Cheese Shop, Hunter Valley Cheese or Hunter Belle Cheese. Indulge in decadent offerings at Cocoa Nibs and the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, and sample some charcuterie at the Lovedale Smokehouse. The region’s olives and olive oils are absolutely delicious, so stop in at Pukara Estate and Adina Vineyard & Olive Grove.
5. EMERGING WINE BRANDS
Check out some of the up and coming wine labels who are making a name for themselves – Boydell’s, John Wallace Wines, Margan Breaking Ground, Comyns & Co and Wild Ren Wines just to name a few.
6. TAKE A SWING
Hit the greens on the Hunter Valley’s seriously good golf courses. Cypress Lakes, Hunter Valley Golf at Rydges Resort and The Vintage all offer world-class greens and panoramic views that are guaranteed to take your eye off the ball.
7. GO TO A CONCERT
The Hunter loves an open-air winery concert, especially over the summer months. Bimbagden Estate, Hope Estate, Roche Estate are the big venues where the likes of The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Midnight Oil have all entertained. Seeing your favourite bands while watching the sunset and dancing under the stars is a must-do experience.
8. GET ALL ARTY
Explore galleries show-casing a fantastic range of local artists’ work, from paintings and sculptures to glasswork, woodwork and jewellery. Take a trip out to Winmark to discover the impressive sculpture walk and art gallery or visit Watershed Gallery located on McDonalds Road and secure a pretty souvenir to take home with you.
9. MARKET TO MARKET
If you’re visiting on a weekend there is always a market or two to wander through. Check out Handmade in the Hunter Markets, Broke Community Markets, Wollombi Village Markets, Dallwood Markets and many more.
10. SPOIL YOURSELF AT A DAY SPA
Treat yourself to a well-deserved pampering at one of the area’s divine day spas. Elysia Wellness Retreat, Chateau Elan, Spa Anise and Ubika Spa will massage your stress away, freshen up your face and have your nails buffed and polished in no time.
11. ENJOY A CLEANSING ALE
When you’re all wined out, don’t despair, there are several local breweries and distilleries to discover. Enjoy a pint or two at 4 Pines Brewery, Peter Drayton’s Wines & Ironbark Hill Brewhouse, Hope Estate and Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley
12. HITCH A RIDE
Saddle up and soak in the views with a horse ride between the vines or out in the bush with Hunter Valley Horses or Hunter Valley Horse Riding. If you prefer things a little more subdued, clip-clop your way along the tree-lined backroads in unique covered wagons or open carriages with Hunter Valley Classic Carriages.
13. GRAB A COFFEE
Keen to get caffeinated before a day of tasting or wanting to sit down and enjoy a tea and pastries, try Café Enzo, Sabor Dessert Bar, the Cru Bar and Pantry at Brokenwood and the Lovedale Cafe.
14. TAKE A TOUR
There is no shortage of tour operators in the area. Take a tour anyway you like – in a horse-drawn carriage, a convertible, a sleek modern limousine, a chartered helicopter or the back of a bike.
15. TRY BACK VINTAGE SEMILLON
The region’s white varietal hero, Semillon has been described as “the Hunter Valley’s gift to the wine world”. Sample some of the aged expressions to experience where current releases will be in the years ahead.
EXPLORE HUNTER VALLEY WINES
Click here for Hunter Valley wines.
This article has been supplied by Wine Selectors.
