Fabulous wineries and restaurants take centre stage in the Hunter Valley, so get ready for a busy winery hop and fabulous tastings.
The Hunter River meanders its way from the highland areas to the north and south and the scenery is a knockout.
Attractions
There are more than 150 wineries in Australia’s oldest wine region with stunning cellar doors, restaurants and manicured grounds.
Suggested must visits include Pokolbin cellars doors – Keith Tulloch Wines, Usher Tinkler Wines, Scarborough Wine Co and Audrey Wilkinson cellar door known for the moscato, great pics and views.
Venture on a food and wine tour – Two Fat Blokes Tours can combine wine, cheese and chocolate tastings.
Take to the skies in a hot air balloon for a bird’s eye view of the area.
Wander through the pretty Hunter Valley Gardens that are spread over 14 hectares.
Stay
There is a vast selection of accommodation available throughout the area including cosy cottages, villas with vineyard vistas, boutique hotels and luxury accommodation.
Those recommended include Spicers Guesthouse Hotel and Spicers Vineyard Retreat in Pokolbin, Carriages Boutique Hotel and Vineyard Pokolbin and The Remington at Muswellbrook.
Hotels include the Crowne Plaza, with golf course views and self-contained stays are available at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort. Chateau Elan at The Vintage in Rothbury features a great golf course and spa.
Dine
There’s so much choice in the area but standouts include EXP, Muse Restaurant and Muse Kitchen at Keith Tulloch winery.
Bistro Molines is a firm favourite along with Restaurant Botanica, Mr Busby’s and for modern Italian, Eremo Restaurant.
Start the day with a breakfast board at Cafe Enzo and Emerson’s Cafe and Restaurant.
Stock up on goodies at farmers market in the area including the Slow Food Each Market in Maitland. The Smelly Cheese Shop at Pokolbin sells local, Australian and imported artisan cheese.