The Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley

You can’t beat a little weekender away and what better place than travelling a little over 2 hours north of Sydney to the beautiful Hunter Valley; Welcome to Wine Country!

There are more than 150 wineries in the region, meaning a busy day of wine tasting and beautiful views. Most wineries offer free tastings with a list including Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Verdelho and Rosé. There are a few options of getting around the Hunter Valley:

*A wine tasting tour bus, which usually includes transfers from your city location, 4-5 wineries and a visit to the cheese & chocolate shops. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the region without having to worry!

* A self drive tour of the region. Perfect if you stay a night or two, you can choose the wineries & explore at your own pace. Navigating around the Hunter Valley is easy, but it’s best to pick up a map from the information centre which outline the vineyards, restaurants and sites.

With so many wineries in the region it would be hard to visit and try them all so below are a few of my favourites:

Wynwood Estate – Tyrrell’s Wines – Hope Estate

Pepper Tree Wines; this place is truly beautiful, the grounds and the wines themselves! (pictured above)

Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard: One of the oldest wineries in this region, it’s my favourite mainly for the views! (pictured above)

When wine tasting, you’re sure to work up an appetite! My favourite places to eat include:

* Cafe Enzo at Peppers Creek Village: set in a beautiful village, this cafe is located in an antique home dated back to the 1700’s and the food is amazing! Only open for breakfast and lunch.

* Harvest Restaurant at Hope Estate: a little bit pricey but we enjoyed such a delicious meal at this beautiful restaurant that I have to recommend to everyone who visits!

* Tempus 2: the outset and atmosphere is great at Tempus 2 with not only it’s own cellar doors, but a few eatery options including the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop, The Barrel Room, The Goldfish Cocktail Lounge & Oishii Japanese & Thai Restaurant.

Looking for a place to stay?

* The Carriages Boutique Hotel & Vineyard: A surprise weekend away organised by my boyfriend led us to this beautiful French-style cottage with a fireplace and open sunny verandah, the country feel set the scene for the Hunter Valley and a beautiful weekend away.

* Harrigans Irish Pub & Accommodation: To be honest, I have stayed here twice and the staff can be quite rude however the rooms are great, comfortable and simple for an overnight stay. Located at the popular Irish Pub, it’s in good central location for the region.

If you’ve (somehow) had enough wine there are more things to enjoy in the Hunter Valley!

* Potters Brewery – the Hunters only operational brewery! Tours are around $10pp but we arrived a little late in the day so instead enjoyed a tasting board of all the beer they had to offer!

* Chocolate & Fudge tasting – located at Pokolbin Village

* Cheese tasting – A few places offer cheese tasting, the most popular being the Hunter Valley Cheese Shop next door to McGuigans wines & the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop at Tempus 2 or Pokolbin Village.

* Olive Oil tasting – personally my second favourite thing to do in the region, the Pukara Estate olive oils are so delicious! You can head to Ballabourneen Wine Co for the best of both wine & olive oil tasting.

* Tea Tree Day Spa at Crown Plaza – when you feel like being pampered, a place like this is sure to relax you!

* Hunter Valley Gardens – with 25 acres of featured gardens and settings, you have to check out the Hunter Valley Gardens whilst on your visit. The gardens are also opened at night during Christmas for the Christmas Lights Spectacular.

When a place is as magical as this, it only seems obvious to be a perfect location for a wedding. My sister, with the help of Kylie Berryman (senior wedding co-ordinator) organised her beautiful garden ceremony at the Hunter Valley Gardens.

Photographers: Rose Jane Photo

Hair & Makeup: Lauren Hendley Hair & Flawless Make Up Artistry

Music & Flowers: CrocQ & Floral Affects