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Looking for a classy but boozy weekend getaway from Sydney that is perfect for couples, a group of friends or to take your parents? Want a change of scenery, escape from the city and a weekend full of wine, chocolate and cheese?
Just a 2 hour drive north from Sydney city, the Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s major wine regions. Surrounded by rolling mountains, the hunter Valley wine region is full of beautiful sunsets, friendly kangaroos and giggling visitors!
The Hunter Valley wine region consists of over 150 wineries, specialising in Semillon and Shiraz varieties. What gives the Hunter it’s charm that attracts over 3.8 million domestic overnight visitors a year is the multitude of family run boutique wineries, many of which offer wine tastings and vineyard tours.
So keep reading to hear the BEST ways to tackle the wine tastings, transport, food, accommodation and non-alcoholic activities to make the most of your stay in the Hunter!
Contents
How to get around the vineyards
Hop On Hop Off bus:
Okay, first things first. The number 1 reason visitors come to the Hunter is of course to taste wine. That doesn’t mean there isn’t other stuff to do there too but we’ve gotta get the MOST important part right! By far the cheapest, easiest and most stress-free way to tour and taste in the Hunter is the Hop On Hop Off bus. I mean, who wants to be taxi driving everyone else around after 1 or 2 drinks while they all get to sit back and smash themselves with ALL the wine the Hunter has to offer? After coming ALL this way, no one wants to be worrying about driving over the limit and restricting themselves #dontholdback
Pros and Cons about the Hop On Hop Off bus tour:
PROS:
- Has 16 stops, at popular vineyards
- Most of the stops have a few different wineries, restaurants, shops etc
- The bus will pick you up from the same pick-up point 45min to an hour later to do the round again (trust me, an hour goes a LOT faster than you think when wine tasting)
- The bus driver is super helpful in giving recommendations to help you decide which stop to get off at
- Freedom to drink as much as you like without having to drive under the influence of alcohol (and risk getting caught by the cops, who patrol the area regularly)
- Meet other bus hoppers and make friends!
- Cheapest way to get around without having to drive - $60pp
CONS:
- Sometimes the bus is late and you could’ve spent more time at the vineyard tasting more wine rather than waiting for a bus
- When you realise you would prefer a different stop, well you’ve got to wait for another 45min for the bus to come back
- Sometimes 45 min is not enough! No one wants to be rushed during the swirl, sip and slurp process!
Full / half day wine tour:
Another option is to purchase a day tour, which involves pick-up (and drop-off) from your hotel, driving you to about 4-6 different wineries, the chocolate shop, a cheese tasting and lunch. We did this on our first visit and it cost $150 each for a group tour. Private tours are around $550 for 2 guests. There are options to do half day tours as well with morning and afternoon tours.
The Wine Tasting
The wineries offer a variety of red, white and sparkling wines available to taste. It typically costs $5 per person to taste around 4-5 different wines of your choice from the tasting list. However, if you purchase a bottle then the $5 tasting is waived. Most wine bottles are priced in the $20-45 range so rather than paying $10 for 2 people to taste a few different wines, why not pay another $10 and get a $20 bottle of wine plus the free tastings for 2 people? With this logic, well that’s the reason why so many bottles are sold! #letstalkbusiness #everyonewins
You might want to visit during the Hunter Valley Food and wine festival, which is a celebration of the diverse wine produced in this region every May and June.
Best Vineyards
Now, what everyone's been waiting for!
Bimbadgen winery: With a beautiful view of the vineyards, you will befriend many kangaroos on the walk (or hop) towards this winery. With a variety of eating options consisting of large pizzas, salad, chips and gelato, Bimbadgen winery specialises in Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho and Shiraz. Many concerts are hosted here for it’s beautifully vast backdrop.
Peppertree wines: Another winery to watch kangaroos skipping along the vineyards, Peppertree specialises in wine tours from the wine making process to private wine tastings.
Gundog estate: Not only do they offer tastings of their award winning wines but visitors also have the chance to taste cheese and charcuterie boards.
Tempus Two: Another award winning cellar door, the sophisticated Tempus Two offers a luxurious room for private tastings (try 12-13 wines on a private tasting with the help from a personal expert). Feeling peckish? Head next door to Oishii Asian restaurant or the Smelly Cheese shop (more food details below)
Tyrrells Vineyard: Produces world class wines, specialising in Chardonnay, Semillon and Shiraz
Leogate Estate Wines: A relatively newbie to the Hunter, and just along from Tyrell’s, this winery is decorated all in white with lion statues and a dazzling water fountain in the centre. Not only do they offer wine tastings but elaborate cheese and charcuterie boards for the peckish!
Audrey Wilkinson: If you came for the #instapicoftheday then enjoy an extensive range of Semillons from a scenic tasting room overlooking the breathtaking views of Brokenback Mountain ranges with an indulgent meal as well!
De Iuliis Winery: If the modern architecture doesn’t impress you, the wines will blow your mind. And if they don’t, then the view over Brokenback Mountain range, manicured gardens and native trees will…and if THAT doesn’t then surely its proximity to Two Fat Blokes cheese tastings (and ice cream options!) will! Climb up the observation tower for some epic views!
McGuigan Wines: Conveniently located next to the Hunter Valley Gardens, Hunter Valley Cheese Company and Roche Estate, McGuigan wines are known for their top quality wines, winning the International Winemaker of the year award in 2016 for a record 4th time!
Are there other alcoholic options to taste other than wine?
Beer: Whining from all the wine? Feeling like an ice cold beer to cleanse the palate? You’re not alone! The Hunter is full of award winning breweries such as Peter Drayton Wines & Ironbark Hill Brewhouse, Matilda Bay Brewhouse and Hope Estate.
Spirits: For a super fun tasting of spirits involving colourful, fruity and sweet schnapps, gin, liqueurs and vodka served to you in test tubes, head straight to The Hunter Distillery. Try the chilli vodka if you dare, otherwise mango liqueur, caramel vodka and Butterscotch schnapps are popular favourites!
Food in the Hunter
Important tip for the Hangry:
Avoid getting Hangry! Do be aware that in comparison to wineries, the food options around the Hunter vineyards is quite sparse. So, definitely plan your food stop into your itinerary. With so many visitors and very few breakfast cafes around, and the fact that they don't take bookings, be prepared for a rumbling tummy and a few rejections before finally finding a table to satisfying your cravings!
Breakfast Tip 1: Avoid visiting during busy times of year such as the Easter long weekend where finding a table is almost impossible!
Breakfast Tip 2: If the cafes around Pokolbin area are all full, try heading to Cessnock which is just a 10-15min drive away. There are plenty of places for a hearty breakfast such as Grinders.
Best places to eat
Sabor Dessert bar: When it comes to chocolate dessert bars, this is a big hit among all the visitors with a sweet tooth who want a short break from wine. An extensive menu consisting of melted hot chocolates, macarons, waffles, alcoholic desserts and a variety of extravagant tarts and slices displayed in the shiny window, you will surely leave feeling satisfied, even slightly sickly…Sabor specialises in pairing desserts with wines so treat this as a tasting in itself!
Oishii Asian restaurant: Translating to ‘yummy’ in Japanese, this Asian fusion restaurant is always full but with such a large staff of efficient waitresses and chefs, a table will always be offered to you. Another extensive menu with top quality dishes from Thai, Indonesian, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisines. As it is the Hunter, a wine list is offered, of course featuring Hunter valley favourites.
Harrigan’s pub: For those looking for a more low key, relaxed setting, Harrigan’s is your standard comfy pub serving the classics such as a chicken parmigiana, burgers, fries and a few salads. Offering indoor and outdoor seating, this is a popular one among families.
Café Enzo: A super popular brunch café, and no wonder, as the eggs and bakey are top notch! It’s one of those places where you can’t decide between 3 things on the menu but it won’t matter as they’ll taste as great as each other! Coffee is great, with the added touch of the Hunter's charming personality, serving coffee with a mini chocolate tiny teddy.
Other activities to do in the Hunter (besides tasting wine)
If you've got a bunch of kids, worry not! The Hunter is still a great family holiday destination and super popular among young families.
Aquagolf: Yes, exactly how it sounds. There is no better feeling that whacking that ball straight into a massive pond. Aim for targets and you might win a free ice cream, entrance to the Hunter Valley Gardens or even a Hot Air Balloon ride!
Mini Golf, located in the same centre as Aquagolf, this is a super popular attraction among the kids so bring along your patience!
Hot Air Balloon ride over the vast mountainous valley: Sounds romantic right? Wake up early as the best time to enjoy the 1 hour ride is at sunrise as you ascend 2000 feet above the vineyards. From up here, spot as many kangaroos as you can!
Helicopter ride over the Hunter vineyards: With multiple helicopter flights a day, this is one way to capture an aerial view of the rolling mountains, vast countryside and hopping kangaroos.
Hunter Winery Running Festival: Every year on the weekend of July 19-21 held over 2 days is a unique running festival with 2km, 5km, 10km and half marathon distances. It’s not every day you get to run through Australia’s oldest wine region
Hunter Valley zoo: If you thought the Tasmanian devil only exists in Tasmania then think again! The baby monkeys and black and white lemurs are just a few of the popular furry friends you'll make! Great place to take the kids.
Hunter Valley gardens: If you’re a fan of colourful flowers then you’ll love it here! Explore over 6000 trees, 600,000 shrubs and over 1 million ground plants, along with statues, waterfalls, rides, weddings and a shopping village!
Hunter Valley Country Markets: Every Saturday, selling everything from jewellery, local produce and handmade soaps to pottery, fashion items and candles. Pet and child friendly!
Day spa: Chateau Elan includes a spa, plunge pool, hydro lounge and couples retreat packages.
Take selfies with kangaroos! Hundreds of Kangaroos roam the Hunter valley region. You can find them hiding within the vineyards, soaking up the sun (or stealing the grapes!)
Cheese factories: The 3 main cheese factories are The Smelly cheese shop, The Hunter Valley Cheese factory and Two Fat Blokes (they offer other indulgences such as ice cream and free olive oil samples!)
Hunter Valley chocolate shop: Indulge in a chocolate dip with strawberries and marshmallows or purchase an unusual chocolate flavour you’ve never tried before such as lemon myrtle, lime & coconut or chilli!
Where to stay
There are a multitude of accommodation options when it comes to the Hunter Valley. With camping grounds, caravan parks, vineyard cottages, air bnb guesthouses, bed & breakfasts, hotels, motels, retreats and luxury resorts, you’re spoilt for choice!
Located right next to Bimbadgen Estate with spacious landing grounds from which multiple helicopter rides depart from, H Boutique Hotel was where we stayed and highly recommend! Waking up to sunrise views of hopping kangaroos and the central location with just a 5 minute walk to the first winery made our stay that much more enjoyable!
So whether you decide to catch the Hop On Hop Off bus, drive around yourself (so you can lug around all your wine cases!) or be taken on a guided wine tour, there are so many ways to enjoy the Hunter Valley!
So get swirling, sipping and slurping!...but no spewing…