Welcome to wine country
23 Feb 2017
The Hunter Valley boasts some of Australia’s finest wines, luxurious accommodation and awe-inspiring scenery. While the old favourites are still around, there’s always something new to try. Here’s what you’ll find on your next visit – you’ll want to keep coming back.
Rest a while
There’s never been a shortage of great places to stay in the Hunter Valley. If high-end indulgence is what you’re after, you can’t go past Talga Estate, Lilies Luxury Retreats, Dejà Vu Estate, the beautiful Carriages Boutique Hotel or Peppers Convent. After something a bit more low key? Tuscany Estate for Italian flavour or Harrigans’ Irish Pub and Accommodation are great choices. B&Bs and self-catering options abound in a range of styles and sizes. Whispering Brook caters for 10-18 people, or Wirral Grange Vineyard is a cosier choice, but both will welcome your pets. The exquisite architect-designed Longhouse offers three units, each able to house two couples and all affording stunning vineyard and mountain views with floor-to-ceiling windows.
If you want to bring your own van or camping equipment, and the dog, look no further than Active Holidays Cessnock Wine Country at Nulkaba or Country Acres Caravan Park at Singleton. Country Acres also has self-contained cabins and both parks offer pools and barbecues for those warm Hunter Valley days and evenings.
Fun in the sun
Golf anyone? Cypress Lakes, Crowne Plaza, the Greg Norman designed Vintage Golf Course at Chateau Elan or Branxton Golf Course for just nine holes is just
the start of the list.
If you fancy getting back to nature, bushwalking at Yengo National Park or the Great North Walk at Watagans National Park are spectacular choices, while Astills Trail at Nulkaba is an easy two kilometre stroll where you can look out for rare and threatened bird species.
While surrounded by such beauty, why not try hot air ballooning? Daily sunrise balloon rides with Balloon Safaris provide spectacular views of the valley, hills and bushland and culminate in a gourmet breakfast at Peterson House. It’s an early start but well worth the effort and it leaves a full day for wine tasting.
If you’re feeling less active, head for some of the galleries like Butterflies or the Ogishi Craft Centre, where you can have a glassblowing lesson and stay in their three-bedroom cottage.
Fancy a tipple?
It would be rude to visit the Hunter without sampling a glass of the region’s finest, or two. You’ll be spoilt for choice, but here are just a few recommendations for the list. Silkman Wines released their first vintage in 2013 and produce semillon, chardonnay and a shiraz pinot noir blend.
Scarborough Wines go back to the ’80s but are one of the few places that offer a complimentary cheese and antipasto platter with tastings. Audrey Wilkinson is one of the oldest wineries, with plantings beginning in 1866. It offers both breathtaking views and
award-winning semillons.
Botanica Winery has no cellar door, but grapes are handpicked and their excellent chenin blanc and other wines can be savoured at their wonderful restaurant run by chef Mark Stapleton.
De Julius Wines’ modern tasting building offers a great range and the fabulous Two Fat Blokes cheese and wine experience. The semillon and shiraz are recommended here.
Seeking sustenance?
As with accommodation, the whole range is available. For modern Australian dining try Circa 1876 or EXP at Oakvale Winery. Muse Kitchen at Keith Tulloch offers seasonally-driven dining for weekday lunch or weekend dinner. Bistro Artisan and Emersons are further examples of the care and innovation in which diners can delight.
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