Brokenwood Wines, Pokolbin, New South Wales © Destination NSW
The Hunter Valley’s best food and farm experiences
Australia’s oldest wine region is a gourmand’s delight, with horseback rides across vineyards, foodie festivities and paddock-to-plate dining.
Saddle up and tour the food bowl
Saddle up and tour the food bowl
The Hunter Valley is the birthplace of Australian wines, so touring the vineyards is top of the travel to-do list. Soak in the agrarian beauty of sprawling vineyards atop a horse with a Hunter Valley Horses trail ride. Spend an afternoon vine-side at Mount Pleasant, and taste your way through the region’s rich wine offering. Then snack on locally made, artisanal triple brie, washed rind and labna cheese at Binnorie Dairy.
Sleep where the vines meet the bush
Sleep where the vines meet the bush
Peaceful retreats surrounded by fragrant, native bush and lush wineries are a Hunter Valley speciality. Unwind in relaxed luxury at Spicers Vineyards Estate, where you can wine and dine at the paddock-to-plate restaurant, laze by the pool and indulge in a restorative spa treatment using native botanicals. For a farmhouse stay complete with a cosy fireplace, veranda overlooking the lush valley and farm animals like ducks and mini horses, spend a night at Wollombi Country House.
Taste the Hunter on a day trip
Taste the Hunter on a day trip
Tasting your way across the Hunter Valley is easy even for travellers on a tight turnaround. Sydney Bespoke Tours offers a full-day winery experience straight from the city, with complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off and an unforgettable exploration of Hunter Valley’s premium wineries. You’ll be treated to the gold-star wining and dining experiences at Mount Pleasant, Brokenwood Wines and Audrey Wilkinson. And if there’s a particular drop you’d like to sample, your guide will organise bespoke tastings to suit.
Join in the local festivities
Join in the local festivities
A peek behind boutique cellar doors that rarely open their gates, winemaking masterclasses, cheese and pasta-making workshops and barrel tastings are all on the menu at the annual D’Vine Food and Wine Festival. Centred around Pokolbin’s Hermitage Wine and Food Trail every September, there are over 20 events to explore, all connected via shuttle bus. Fill your suitcase with incredible wines, bountiful local food and a very good time.
