The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest, and most-visited, wine region.
It’s packed with fascinating cellar doors, excellent restaurants and pretty villages – and that means it’s impossible to fit everything in one weekend.
That’s why we’ve put together some highlights for you – from cellar doors where you can take behind-the-scenes tours to indulgent degustations to a hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
SIPPING WINE AT CELLAR DOORS
The Hunter is home to around 150 cellar doors. They range from big names you’ve probably seen in your local bottlo to small wineries you might never have heard of.
A well-rounded weekend includes a few of both. For a little history, head to Tyrrell’s – it’s where the Hunter’s first grapes were planted way back in 1858. Today, the cellar door offers a variety of experiences, from a standard tasting to a private vineyard tour accompanied by a sampling of ‘Sacred Sites’ wines.
Another well-known name in the Hunter Valley is Brokenwood. Choose from a myriad of experiences, including a premium tasting, a wine-and-food matching session and a tour of the barrel hall.
When it comes to boutique cellar doors, visit Krinklewood for French-style organic and biodynamic drops, The Little Wine Company for unusual varietals and Ivanhoe for stunning views.
FEASTING AT EXCELLENT RESTAURANTS
Where there’s good wine, there’s usually good food – and the Hunter is no exception.
Start your days with a bubbly breakfast at Peterson House or a ‘hangover roll’ on the big, shady deck at Gartelmann Wines.
Come lunch or dinner, if you’re ready to indulge, head to EXP. for one of the finest feasts in the valley. The tasting-only menu features the likes of charred kangaroo loin with house-made satay sauce and native tamarind, and wood-fired duck breast with barbecued barletta onion, macadamia cream and black garlic emulsion.
Other premium restaurants include Bistro Molines for traditional French fare; Muse for two-hatted, technically breathtaking dishes; and eRemo at Spicers for Italian classics.
For a more casual meal, head to Leaves and Fishes for Asian cuisine surrounded by greenery, Restaurant Kawul for native ingredients and Yellow Billy for share plates cooked over fire.
ADVENTURING ON LAND, ON WATER AND IN THE AIR
The Hunter Valley is best known for its cellar doors and restaurants, but there are plenty of other adventures on offer that don’t involve food and wine.
To see the valley in its full splendour, take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, or, for an adrenaline hit, climb aboard a warbird for a 20-minute aerobatic flight.
Back on land, visit the Maitland Regional Art Gallery, ride along the Hunter Valley Cycleway or catch a film at Heddon Greta Drive-In Cinema. Or, if you’re looking to relax, have a spa treatment at Elysia Wellness Retreat, book a yoga session in the vines or picnic in the Hunter Valley Gardens.
Finally, on water, take an all-day cruise up the Morpeth River. This includes Devonshire tea, a 1.5-hour stop exploring Morpeth’s history, and tastings of local produce, wine and cheese.
GETTING TO THE HUNTER VALLEY
The Hunter Valley is just two hours’ drive from Sydney and an hour’s drive from Newcastle. That makes it a perfect weekend escape from either city.
For a smooth, comfortable and stress-free trip, travel in one of SIXT’s rental vehicles. We’re known for providing premium cars – from EVs to SUVs – at affordable prices.
We have branches across Sydney, and in Charlestown, Beresfield and Williamtown Newcastle Airport near Newcastle.
