If wine tasting is on your list of things to do while visiting Australia, you won’t want to leave the country without a trip to the Hunter Valley. Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley is located just a few hours north of Sydney making it a convenient destination for wine connoisseurs.
Wine drinkers will recognize famous Hunter Valley names, including Brokenwood, Tempus Two, and Wyndham Estate. Vineyards in the area produce mainly Semillon, Shiraz and Chardonnay, although many of the wineries also import grapes from other regions to produce a wide array of wines. Tours of the vineyards and wine making facilities are available at most of the wineries. Architecture in the area reflects a broad range of styles including heritage, Tuscan, and modern Australian. Many of the wineries have excellent restaurants attached, so be prepared to spend some time enjoying the food as well as the wine.
The area also features much in the way of top notch entertainment. Many artists perform in the area throughout the year, including such acts as Rod Stewart and Matchbox Twenty. The region also hosts the Music in the Valley festival and the Jazz in the Vines event in October. The Starlight Cinema event occurs in March, and features outdoor movies, shown under the stars. If you enjoy a good game of golf, there are several courses to challenge your skills.
Sightseers can easily explore the valley by car, although if you plan on visiting the wineries a designated driver is a must. If a guided tour is more your speed, you’ll find many options advertised online or your hotel in Sydney can likely recommend a few companies. For those of a more adventurous sort, the region can be seen by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle, helicopter and even hot air balloon.
