Summer in The Valley

Image Credit: MJK Creative.

Aah, wine country… where the pleasures of eating and drinking are celebrated daily. With its rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and delicious food scene, the Hunter Valley has everything you need for a relaxing short break away from the hustle and bustle of the city. And while there is never a wrong time to visit Hunter Valley wine country, there’s something extra special about taking a trip to Australia’s oldest wine region and foodie's paradise during the summer months.

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With a range and quality of produce that is second to none, combined with a rich history going back to the 1830s, the Hunter Valley has become not just Australia's premier wine region but a leader in wine and food tourism. Combined with its relatively mild climate, the Hunter Valley's food and wine experiences lead us outside to enjoy some of the world's finest flavours against stunning natural beauty.

Here, you will find an extensive collection of restaurants specialising in wine country cuisine, as well as a growing number of distilleries, breweries and more than 150 wineries producing world-class wines from varietals that include Chardonnay, Semillon and Verdelho amongst the whites and Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot among the reds. Wine lovers will also be thrilled to find a growing range of Mediterranean and other European varieties, including Fiano, Viognier, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris, and the red varieties of Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Montepulciano, Tempranillo, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.

Stepping inside the restaurants, renowned for their exciting food, warm hospitality and magnificent views, is a chance to experience the culinary creativity of some of the best chefs in the country. Visiting a cellar door, too, is unique as you are likely to find yourself chatting to the winemaker and several family members, often second or third-generation vignerons.

However, the Hunter Valley’s allure extends beyond its warm hospitality, exceptional wines and culinary excellence. With a wide selection of wellness retreats, art galleries, olive groves, farm produce, distilleries, breweries, local markets, music festivals and outdoor activities, not to mention having the largest display garden in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s a destination that combines natural beauty and cultural richness to create unforgettable experiences and lasting memories of a summer well spent.