In the cooler month of May 2019, we drove to Hunter Valley for my birthday 3 nights getaway with friends.
The drive to Hunter Valley is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes from Sydney. A good drive especially in Autumn and Spring where the weather is pleasant and perfect for wine tasting.
Accommodation
Crown Plaza Resort and Spa – This resort is located in Lovedale, a perfect area in the centre of everything in Hunter Valley on the main road Wine Country Drive. Our two bedroom villa based on the bottom floor was spacious and has wide balcony doors in the living room to access the grounds.
This is an ideal resort for couples, families and groups who would enjoy the golf course, spa, sauna, swimming pool, chess, spa service, two restaurants, a lounge, parking facilities, special needs and business services.
Tours
2 Fat Blokes – This was our second wine tasting tour with 2 Fat Blokes and lucky me this time was my actual birthday.
I highly recommend 2 Fat Blokes who take you to 3 wineries (small, boutique and large) with a knowledgeable driver. The Half Day Snap Tour cost approximately $79.00 per person and offers pick up and drop off services.
Our tour started with a pick up in a luxury van from our resort straight to Two Fat Blokes new location.
2 Fat Blokes has a fantastic wine and cheese tasting. Here, you are sure to enjoy a delicious experience and like us will make a few cheese purchases. When arriving at each winery, make sure to take photos so you do not miss out on the shots.
Hunter Valley Horses – What a great way to explore Hunter Valley on horse and carriage through the beautiful vineyards. An unforgettable experience that I will definitely do again. The full day tour started from 10.30 am to 4.00 pm with visits to McGuigans Winery, Tamburlaine Organic Wines, Peppertree and included lunch at Blaxlands Inn.
http://www.huntervalleyhorses.com.au/
Wineries
McGuigans Winery – This family owned winery is still my favourite Australian wines from whites to reds. The staff are welcoming and always ready to help. Two visits on this trip one on our own to make a big order and the other with Hunter Valley Horses. Our tour with Hunter Valley Horses began in a back room where we tasted a wide selection of superb wines. Make sure to note down on paper provided which are you preferred wines, will help when guided to the cellar for purchasing. My favourites are Autumn Harvest, Noon Harvest, Select Merlot, Select Summer Shiraz, Select Pinor Noir, Shortlist Montepulciano, Cellar Select Verdelho, Shortlist Riesling 2017 and
Chardonnays haven’t been a favourite of mine since my 20’s but McGuigans surprised me with their Personal Reserve Chardonnay 2017.
Join the wine club I promise you won’t be disappointed with the selections sent – https://www.mcguiganwines.com.au/wine-club/
https://www.mcguiganwines.com.au/
Tamburlaine Organic Wines – Another of my old favourites who also make organic wines perfect for people with histamine allergies. The entry to this winery is gorgeous with the arch entrance.
Wine Lovers Scarletts Bubbles is a perfect sparkling roses with its fresh strawberry and raspberry aromas to have at a party. If you fancy something sweet with bubbles makes sure to buy a bottle or two and drink fairly soon, not a cellaring wine.
Peppertree Cellar Door – Founded in 1991 and located in the heart of Polkobin, this stunning cellar door took me by surprise as we arrived via horse and carriage with its picturesque entry way leading to the cellar door and the gorgeous garden.
The cellar offers a variety of wine tastings on their website including a wine and charcuterie board tasting.
I have a sweet palate so this winery was not for me on this occasion, however, I was impressed with their Dessert wines. Although very expensive $70.00 per bottle, NV Vin De Vie caught my palate with its delicious fresh raisin and oak flavour. I love Vin de Vie as an aperitif or after dinner in winter. It’s a pity drinking alcohol is merely on social occasions for me, otherwise, I would enjoy drinking the NV Vin De Vie every night. A year and a half has passed since my purchase, hmmm I think I better drink it.
https://www.peppertreewines.com.au/
Irongate Estate – A highlight of the Two Fat Blokes tour was this stunning European inspired family-run boutique winery located in Pokolbin. From the moment I stepped off the van, I was mesmerised by the entrance with its terracotta building surrounded by rose bushes. As you walk into the cellar you are greeted with a huge room with large windows to peer out into the rose garden courtyard and winery, perfect for wine tasting groups who do not have the pleasure of being outdoors.
Our wine tasting experience in the courtyard under the pergola was delightful. I highly recommend a stop here for both the wines and the enchantment of this exquisite winery.
https://www.irongateestate.com/
Briar Ridge Estate – This out of the way winery in Mount view was a pleasant surprise with its welcoming entrance. The staff not quite as warming, perhaps due to miscommunication with the winery and 2 Fat Blokes but nevertheless was still a lovely wine tasting although nothing tickled my fancy compared to other wineries. Alas, we all have different taste buds and mine tends to steer towards sweetness.
https://www.briarridge.com.au/
Tempus Two – Located at the Roche Estate, this is one of my favourite sweet wine cellars in Pokolbin. Enjoyed the wine tasting here and walked away with a few Copper Label series for us and family.
My favourites are Moscato Rosa and Dolce Rosa.
Hunter Distillery – If you are looking for something other than wine, make a stop here. The distillery has flavoured vodka, gin, liqueurs and schnapps. We enjoyed some unique tastings out of test tubes.
https://www.hunterdistillery.com.au/
Dining
Redsalt –This restaurant is located at the Crowne Plaza facing the pool and golf course. The food and beverage was good, however,the staff service on my birthday was inadequate. I recommend doing some research prior to your visit to find some easily accessed restaurants. Note restaurants operating hours to avoid disappointment.
https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/lovedale/ntlhv/hoteldetail/dining
Blaxland Inn –A local inn we dined for lunch whilst on our Two Fat Blokes tour. My sirloin and frites with a glass of wine were delicious and steak cooked as requested, well done. If you are in the area and hungry, drop by for a simple meal.
The Blaxland Inn also offer transfers within a 10 minute radius of the venue.
Factories
Cheese and Chocolate Factory – A small quaint factory located on the McGuigans Winery, you’ll be sure to take a few goodies home. Try a cheese platter before your purchase I guarantee you will enjoy it as much as we did.
https://www.huntervalleycheese.com.au/pages/in-store
Hunter Smelly Cheese Shop – Make sure to stop buy this cheese shop who have a wide range of delicacies. I guarantee you won’t leave empty handed. James enjoyed the sensational Smelly’s Slow Roasted Pork Belly Baguette filled with Pork belly, Asian slaw, orange star anise dressing, topped with pork crackle.
Bars
Goldfish – A nice welcoming bar with an old school touch. I have not had the pleasure of enjoying food and beverages here, perhaps next time.
https://www.thegoldfish.com.au/
Hunter Valley has won my heart, so many unique places to enjoy with your partner, friends or family. Why not make it a yearly visit and stock up on some local wines. Support our fellow Australians especially now more than ever. Book now!
christinetravels 
Hi Chris Your blog makes me feel like going to Hunter Valley. I will talk to my friends about it and give them a copy of your blog. Thank you.Mum
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Hi Mum, haha that’s great. Wonderful, thanks for sharing x
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