This was published 2 years ago
To the vines and beyond: Hidden gems of the Hunter
The Hunter Valley is world-renowned for wineries.Credit: Destination NSW.
This is sponsored content for Destination NSW and the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association
The Hunter Valley might be world-renowned for wineries, but it doesn't only offer up the obvious. Explore beyond the vineyards and you'll find hidden treasures, quirky activities and great restaurants you shouldn't miss.
Stretch out, fly high, get glamping. Here's how to indulge on a getaway that offers far more than grape expectations.
Wineries and distilleries
Credit: Hunter Distillery.
Going beyond the big, well-known cellar doors is a pleasure. Wombat Crossing Vineyard is one of the Hunter's smallest premium wineries. You're likely to meet the vineyard workers over a tasting of classic Chardonnay, Semillon and Shiraz.
Stonehurst Cedar Creek isn't just a vineyard but a deer and cattle farm too, whose settler-era cottages provide cosy accommodation. Or head to Stomp! Wines – who doesn't like a name with an exclamation mark. It's another relaxed, family-run cellar door where you can try varietals such as Chambourcin, Fiano and Moscato, and perhaps souvenir a repurposed wine barrel.
Beyond wines, Hunter Distillery has internationally award-winning vodkas and an interesting range of liqueurs such as green tea, passionfruit and Turkish delight. Small Mouth Vodka (which makes gin and liqueurs too) offers flavours such as caramel, lime and outrageous chocolate-hazelnut.
Local produce
Talking of taste, there's far more than wine on the go in the Hunter Valley. At Credit: Destination NSW.
Credit: Hunters Quarter.
Looking for a hidden gem among the vines? Relaxed Hunters Quarter features modern Australian cuisine (think seared scallops, kangaroo loin or duck breast with glazed pears) from chef Brian Duncan, who previously worked stints at top London and Sydney restaurants.
Vineyard-surrounded Cru Bar + Pantry at Brokenwood Wines is informal but doesn't stint on quality. Wood-fired pizzas and shared deli platters provide a kick-back lunch, accompanied by a good glass of wine, of course. And Wandin Kitchen on an impeccably pretty wine estate offers an impressive five-course tasting menu which might include spanner crab and Wagyu short ribs. The plating is a work of art.
In Cessnock, Vincent Street Kitchen and Bar has an urban, club-like vibe and explosion of international flavours that range from America's Deep South to Southeast Asia. The stuffed bao buns and tacos, filled with house-smoked meats, are a treat to accompany the craft beer.
Experiences
If you haven't overindulged so much that you can no longer stretch, then Credit: Destination NSW.
The Edge Villa, a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind option. Credit: The Edge Villa.
No need to check into an impersonal hotel block in the Hunter Valley, where you'll find a great range of sophisticated, one-of-a-kind options such as The Edge Villa, which sits on six private acres overlooking a creek. Open-plan and split over three levels of luxury, the villa ramps up the romance factor with its hydrotherapy bath and fireplace.
Here's something nobody would expect to find in the Hunter Valley: luxury safari tents that you might envisage on an African savannah rather than among the eucalyptus trees and silver-leaf poplars at Boydell's Vineyard. This is glamping in style, right down to the billowing white curtains, copper bath and an outdoor shower with glorious paddock views.
More an industrial chic kind of person? Then Tucker's Lane Boutique Accommodation will have you tucked up in shipping containers graced with custom-made furniture and an outdoor spa and barbecue.
If you're looking to wake to vistas of true wine country, try Block Eight. Nestled in 100 acres of native bushland, this stay will have you feeling right at home with two wine cellars down the road and even some friendly kangaroos and wallabies to call neighbours.
Find more to explore in the Hunter Valley at winecountry.com.au.
For more NSW travel inspiration head to visitnsw.com.
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