The 2026 Hunter Valley Vintage opened at Mount Pleasant, where 80 local wine industry members joined Wonnarua Elder, Warren Taggart for a Smoking Ceremony - deeply rooted in 60,000 years of indigenous culture. As the first wine region in Australia to adopt the practice, sacred ancient symbols were used to bless the vintage with smouldering eucalyptus leaves for spiritual cleansing, energy and prosperity.
The Hunter Valley is the perfect setting for a slow, lazy morning filled with delicious breakfast and brunch options. Imagine starting your day with a creamy cappuccino or a velvety flat white, paired with poached eggs, avocado toast, or a warm croissant. The Hunter Valley boasts plenty of charming cafes and restaurants that offer so, as you plan your visit, make sure to set aside time for a leisurely breakfast or brunch in the Hunter Valley. Here are some of the top places to enjoy.
On paper, this might be the worst possible time to launch a new wine brand. Economic pressures, shifting drinking habits and a wine glut all should ring alarm bells. Yet at the inaugural “Valley Rising” festival, thirteen emerging Hunter Valley producers gathered to show that invention, belief and ambition are alive and well in Australia’s most historic wine region.
If you’ve got a soft spot for all things sweet, rich, and cocoa-filled, the Hunter Valley is your kind of paradise. From indulgent dessert bars and wine and chocolate pairings, to artisan chocolatiers, handcrafted chocolate and even chocolate-infused spirits, there’s no shortage of ways to indulge your sweet tooth. Here’s where to find the best chocolate in the Hunter Valley.
As Chinese New Year rolls around, the Hunter Valley leans into the spirit of celebration with good food, fresh air and a sense of occasion. This year welcomes the Year of the Horse – a symbol of energy, movement and adventure – making it a fitting excuse to get out of routine and mark the new lunar year somewhere that invites you to slow down, look around and enjoy the ride.
