THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

As the season begins to turn, there are two very important questions that need to be answered. What food is good in autumn? And what wines pair best with autumn recipes?

With the ocean just an hour away, Hunter Valley’s menus are infused with coastal influence, bringing fresh, high-quality seafood to the table. From freshly shucked oysters to expertly prepared fish dishes, our local chefs are making the most of our close connection to the sea.

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.

The Autumn school holidays are hot on the horizon, and what better place to seek adventure and make memories with the family than in the Hunter Valley! With an abundance of fun activities and plenty of accommodation offerings to suit your tribe, book your Autumn escape today. Here are ten fun things to do with kids in the Hunter Valley these school holidays.

To help plan your visit to the Hunter Valley we’ve compiled a list of the biggest events happening in our region over the next 12 months, from wine and foodie festivals, to street long winery festivals, concerts, snow time family adventures and a whole lot more.
Note that the concerts for the later part of the year have not yet been announced, stay up to date on our socials to be the first to know when the date and line-ups are released. Here's what's on in the Hunter Valley:

Vintage is one of the best times to visit the Hunter Valley. The grapes are bursting with colour and flavour, the vines are looking lush and green, and the community is in full swing with everyone pitching in to harvest the grapes at the right times – whites are picked first, followed by reds. Want to get in on the action and experience the 2025 vintage first-hand by picking and stomping grapes?

Fill endless days exploring the Hunter Valley with the family. From strolling through Lavender fields, to exploring the largest Christmas light display in the Hunter Valley, horse riding, and enjoy a glass of wine at a family-friendly wineries, there's plenty of great ways to spend family time. Whether travelling with littlies or with teenagers, here’s tips on the best things to do in Wine Country with a family. 

“Semillon is the variety that defines the region, and rightly so. Hunter Valley Semillon is one of the world's iconic varietal and regional synergies, refreshing and cleansing when young, and multi-layered, complex and beguiling with age.” Toni Paterson MW 

From new must-try restaurant openings to pastry chef delights and a Hunter Valley Winery being named the #1 winery in Australia, here’s what’s new and trending in the Hunter Valley. 

The Hunter Valley isn't just a haven for wine enthusiasts; it's also a paradise for cheese lovers. Home to several renowned cheese producers, the region offers a delectable array of cheeses that perfectly complement its world-class wines. Here’s a guide to four of the best cheese purveyors in the Hunter Valley and their top-selling or highly rated cheeses.