THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

Looking for the latest news, stories, tips and local knowledge to help plan your trip? Discover what is happening on the Hunter Valley Grapevine.

Ten Things to do in the Hunter Valley this Easter Long Weekend (2026 Guide)

Planning your Easter Long Weekend in the Hunter Valley?  From adventure-filled days to cosy nights, the Hunter Valley is the perfect place to make memories with your family and friends. Whether you're searching for family Easter events in the Hunter Valley, chocolate and wine pairings, live music, markets or a relaxing weekend escape, here’s your complete guide to what’s on, and what to do this Easter 2026.Explore the full program of Easter events in the Hunter Valley on our dedicated Easter Page.  1. FAMILY EASTER EVENTS IN THE HUNTER VALLEY Yes, the Easter Bunny is coming to the Hunter Valley! Check out What's On this Easter long weekend in the Hunter Valley.  Family Easter at Hunter Valley GardensAll long weekendHop into Hunter Valley Gardens for boundless fun for the entire family. See dinosaurs, dragons and mythical legends come to life and enjoy an abundance of amusement rides at Hunter Valley Gardens Mega Creatures, running every day (and night!) from 28 March to 26 April. During the Easter Long Weekend Hunter Valley Gardens will also be hosting a Hoppity Hollow Hunt across the four days where children can search for eggs and even get the chance to meet the Easter bunny.    Stomp! Wine & Cranky Frankie's Entwine Food TruckAll long weekendAn Asian food truck serving dumplings at a winery - say less. This Easter long weekend Stomp! Wines are hosting the deliciously popular Cranky Frankie’s Asian-fusion truck at their winery in Lovedale, Hunter Valley. The Entwine food truck menu includes Karaage Chicken, Handmade Dumplings and Torched Octopus, designed to pair perfectly with Stomp! Wines. Chateau Elan Feaster SaturdaySaturday 4th AprilGather for a special Easter Lunch at Chateau Elan. Live music from 1pm. For more information, click here.$89 per adult | $82 per adult (The Vintage Golf Club Member) Chateau Elan Family DaySunday, 5 April Join the family fun festivities at Chateau Elan on Sunday 5th April for a delightful day featuring a Petting Zoo from 11am-2pm and Live Music from 2pm. For more information, click here. Bridgerton Brunch Club at Emma’s CottageSaturday 4th AprilOn the first Saturday of every month, Emma’s Cottage hosts a stylish brunch on their vineyard estate in Lovedale. On Saturday 4th April they are hosting a special Bridgerton inspired Brunch Club. Set among the gardens and vines of Lovedale, this elegant morning affair brings together refined indulgence and Hunter Valley hospitality. Enjoy a High Tea inspired brunch prepared by the Esca Bimbadgen team, accompanied by bottomless sparkling and mimosas, all while a live string ensemble fills the air. Easter art day for kidsSaturday 28th March Join in on an Easter-themed arts and craft session for all ages at the Performance Arts Culture Cessnock. Drop in on Saturday 28th March from 10am -12:30pm for festive craft fun. $5 entry per child with accompanying adult free. Life Drawing at Singleton Performing Arts and Cultural CentreFriday 3rd AprilThis series of sessions is designed for artists of all levels who want to practice observational drawing in a focused environment. Gallery staff will facilitate each session, welcome participants, introduce the model, and explain the structure and expectations. While there is no formal instruction, staff will be available to provide assistance if needed. For more information, click here.  Vibe in the Vines at Allandale WinesSunday 5th AprilKick back in the courtyard at Allandale Winery for their debut Vibe in the Vines afternoon with live music from Mark Henderson, wine available by the glass or bottle at the winery bar and delicious American-style food from the Entwine food truck Stoked BBQ. 2. FAMILY FRIENDLY WINERIES IN THE HUNTER VALLEY You cannot miss out on visiting the wineries while in the Hunter Valley. With so many wineries that are kid friendly, it’s never been easier to visit with the whole family. Many Hunter Valley wineries even offer thoughtful extras for children like colouring in, outdoor activities and juice tastings. This Easter Scarborough Wines are offering a kids snack pack including a Juice Popper, fairy bread, crunchy pretzels, hommus and more along with colouring in that can be purchased alongside an adult wine tasting. At Wren Wines, their kids tasting will be easter themed. Kids tastings in the Hunter Valley are also offered at Tulloch Wines, Pokolbin Estate, Winmark Wines and Saddler's Creek Wines. Get the kids outside at these wineries: Mercer Wines, Talits Estate, Scarborough Wine Co., Hope Estate and Tulloch Wines, John Wallace Wines, Oakvale Wines and Hollydene Estate. For more family fun over the Easter long weekend and school holidays, check out our Autumn school holiday guide. 3. CHOCOLATE AND WINE PAIRINGS THIS EASTER What better way to taste wine over the Easter long weekend than with a chocolate and wine pairing? Hunter Valley wineries have teamed up with local chocolatiers to craft delicious combinations with each chocolate carefully matched to highlight the unique characteristics of the wine. In these fun tastings, discover how each pairing brings out new flavours and structural elements of the wine. This Easter book in for your wine and chocolate experience at Tulloch Wines, Glandore Wines, Wild Ren Wines (also offering kids tastings), Greenway Wines, Saltire Estate, Wine House Hunter Valley, Stomp! Wines, Emma's Vineyard Estate, Scarborough Wines, Pokolbin Estate (offering kids easter egg tastings) and McGuigan Wines this Easter. If you are looking to stay in and enjoy your accommodation, check out the Gourmet Wine Tastings by Stay N' Sip who bring all the fun of wine tasting directly to you.  Need to stock up on Easter chocolate? Be sure to stop by the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company and Sabor Dessert Bar, both located on Broke Road.  4. HOT AIR BALLOONING IN THE HUNTER VALLEY Go above and beyond the horizon this Easter long weekend and experience the Hunter Valley in all its glory at sunrise. Watch the land slowly transform into an artistic patchwork of vineyards, olive groves and event try spot some early morning activity for the Kangaroos. Check out Balloon Aloft and Beyond Ballooning and be sure to book in advance.    5. BOOK A WINE TASTING THIS EASTER LONG WEEKEND Exploring Wine Country wouldn't be complete without experiencing the exceptional wines at our award-winning wineries. With so many cellar doors scattered across the region, you're spoiled for choice. From intimate boutique producers to renowned multigenerational brands, there's a diverse range of wineries and wines to discover and enjoy throughout your long weekend visit. Click here to discover all of our cellar doors and wineries.    6. TAKE YOUT TASTE BUDS ON A TOUR IN THE HUNTER VALLEY Spend some time exploring NSW's hub of regional dining. From family friendly spots to fine dining overlooking the vineyards and popular winery restaurants, take your taste buds on a tour and book your seat at some of the Hunter Valley's most popular eateries.    7. PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF IN THE HUNTER VALLEY Tee off this long weekend at one of our award winning golf courses, each with luxury accommodation on-site and surrounded by our rolling vineyards. Choose from The Vintage Golf Course designed by Greg Norman, an impressive 18-hole championship course that is challenging, engaging and welcoming in equal parts - be as competitive or leisurely as you like. Advance your swing at the grounds of the Hunter Valley Gold Club on their 18-hole championship golf course. Situated closest to the Brokenback Mountain Range, Cypress Lakes is a picturesque 6,487 metre par 72 18-hole championship golf course and is ranked among the top golf resort courses in Australia. Each tee and green offers stunning panoramic views of the Hunter Valley’s famous vineyards and the course layout boasts dramatic fairways, shapes and elevation changes. Or, if you feel your skills don't 'tee' up to the professional level or simply want to have a bit of fun, check out the Putt-Putt and Aqua Golf at Hunter Valley Gardens. Great fun for the whole family plus you can win some epic local prizes.   8. EASTER WEEKEND MARKETS IN THE HUNTER VALLEY Who doesn't love a country market? If you're visiting over the Easter weekend, be sure to check out Handmade in the Hunter Markets located at Sobel's Wines on Hall Road, open on Saturday and Pokolbin Markets on Hermitage Road on Sunday.   9. A HUNTER VALLEY SPA DAY Immerse yourselves in a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation as you indulge in a variety of spa treatments. From invigorating massages to pampering facials and hydrotherapy sessions, every moment is crafted to nurture your bond and ignite your senses. Visit one of our many award winning spas including the Spa at Chateau Elan, Ubika Spa at Rydges Resort, or Elysia Wellness Retreat located within Cypress Lakes. Or, book with Heavenly Hunter Massage for a personalised treatment in the comfort of your own accommodation.    10. GET JIGGY TO SOME LIVE MUSIC THIS EASTER Whether you’re after sunshine, vine side acoustic blues in the afternoon or a sun-drenched beer garden with a band covering all the classics, there is no better way to slow down than with some great vino and vibes. Gather the gang for a relaxing afternoon or evening out at one of our many live music venues. See the full Hunter Valley live music lineup for the Easter Long Weekend here.    Easter Long Weekend FAQs – Hunter Valley What is on in the Hunter Valley for Easter 2026?The Hunter Valley Easter Long Weekend features family Easter egg hunts, winery events, chocolate and wine pairings, live music, hot air balloon flights and special dining experiences across Pokolbin, Lovedale and surrounding villages. Are there family-friendly wineries in the Hunter Valley?Yes. Many Hunter Valley wineries offer kids tasting experiences, colouring activities and outdoor space, making it easy to visit with the whole family over Easter. Do I need to book in advance for Easter in the Hunter Valley?Yes. Easter Long Weekend is one of the busiest times of year, so accommodation, wine tastings, restaurants and hot air balloon flights should be booked ahead of time.  This blog was created by Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association.

Continue reading
  13477 Hits

Where to find live music in the Hunter Valley

Here are some of the top places to kick-back to live music each weekend in the Hunter Valley. Whether you’re after sunshine, vine side acoustic blues in the afternoon or a sun-drenched beer garden with a band covering all the classics, sometimes there is no better way to enjoy a glass (or two) of wine than with a tune. Here’s where to find live music in the Hunter Valley.

Continue reading
  2136 Hits

Alluring al-fresco dining and tasting experiences in the Hunter Valley

 

Continue reading
  8904 Hits

Divine providence: where to stock your picnic basket with heavenly nibbles

A sunny day, a gorgeous setting – it's the perfect excuse to pack up some tasty snacks and roll out a rug. Who doesn't love a picnic? Whether it's a spur-of-the-moment makeshift picnic or an alfresco date you've been planning for weeks, Wine Country ticks all the open-air dining boxes. Amazing views – tick. Pristine picnic sites – tick. Local food ...

Continue reading
  8353 Hits

14 must-try seafood dishes in the Hunter Valley this summer

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 kingfish with fresh lime, seared scallops and Spanish-style crispy octopus, our local chefs are making the most of our close connection to the sea, and seafood’s incredible pairing with the Hunter Valley hero white varietal Semillon.

Continue reading
  1041 Hits

The best of 2025 

The top rated winery in Australia, an Italian cooking school and a family friendly resort are among those recognised for their excellence. Find out the latest on Hunter Valley’s awarded experiences. 

Continue reading
  1312 Hits