THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

​It was bottoms-up for the Hunter Valley's Semillon this year after beating Shiraz on a total medal count to be the most successful variety exhibited at last week's CCL Label Hunter Valley Wine Show held at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort.Over the three days of judging, the 19-strong panel judged 722 wines, with 50 gold, 75 silver, 225 bronze and 21 trop...

​If warming reds, fortified wines, toasted marshmallows and log fires is your idea of the perfect winter's day, you're in luck. Here's a list of cosy cellar doors where fine wines, flames and friends go hand in hand. Pictured: Oakvale Wines.Blueberry Hill Vineyard​Blueberry Hill keeps their firepit cranking from 4.30-6pm on Friday and Saturday...

​It's the dead of winter and that usually conjures up dreams of a luscious, lip-smacking tipple beside an open fire – right? And a warming glass of fortified wine is just what the doctor ordered to chase away those shivery chills.So, what's a fortified wine? They're wines that have had some distilled grape spirit (like brandy) added to them, increa...

​Everyone loves a weekend getaway but there's something a little naughty about sneaking away midweek. While everybody else is slogging away at work you're having a fabulous break… and posting about it on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or What's App. During Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival there are loads of daily events, so why wait until the w...

Set your sights on visiting some wineries but a bit unsure whether the kids will be welcome? You'll be happy to know that here in the Hunter wine-tasting can be fun, even when you've got the entire fam bam with you. Here's a round-up of cellar doors with games and activities to keep the little ones occupied while you sample some super-tasty wines. ...