THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

The warming weather means refreshing, easy drinking vinos are to be chilled on ice, and what better poolside beverage to have in your glass than a clean, zesty Semillon? Often referred to as the region’s white icon variety, Hunter styles of Semillon are known for being a young, light, lemon citrus wine before blossoming into a highly complex, nutty, toastier style with a bit of age. Here are some of our top summer drinking Semillons for the warm weather. 

It’s no surprise that some people base themselves in Lovedale and explore no more. Local cellar doors are small and intimate but make character-laden wines to a very high standard. Experience sunset trike tours, a charming trattoria, artisan smokehouse, small farm cheeserey, cooking and amazing ballooning. Here's all the inspiration you need for your next getaway.

The Hunter Valley is a region that has built its reputation around relatively traditional winemaking, signature varieties, family values and in general, doing what’s been perceived as “what the Hunter does best” for over a century. Fast forward to the 2020’s, some 150 years after the region’s inception, there are some exciting developments, some new entrants to the market, some traditionalists challenging the norm, and some young blood bringing more responsible farming and winemaking practices into their businesses and worldly experiences into practice back in their valley.

The drive from Sydney to the Hunter Valley via the M1 and Expressway can feel like it goes on forever and ever. Why not take the scenic route? Next time you’re driving up for a visit to the Hunter Valley, take the road less travelled and discover the rich history and natural beauty of Tourist Drive 33. Not long after you get onto the M1, you'll soon find yourself driving on a motorway that cuts through the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which is full of bush-walking trails and offers the perfect opportunity to take a break during your travels. The motorway is also bordered by huge sandstone cut walls that lead in and out of lush bushland.

Winemaking is a craft often passed on from generation to generation all around the world, and even in Australia where the art of winemaking is relatively young in comparison, there’s history in the making and common business values at play.