THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

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.

2022 CCL Hunter Valley Wine Show Trophy Winners Announced

Commemorating its 50th milestone, the CCL Hunter Valley Wine Show’s week of celebrations kicked off on Monday 15th August with wine show judging at Singleton Lone Pine Barracks and concluded with an industry celebration at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on Friday 19th August. The luncheon was attended by over 350 industry professionals to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the Hunter Valley wine industry.

For many pet owners, the hardest part about travelling is leaving our four-legged companions behind. Luckily for us, most venues in the Hunter Valley are in the same boat – pooches are part of the family and in many cases, staff rosters as well. You’ll find that many wineries and even restaurants will have a resident fury friend on-site, in charge of the hellos and goodbyes.

The Hunter Valley is home to some of the nation’s top names in wine, but sometimes it’s quintessential to explore the off-beaten track and discover the many hidden gem wineries the region has to offer. Often family-owned and operated, these wineries tend to offer the ‘open doors to our home’ hospitality experience you may not find at some of the bigger names, with intimate tasting experiences and limited-release drops not easily found outside of the cellar door or region.