More than 330 guests from across the wine and tourism industries gathered to recognise the people and businesses shaping the future of the Hunter Valley region while honouring those whose contributions have left a lasting legacy. The 19th Hunter Valley Legends Awards highlighted the Hunter Valley industry’s continued focus on sustainability, premium visitor experiences and preserving the region’s winemaking legacy for future generations.
The Hunter Valley’s reputation as one of Australia’s leading wine regions has been further reinforced, with five major category nominations in the 2027 Halliday Wine Companion Awards shortlist.
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 2026 vintage first-hand by picking and stomping grapes?
The Real Review has named Hunter Valley winemaker Aaron Mercer of Mercer Wines ‘Rising Star of the Year’ in the 2026 Top Wineries of Australia rankings. The Rising Star of the Year award recognises an outstanding emerging wine professional yet to receive wide recognition for their winemaking success.
The 2026 Hunter Valley Vintage opened at Mount Pleasant, where 80 local wine industry members joined Wonnarua Elder, Warren Taggart for a Smoking Ceremony - deeply rooted in 60,000 years of indigenous culture. As the first wine region in Australia to adopt the practice, sacred ancient symbols were used to bless the vintage with smouldering eucalyptus leaves for spiritual cleansing, energy and prosperity.
