THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

There’s something welcoming and comforting about a fireplace that can make you feel completely at home whilst on a holiday. When the weather cools down, the Hunter Valley is always ready to turn the heat up with plenty of winter warmer options. From fiery outdoor bonfires, to intimate in-house log fires, there is something for a range of occasions. Here are 26 places or events to indulge in all things food and wine fireside this Winter. 

Refreshing and zesty, crisp and light in youth, brimming with bright acids and sweet citrus fruits. Sometimes chalky, sometimes waxy. Toast and honey emerge over time, sometimes nougat and nuts, too. Intriguing and inspiring in equal measure. These green and gold grapes are the stars of Hunter Valley Wine Country, home of one of the longest living white wines on earth. Hunter Semillon is the ultimate reward for those patient enough to wait.

Are you in search of inspiration for an unforgettable girls' getaway weekend?

Broke, Hunter Valley – Celebrating over 20 years of excellence in winemaking, The Little Wine Company proudly unveils its new cellar door in the heart of the Broke Fordwich Region, Hunter Valley.

As the 2024 vintage enters its final stages now, all the of the winemakers in the region are more than happy with the quality of what they have in their cellars. The vintage was one the earliest on record, starting in the second week of January. Warm and dry conditions in spring 2023 meant the vines were all carrying a lower crop than normal, which is also part of the reason the ripening happened quicker than normal. The harvest period has been relatively stress-free in terms of weather, with warm, dry conditions being the majority of the January weather patterns. Across the region, yields are averaging approximate 20-30% down on a normal vintage, however quality is extremely high. Semillon and Verdelho both came on quickly with great fruit intensity and acidity, whilst the chardonnay ripened slower and the resulting wines will be elegant and have good depth of flavour. The Shiraz is being harvested currently and the early blocks which are now fermenting all have outstanding deep colours and rich flavours.