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. 

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.

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.