THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

​It was bottoms-up for the Hunter Valley's Semillon this year after beating Shiraz on a total medal count to be the most successful variety exhibited at last week's CCL Label Hunter Valley Wine Show held at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort.Over the three days of judging, the 19-strong panel judged 722 wines, with 50 gold, 75 silver, 225 bronze and 21 trop...

Private tasting parties. A salumi cellar door. A spectacular, vine-dripped dining terrace. The Hunter is filled with incredible food experiences – this bucket list takes in our pick of the best things to do this winter. The only challenge? Deciding which to savour first. Good luck!Scoff salumi and cheese at Usher Tinkler​ Picture an old wooden...

Craving something different this winter? Head to the Hunter! From spotting 'roos airside to kicking back by a fire under a sparkling night sky, there's a huge array of winter activities on offer. Here are five of our favourites. Play giant board games at a wineryUnderneath giant willow trees sits the cellar door of Tinonee Vineyard Estate and its g...

​If warming reds, fortified wines, toasted marshmallows and log fires is your idea of the perfect winter's day, you're in luck. Here's a list of cosy cellar doors where fine wines, flames and friends go hand in hand. Pictured: Oakvale Wines.Blueberry Hill Vineyard​Blueberry Hill keeps their firepit cranking from 4.30-6pm on Friday and Saturday...

​It's the dead of winter and that usually conjures up dreams of a luscious, lip-smacking tipple beside an open fire – right? And a warming glass of fortified wine is just what the doctor ordered to chase away those shivery chills.So, what's a fortified wine? They're wines that have had some distilled grape spirit (like brandy) added to them, increa...