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?
Tinkler Wines
Pick your own grapes at Tinklers Wines. Drop in anytime between 9:30am - 11:30am and try your hand at harvesting grapes yourself.
$5 for entry
$6 per kg picked
Stomp! Wines
Take a fun, educational look at the life of a winemaker during Vintage with Stomp! Wines. Help the team squish, measure and stomp grapes before a feast. The day includes measuring grape ripeness, sampling our 2025 juices & ferments, blending & tasting and a three-course lunch with accompanying wines and live music prepared by Chef Matt Dillow from The Deck Cafe Lovedale. Book now.
Date and time: Saturday, March 17th, 11:30am - 3pm
Tickets: $195
Vine to the Glass Festival at McLeish Estate
Enjoy a hands-on, fun day at the McLeish Estate’s Vine to the Glass Festival. Get the competitive juices flowing at the barrel rolling challenges, interactive vintage activities for all ages and grape stomping offered throughout the day. A curated local food van will be on-site serving delicious eats designed to match beautifully with McLeish Estate wines and the festival atmosphere will be competed with live performances by local artist Patrick McMahon throughout the day and a glass (or two) of your favourite McLeish wines. Book now.
Date and time: Saturday 21st March, 11am - 5pm
Tickets: $20 and include a complimentary glass of NV Duke Cuvee on arrival
This blog was created and written by Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association.