THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

Looking for the latest news, stories, tips and local knowledge to help plan your trip? Discover what is happening on the Hunter Valley Grapevine.

Spring Flings: Sip your way into Spring!

Spring in the Hunter Valley is simply not to be missed —there's no better way to celebrate the season than by gathering with friends for a day of exceptional food and wine under the warm sun. Picture yourself enjoying a leisurely long-table feast nestled in an enchanting pear grove, or perhaps you’d prefer to relax with a refreshing spring cocktail, live music filling the air as the sun sets. Whatever your taste, there’s an event waiting to make your spring day unforgettable. Here's some of the top flings to get around this Spring. 

 

End2End Festival - Saturday, 14th September

What could be better than a festival that brings together food, wine, and music in the heart of the Hunter Valley? The End2End Festival is set to be a feast for the senses, featuring two vibrant venues, 10 wineries, gourmet food, live music, Semillon and seafood, boutique beer, and much more. Guests can hop on and off the End2End shuttle bus throughout the day, exploring both venues at their leisure. Whether you’re sipping a glass of wine, enjoying live tunes, or savouring delicious dishes, the End2End Festival promises a day of unforgettable experiences.

Hunter Highland Lunch at McLeish Estate Winery - Saturday, 14th September

Prepare for an enchanting journey through the captivating Highlands of Scotland. This September, McLeish Estate will burst into life with the grandeur of a Scottish celebration, the Hunter Highland Lunch. This event is a fusion of the finest Scottish traditions and the exquisite local wines and produce from the Hunter Valley, making it an irresistible experience. Picture yourself surrounded by the rolling vineyards of the estate, the proud home of the illustrious McLeish Estate Cellar Reserve Semillon, a gold-medal-winning gem renowned in the Australian Wine Companion. The 'Hunter Highland Lunch' promises a day that will tantalize your senses.

Stonehurst Long Table Lunch – Saturday, September 21st

Take a seat with family and friends at the annual Stonehurst Long Table Lunch, set in the picturesque grove of the estate. Indulge in a gourmet five course meal featuring local and regional produce, perfectly paired with ten matching organic Stonehurst wines. Set amongst the estate’s stunning pear grove, settle in for an afternoon with good tunes, great food and even better company.

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Picnic in the Vines – Saturday, 21st September

Guests are invited to experience the warmth and charm of the Hunter Valley at the annual Picnic in the Vines. This long-table luncheon is the perfect way to sip, savour, and soak in the beauty of spring. Set in the picturesque Wine Garden, overlooking Saddler’s vineyard and the stunning Brokenback ranges, this event is all about celebrating life’s simple pleasures—time well spent with family and friends, enjoying great food and wine. The day begins with a glass of sparkling wine or a wine cocktail on arrival. Each guest has a reserved seat at the long table, where they can relax under the shady trees and enjoy live music by Anna Weatherup. The vibrant, spring-themed tables will be adorned with a delicious banquet lunch, featuring generous shared plates of picnic-inspired dishes crafted by award-winning chef Nick Vivian and his talented team.

Vines & Wines Roaming Feast - Saturday, 21st September 

Wine and food lovers, get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey with FEAST: A Rolling Long Lunch on Saturday, September 21st. This exclusive event takes you across three of the Hunter Valley’s most celebrated wineries, starting at Glandore Wines with a glass of Chloë Blanc de Blancs and freshly shucked oysters. Enjoy the first course paired with stunning wines before moving to De Iuliis Wines for a fun, interactive second course on their picturesque terrace. The grand finale at Oakvale Wines features the third course under a grand peppercorn tree, followed by live music and a dessert station. With limited tickets available, FEAST promises a day of exceptional food, perfectly matched wines, and unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Hunter Valley.

Brokenwood x Managan Dinner - Tuesday, 24th September

Wine, food, and top chefs come together for a night you won’t want to miss! On Tuesday, 24th September, join Luke Mangan, his top chefs, and Brokenwood’s Executive Chef, Sean Townsend, for a special collaboration dinner at The Wood Restaurant at Brokenwood Wines. Enjoy five exquisite courses, each crafted by a different chef and perfectly paired with Brokenwood wines. A complimentary local shuttle bus (within 15 km) will be available.

 

Boydell's Hunter Culinary Tour Lunch - Saturday, 28th September

A six course lunch celebrating Hunter Valley produce. Tour the valley's producers via the carefully crafted seasonal menu. Six courses each featuring produce from our local growers paired with Boydell's wines. Meet the producers & enjoy a leisurely, long, Hunter Valley lunch. Each course is paired with Boydell's wines to complete the experience. Bookings essential.

Dining under the stars at Margan - Friday, October 4th 

Dining Under the Stars, one of Margan's most popular events, returns to kick off the October long weekend with an intimate open-air dining experience. The Margan courtyard will be transformed into a magical setting, adorned with twinkling fairy lights and accompanied by serene live music from Anna Weatherup. Guests will enjoy a seasonally inspired tasting menu, featuring fresh produce from the Margan Kitchen Garden and Orchard, paired with an eclectic selection of wines, including special selections from Margan's award-winning sustainably farmed vineyards.

D'Vine Long Weekend - October Long Weekend

This October long weekend, D'Vine is back, bigger and better than ever! Enjoy more food, drinks, and entertainment for the whole family, including kids and pets. With a hop-on, hop-off shuttle bus, you can easily explore wine, whiskey, and craft beer tastings, cooking demonstrations, and more. Book your stay with an Around Hermitage Accommodation provider to take advantage of the shopping concierge service. Experience the best of the Around Hermitage food and wine trail like never before!

 Boydell's Long Lunch - Sunday, October 20th 

Boydell’s long lunch has become a treasured tradition—a day of laid-back enjoyment featuring delicious food, fine wine, great company, and live music at their East Gresford vineyard. This annual event is highly sought after, with limited tickets that sell out quickly, as the vineyard is only opened to the public once a year. 1826 Club members receive priority access to tickets as a special perk. They look forward to welcoming guests to their home on 20th October 2024 (19th October is already SOLD OUT).

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