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!

What better way to welcome the warm weather than to gather with friends over good food and wine on a glorious Spring Day. Whether it’s a sit down, degustation delight on a long table among an enchanted pear grove, or kicking back with spring-style cocktails, live music and watching the sun set, there is plenty of options to tickle your fancy.

Stonehurst Long Table Lunch – September 9th

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.

Songbirds and Semillon at Emma’s Cottage – September 10th  

Explore the picturesque grounds of Emma’s Cottage at the inaugural Songbirds and Semillon event this Sunday, September 10. Kick back and explore the Semillons of Alter Wines crafted by award winning Bimbadgen Winemaker, Richard Done. This event is inspired by talented female artists who call the Hunter Valley home and features an epic lineup of five songbirds including Max Jackson, Anna Weatherup, Piper Butcher, Amy Vee and Chloe Gill.

Emmas Cottage

Hunter Highland Lunch – September 16th

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.

Spring Fling Garden Party – September 16th

Join the gang at Wild Ren Wines for their annual friends of Wild Ren event! This year they are celebrating in style at Jimmy Joans with an epic garden party. So, dress to impress for an afternoon basking in the sun with live music, fabulous food and delectable wines.

Leogate Courtyard Luncheon – September 23rd

Settle in to the grand courtyard of Leogate Estate for an afternoon of good food and wine right in front of the breath taking Brokenback Mountain Range. Indulge in sparkling wines and canapes upon arrival before indulging in a hearty three course offering from The Gates Restaurant.

Picnic in the Vines – September 23rd

Join the team at Saddler’s Creek for a family-friendly picnic in the vines. Celebrating the beginning of budburst and the start of the growing season, this event is set among the shady trees in the Picnic Garden of Saddler’s Creek Wines overlooking their vineyards and the Brokenback Mountain Range.

D’vine Long Weekend September 30th – October 2nd

Gather the gang this October long weekend for a weekend full of food, wine and of course – fun! Around Hermitage presents D’vine Long Weekend, spanning across thirteen venues scattered along the Around Hermitage cycle way, choose from a variety of unique experiences for you and your friends to enjoy. From picnics amongst the budding vines, to horse and carriage rides and even a king’s table lunch feast there is plenty to please all.

Stomp! Spring Cocktail Soiree September 30th

The team at Stomp! Wines invite you to test your mixology skills in their gardenesque alfresco area this Spring. Mixologist Evan Bennett will be your guide, sharing his cherished wine cocktail recipes, insider tips, and clever tricks. Meanwhile, Mark Henderson will enhance the atmosphere with his melodic guitar tunes, the perfect backdrop for outdoor lawn games post cocktails.

Vines & Wines Roaming Feast – October 1st  

Join three esteemed Hunter Valley wineries for a unique progressive lunch during the D'Vine Long Weekend. Explore this intimate culinary journey as a winemaker from each estate guides you through their wines, perfectly paired with a three-course gourmet menu.

Start your adventure at Glandore Wines with a glass of their exquisite Chloë Blanc de Blancs, surrounded by their lush vines. Delight in the first course, expertly matched with handcrafted Glandore wines. Next, venture to Oakvale Wines, where you'll dine beneath their majestic peppercorn tree and savour the second course alongside three certified organic wines, crafted with minimal intervention and utmost care. The grand finale awaits at De Iuliis Wines, the 2022 Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year. Relax on their scenic terrace as you enjoy your final course, accompanied by three exceptional Shiraz wines from this highly acclaimed producer.

Boydell’s Long Lunch in the Vines – October 21st and 22nd

Dust off your boots and Akubras. Put your stilettos away and your Stetson on. Don your garden frock or moleskins, the 2023 Long Lunch in the Vines is on Saturday 21 October and Sunday 22 October. Boydell’s invite you to gather your friends and join us on the farm. Boydell’s are swinging our gates open for a relaxed day in the vines with Chef Paula Rengger’s amazing food, Boydell's estate grown wines (or an ale), live music and great company, alfresco. It’s the highlight event of our annual calendar.

Boydells Long Lunch

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