THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

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...

​ From Lovedale to Singleton, the Hunter Valley is packed with coffee spots where you can get your java fix. Here are five local favourites. FAWK FOODS KITCHEN & BAKERYThe sun-kissed deck at this cafe/bakery is a terrific place for that first cup of coffee in the morning to get you functioning. Their barista brew of choice is Sprocket Roasters ...

​When did you last make love in the afternoon… in front of a cosy fire? C'mon be honest, we've all done it or dreamt of doing it.When it's bitingly cold outdoors, nothing beats huddling indoors beside a flickering log fire nursing a good red wine. These places to stay take it to the next level with fireplaces in rooms, so you can unbutton in the wa...

The Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival dishes up a smorgasbord of tasty events this month for eager epicureans who'd like to learn a little more about food and wine. Whether you want to brush up on your wine knowledge or improve your kitchen skills there's a class to suit. Numbers are pretty limited and missing out sucks, so you'll need to book...

​Everyone loves a weekend getaway but there's something a little naughty about sneaking away midweek. While everybody else is slogging away at work you're having a fabulous break… and posting about it on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or What's App. During Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival there are loads of daily events, so why wait until the w...

Set your sights on visiting some wineries but a bit unsure whether the kids will be welcome? You'll be happy to know that here in the Hunter wine-tasting can be fun, even when you've got the entire fam bam with you. Here's a round-up of cellar doors with games and activities to keep the little ones occupied while you sample some super-tasty wines. ...

​Looking for the perfect mix of boutique bevvies, appetising eats and fun activities on your next road trip? Then put Lovedale on your bucket list.This laidback neighbourhood used to be a side-shoot to the Hunter heartland of Pokolbin but after the opening of the Hunter Expressway it's now the gateway to Wine Country for most visitors. The back doo...

​You've decided you want a destination wedding with world-class wines and a romantic rural setting… hello Hunter Valley!So, you're probably also looking for a one-of-a-kind wedding venue that will make your heart skip a beat. Here are a few of the newest places where couples are exchanging vows and enjoying an unforgettable wedding experience. ...