THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

​As the oldest commercial wine region in Australia, it's no surprise Hunter Valley Wine Country is filled with historical landmarks. Honouring the importance and significance of our region, the recently launched Hunter Valley Heritage Cairn Trail follows those landmarks which have influenced the course of, or made a significant contribution to, the...

Ditch the designated driver arguments – the secret to a stress-free getaway is to book a local tour guide to give you an insider's guide to the Hunter Valley. We have hop-on, hop-off buses, small group tours, individual tour guides, horse carriages, helicopters – you name it! We have done the hard yards for you with our top picks below. Sit back, r...

There's nothing quite like a dose of country air and rural charm to set a romantic scene. Add a snug hideaway, delicious wine and quality alone time together and it's lights, camera, action. Hands-on action! These places to stay get the big tick for passionate pampering with beautiful vineyard and bushland backdrops. But don't despair if they're ...

Getting the gang together for a long lunch or delicious dinner is super-easy in the Hunter Valley with 50 plus fabulous eateries. You can break bread amid the bustle of the main dining room, which is always fun, but if you want to spoil yourself with a discreet outing away from the crowd we've got that covered too. Here are five favourites that of...

If you're on a mission to find first-class vinos and views, look no further. Here are 10 sensational spots with cinematic views that are every Instagrammer's dream come true… with lip-smacking Hunter wines to sample and snap too. AUDREY WILKINSON VINEYARDThe panoramic views from this historic Pokolbin cellar door has made it one of the most like...

Planning your dream destination wedding? Then you'll want to know what the biggest wedding trends in the Hunter are right now, so we asked three local wedding specialists what people are pumped about when tying the knot. CHRIS ELFES – PHOTOGRAPHY ON HERMITAGE​Chris Elfes also says the trend is for more casual, informal weddings."Most couples want ...

Love to share your Hunter Valley experiences? Don't we all. Here are the top places that people love most from their memorable trips to Wine Country.​Pictured: Hunter Valley Gardens @itsfezzyo via IG.1. IVANHOE WINES It's #1 of 89 things to do in Pokolbin on TripAdvisor thanks to the gorgeous views from the back verandah, delish wines, gourmet chee...

​Love wine-tasting but get the guilts when you leave your pampered pooch at home? Join the club. Luckily there are plenty of dog-friendly wineries where my spoilt staffy Rosie has been given a warm welcome while I swirl and sip to my heart's content. So, which cellar doors are paw-fect for a dog-friendly Hunter Valley wine tour? I thought I'd ask R...

​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...

​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...