Innovation in the Hunter Valley has long been defined by its ability to balance tradition with progressive thinking. Latitude 32 Wines newly launched Wonnarua Range, is a deeply considered collaboration between contemporary winemaking and the world’s oldest continuous culture.
This blog was created in collaboration with Take Me Home Posters, a proud Hunter Valley business and supporter of the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association. Take Me Home Travel Posters supported the association by providing two artworks for the 2025/2026 Guide covers.
On paper, this might be the worst possible time to launch a new wine brand. Economic pressures, shifting drinking habits and a wine glut all should ring alarm bells. Yet at the inaugural “Valley Rising” festival, thirteen emerging Hunter Valley producers gathered to show that invention, belief and ambition are alive and well in Australia’s most historic wine region.
Sommeliers from leading Sydney restaurants and hospitality groups descended on the Hunter Valley for a hands-on, immersive two-day “Backstage” vintage experience. Kicking off with a masterclass hosted by industry legends Andrew Thomas, Andrew Spinaze and Iain Riggs, flagship Semillon vineyards including Thomas Braemore Vineyard, Mount Pleasant Lovedale Vineyard, Tyrrell's Vat 1 Vineyard, Brokenwood ILR Vineyard and Audrey Wilkinson Ridge Vineyard were showcased. The pure, fresh vibrancy of the 2025 wines were contrasted with a retrospective look at the golden 2006 vintage. “These wines are classics for the ages that will still be revered in 10–20 years,” said Thomas.
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 off...
