THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

The 2024 Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival will showcase over 50 of the Valley’s best wineries, distillers, and brewers on Saturday, 13 July at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley.

Today the Hunter’s culinary not-for-profit body, known for producing one of the region’s hottest foodie events – the Food Fight, has unveiled its four Chefs for 2024. The four chefs, all at the top of the culinary chain will vie for the consumer’s vote at the popular lunch in the Hunter Valley in June.

The annual awards held at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley united more than 360 industry professionals and guests from the Hunter Valley wine and tourism industry. The Legends Awards honours the region's rich and vibrant history, celebrating the lasting influence and legacy of those who contribute outstanding service to the industry. Colin Peterson and John Drayton were inducted as 2024 Hunter Valley Living Legends.

As the 2024 vintage enters its final stages now, all the of the winemakers in the region are more than happy with the quality of what they have in their cellars. The vintage was one the earliest on record, starting in the second week of January. Warm and dry conditions in spring 2023 meant the vines were all carrying a lower crop than normal, which is also part of the reason the ripening happened quicker than normal. The harvest period has been relatively stress-free in terms of weather, with warm, dry conditions being the majority of the January weather patterns. Across the region, yields are averaging approximate 20-30% down on a normal vintage, however quality is extremely high. Semillon and Verdelho both came on quickly with great fruit intensity and acidity, whilst the chardonnay ripened slower and the resulting wines will be elegant and have good depth of flavour. The Shiraz is being harvested currently and the early blocks which are now fermenting all have outstanding deep colours and rich flavours.

Refreshing and zesty, crisp and light in youth, brimming with bright acids and sweet citrus fruits. Sometimes chalky, sometimes waxy. Toast and honey emerge over time, sometimes nougat and nuts, too. Intriguing and inspiring in equal measure. These green and gold grapes are the stars of Hunter Valley Wine Country, home of one of the longest living white wines on earth. Hunter Semillon is the ultimate reward for those patient enough to wait.

There are numerous reasons to spend a few days in the vicinity of Hermitage Road, located in the north-west corner of Pokolbin. Marvel at breathtaking views, explore dozens of charming boutique wineries and cafes, visit a brewery or two, and discover plenty of enjoyable activities if lounging by the pool isn't your preferred pastime.