THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

Now in its 15th year, the 2022 Hunter Valley Legends & Wine Industry Awards last night saw a record number of Hunter Valley wine and tourism businesses recognised for excellence, commitment and quality.

Next time you visit Hunter Valley Wine Country, save some space in your itinerary to venture a little further and explore the northern part of the region. Known for open, green grasslands, stunning national parks, fine wining and dining and plenty of history, the Upper Hunter offers a memorable trip with plenty on offer to experience.

Not only a destination for exceptional wines and gourmet food, the Hunter Valley also offers plenty for the nature lovers, thrill seekers and adventurers.

"What is a degustation?" one may ask themselves when deciphering the fancy word on a dining menu. ‘Degustation’ is a French word for ‘tasting’. So, it’s literally a menu that offers you a series of different dishes to sample and try.

According to Google the “Hunter Valley Chardonnay Queen” royalty comprises a viticulturist, a winemaker and a marketer, all playing their part in the resurgence of Hunter Valley Chardonnay and producing wines that rival the greats of the world. Each queen represents a mighty fine, strong woman all from competing wine businesses yet so aligned in playing their part to producing outstanding wines from one region and all the way from the vineyard to the glass.

Fan the flames of romance with an intimate escape to Hunter Valley Wine Country, and the thrill of vintage in full flight. Re-ignite your sense of adventure together, exploring vineyard-fringed wine tasting trails, foraging for indulgences from local cheese-makers, chocolatiers and smokehouses, and ballooning-up to meet the sunrise. Delight your date with a loved-up lunch at a hatted restaurant, or crack a bottle of bubbles and take in the sunset spectacle of rugged mountain ranges glowing gold. Then snuggle down in a hidden-away haven, or lavish your special someone with a five-star stay that caters to every whim.

It's no secret that seafood and wine make for the perfect combination, but how do you know what wine to pair with each meal? We have you covered. We sat down with the Scarborough Family from Scarborough Wine Co. who are our 2021 Cellar Door of the Year, to talk all things seafood and wine and family recipes.

Want to explore some of the region’s most picturesque and authentic backdrops that it has to offer? Then look no further. Discover the hidden gems and peaceful paradises at your doorstep, from our famous Wine Country vineyards and fine dining experiences to glorious places to stay, panoramic views and an abundance of experiences.

​There are so many reasons to spend a few days around Hermitage Road in the north-west corner of Pokolbin. Jaw-dropping views, dozens of boutique wineries and cafes, a brewery or two, as well as loads of fun things to do if lying by the pool just isn't your thing.Running from Broke Road in the south to the New England Highway at Belford, this sun-s...