Spring in the Hunter Valley is simply not to be missed. There's no better way to celebrate the season than by gathering with friends for a day of exceptional food and wine under the warm sun. Picture yourself enjoying a leisurely long-table feast nestled in an enchanting pear grove, or perhaps you’d prefer to relax with a refreshing spring cocktail, live music filling the air as the sun sets. Whatever your taste, there’s an event waiting to make your spring day unforgettable. Here are some of the top events in the Hunter Valley this Spring.
High Tea with Lisa Hölzl
Monday 1st September
Enjoy intimate conversations with celebrated ceramic artist Lisa Hölzl over exquisite high tea and award-winning Winmark Wines Chardonnay. If you’re a lover of art and wine don’t miss this exclusive behind-the-scenes artistic experience. Click here for more information.
Drag Bingo with Timberlina at Huntlee Tavern
Tuesday 2nd September
Join in for an evening of glitz, glamour, and giggles with Timberlina’s over-the-top style, dazzling repertoire, and quick wit. Enjoy three rounds of cheeky, high-energy bingo with fabulous performances in between. Tickets are $30pp including games and prizes.
Kick INXS Show at Huntlee Tavern
Saturday 6th September
A full-scale tribute to the legendary INXS, delivering their iconic hits with the energy and stage presence that made them famous. Free entry, full stage production, lighting, and costume changes.
Tough Mudder at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley
Saturday 6th September - Sunday 7th September
Think you have what it takes? The Tough Mudder is the ultimate playground set in hardcore mud and obstacle courses designed to test your physical strength, mental grit, stamina and camaraderie. Choose from a 5K mud run with 13 obstacles or the ultimate 15K challenge with 20+ obstacles to overcome. Click here for more information.
Spring Semersion at Thomas Wines
Saturday 6th September
Join Thomas Wines on Saturday 6th September from 12pm until 4pm at the Thomas Wines Cellar Door for their 2025 Semillon release day. Wines will be available by the glass and bottle, and will be accompanied by live music and lots of delicious food on site. Tickets are free and not essential but are helpful for the team to gauge attendance. Children and well-behaved dogs are very welcome. Click here for more information.
Long Table Lunch at Stonehurst Cedar Creek
Saturday 6th September
Take a seat amongst a blossoming pear grove for the annual Stonehurst Long Table Lunch and enjoy a 5-course gourmet feast featuring local and regional produce, with 10 matching award-winning Stonehurst wines. Not only does this Long Table Lunch offer stunning surroundings and delicious food, but also some great smooth tunes from local acoustic musicians making it the ultimate way to usher in the new season. Click here for more information.
Country Social at Ben Ean
Saturday 6th September
Round up your crew for a family-friendly afternoon of country flare at Ben Ean. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of live country music, delicious food truck eats, and wine, beer and cocktails surrounded by the scenic vineyards of Ben Ean. They’ll even have a Mechanical Bull for you to try your luck at and a jumping castle for the kids. Tickets are $29 for adults and $15 for children. Click here for more information.
Emma’s Cottage Brunch Club
Saturday 6th September and Sunday 5th October
On the first weekend of every month, Emma’s Cottage hosts a stylish brunch on their vineyard estate in Lovedale. With vineyards as the backdrop, enjoy a leisurely brunch with bottomless bubbles and mimosas, vibrant cocktails, refreshing non-alcoholic sparkling tea and a beautifully curated brunch selection of sweet treats and savoury favourites. Click here for more information.
Father’s Day Weekend
We’ve got some great events and lunches happening designed to celebrate Dads. Head over to our Father’s Day page for more information.
Hunter Highland Luncheon at McLeish Estate
Saturday 13th September
Experience the Highlands of Scotland at this exciting long lunch at McLeish Estate. Mixing together the best of Scottish traditions with McLeish Estate’s trophy and gold medal winning wines, this one-of-a-kind lunch includes bagpipe performances, highland dancers and a traditional caber tossing competition paired with a three-course feast and matching current and museum release wines from McLeish Estate. Click here for more information.
Feast: A Rolling Lunch at De Iuliis Wines, Oakvale Wines and Glandore Wines
Saturday 13th September
Embark on a culinary journey across three of the Hunter Valley’s favourite wineries. This walking style long lunch begins at De Iuliis Wines with a glass of their sensational Sparkling Chardonnay and freshly shucked oysters before you meander your way across to the neighbouring Oakvale Wines for a second course paired with fun and interactive games. At the final stop, Glandore Wines, you’ll be treated to the third and final course matched with wines hosted in their on-site winery before the live music kicks in for sunset. Sounds like the perfect day? Don’t miss out on tickets. Click here for more information.
Ember and Vine Spotlight dinner at Emma's Cottage Vineyard
Saturday 13th September
Gather inside the charming surrounds of Emma’s Cottage for a shared-style dinner that celebrates community and connection. Guests will enjoy a seasonal menu featuring entrée, main, and dessert, served in a relaxed, communal format designed to bring people together. Our local brigades are powered by volunteers and community support, relying on donations to continue offering the vital service that helps protect the heart of our region. With 50% of ticket sales donated directly to the Pokolbin and Rothbury Brigades, this gathering is a chance to enjoy an evening of food, wine, and connection while giving back to those who give so much. Click here to learn more.
D’vine Food and Wine Festival
Friday 19th September - Sunday 21st September
The annual street long food and wine festival is back for 2025. Featuring a jam packed calendar of unique experiences and one-off events, this weekend is fantastic for anyone looking for a fun and interactive way to explore more of the Hunter Valley (including some hidden gems). Festival highlights include the Winemakers Showcase dinner, Our Italian Festival and a Lux Breakfast and Bubbles in the vines experience complete with a massage. Click here for more information.
Faulty Towers at 4 Pines at the Farm
Friday 19th September
Faulty Towers The Dining Experience is the longest running Fawlty Towers show of any kind worldwide. Come enjoy a night of laughs as the iconic trio brings the famous British BBC series to life in a dining experience like no other. Tickets on sale now. Click here for more information.
Breakfast and Bubbles in the Vines
Saturday 20th September - Sunday 21st September
Enjoy an indulgent breakfast and bubbles in the vines complete with hot breakfast, barista made coffee, sparkling wines, yoga, live music and even a massage. Choose to begin your morning with a gentle yoga session, sound bowl meditation or stretching class overlooking the vineyards before breakfast in the vines. Click here for more information.
Wine and Art at Keith Tulloch Wines
Saturday 20th September
Enjoy a local artist pop-up showcase in the charming barrel room at Keith Tulloch Wines. Explore local art alongside tastings from Keith Tulloch Wine, Aeon Wine and FAR Distilling spirits. Entry is free and open to all, with guests encouraged to taste, buy a drink by the glass or take home some artwork.
Sip and Shuck at Mercer Wines
Saturday 20th September
A live jazz band, freshly shucked oysters and Mercer’s Picpoul Blanc, Semillon and Vermentino is what awaits you at Mercer’s cellar door on Saturday 20th September. Join in for what promises to be a spectacular afternoon of drinking, listening to soulful blues, relaxed jazz, and mingling with friends. Click here for more information.
Under the Hunter Valley Sun - Pasta experience in the Vines at Audrey Wilkinson
Friday 26th September, Friday 31st October, Friday 28th November
Learn the art of traditional pasta-making by hand with the backdrop of panoramic vineyard views at Audrey Wilkinson. The class will be hosted by the Hunter Valley’s very own Our Italian Table, an authentic Italian cooking school where you’ll learn the art of pasta making in an interactive hands-on class. After the class, enjoy a banquet style lunch featuring two handcrafted pasta dishes, Italian salad, warm artisan rolls and homemade biscotti to finish, all paired with Audrey Wilkinson wines.
Stomp! Wine, Cheese and Ceramics
Friday 26th September
Enjoy a fun and interactive afternoon of ceramic making and wine at Stomp! Wines boutique cellar door in the Hunter Valley. The workshop includes bubbly on arrival, a tasting of six Stomp Wines paired with local cheese and a produce plate. You’ll be guided through a pottery workshop learning different techniques to create your very own cheese plate and condiment bowls. After the workshop, your pieces will be glazed and fired ready for you to pick up or posted to you as a memento of the afternoon. Tickets on sale now, click here for more information.
Esca Murder Mystery Night
Friday 26th September
Come along to Esca Bimbadgen for a glamorous night of mystery and mischief as the venue transforms into the setting for an unforgettable Murder Mystery Takeover. Enjoy canapés, and a decadent two-course shared-style dinner, all while immersed in an evening of interactive entertainment. There is a killer in the house, can you solve the mystery, uncover the motive, and expose the killer before the night is over? Plus, there is even an optional dress code for the evening. Click here for more information.
Spring School Holidays at Hunter Valley Gardens
Saturday 27th September - Sunday 12th October
Celebrate the arrival of spring with a fun and colourful family day out at Hunter Valley Gardens these school holidays. From 27th September to the 12th October 2025, the Gardens will be blooming with flowers (and activity), offering something for all ages to enjoy. Plus, their amazing amusement rides will be operating throughout the school holidays and there will be a variety of special pop-up talks, nursery and garden society displays and more. Click here for more information.
OCTOBER LONG WEEKEND
Balloon Aloft Fiesta 2025
Friday 3rd October - Monday 6th October
The morning sky will turn into an incredible display of colourful hot air balloons each day over the long weekend for the Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta. The event features approximately 20 to 30 hot air balloons taking off at dawn each morning, filling the skies with colour, energy and excitement. Don’t miss your chance to see this breathtaking display. Book your spot in a hot air balloon and be part of the action, blow bubbles during the flights, then enjoy a bubbly breakfast at Peterson House winery afterwards. Click here for more information.
Dashville Skyline at Dashville
Friday 3rd October - Sunday 5th October
Showcasing some of the best in Australian alternative folk and country music over one weekend, Dashville is the ultimate cosmic country weekender with an incredible line-up of musicians. The festival program is full of live shows, artistic collaborations, family activities, markets, workshops, vintage cars and laid-back old-school country-inspired fun. The festival is family friendly and guests are encouraged to bring the family along. Single day and full weekend tickets on sale now. Click here for more information.
Wine & Song Evening at Winmark Wines
Saturday 4th October
Join special guest musician Craig McLachlan for an intimate evening of music overlooking the vineyards at Winmark Wines, paired with their premium range of Chardonnay and delicious food. Book now to secure a seat for this popular evening. Click here for more information.
QUEEN: The Show at Huntlee Tavern
Saturday 18th October
Rock out to every anthem you know and love in this epic Queen tribute with huge sound, dazzling lights, and an electric atmosphere. Tickets are $40, general admission only. Courtesy bus available from surrounding towns.
Mercer Spring Fiesta at Mercer Wines
Saturday 18th October
Join Alison, Aaron and the Mercer team for a Mediterranean Fiesta full of wine, food and celebration. Hosted at their cellar door, enjoy a day of sunshine, live music, a tapas feast and of course tastings of Mercer’s collection of award-winning wines. Click here for more information.
Art Workshop with Julianne Ross Allcorn
Sunday 19th October Master pencil and watercolour fundamentals in this popular workshop series, drawing inspiration from nature and vineyard vistas. Spend a creative day immersed in nature as Julianne shares her artistic insights, ideas and technique in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere as you create your own masterpiece. The workshop also includes coffee, wine and light lunch. Click here for more information.
Crowded House and special guests at the Red Hot Summer Tour - SOLD OUT
Saturday 25th October
Crowded House headline Red Hot Summer Tour supported by Australian favourites Angus and Julia Stone, The Church, Mark Seymour with Vika & Linda, and The Waifs. Click here for more information.
MELBOURNE CUP
Melbourne Cup at Chateau Elan
Tuesday 4th November
Enjoy an unforgettable day with canapés on arrival, a 3-course lunch, a 4-hour beverage package, and live music to set the tone. With the races on the big screen and best dressed prizes up for grabs, it’s the ultimate way to spend the day in style. Tickets are $160pp. Bookings essential.
Melbourne Cup at NINETEEN Hunter Valley
Tuesday 4th November
Join in on the fun and festivities at the NINETEEN Melbourne Cup event. With a three-course alternate drop menu and 4-hour beverage package for $135, it’s a day not to be missed. Arrive at 12pm for drinks with lunch starting at 12:30pm.
Ceramic Totem Workshop with Lisa Hölzl
Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November
Create your own impressive 60cm ceramic totem over two intensive days with artist Lisa Hölzl on the beautiful Winmark Wines estate. In this hands-on workshop you’ll produce a substantial artwork you'll treasure forever - don't miss out! Click here for more information.
2025 Ford NSW Open Championship at The Vintage Golf Course
Thursday 13th - Sunday 16th November
Join us at The Vintage Golf Course, renowned for its stunning design and layout, to watch some of Australia’s top professionals and elite amateurs as they compete for the esteemed Kel Nagle trophy. 2024 Champion and LIV Golf star, Lucas Herbert, will return to defend his crown. Enjoy a unique spectator experience as you walk the fairways with the players and get an up-close view of all the action. Immerse yourself in the fan experience with a party hole, golf clinics and a tournament village offering a variety of food and beverage options. Click here for more information.
Hunter Valley Highland Games
Saturday 22nd November
Come experience the Hunter Valley Highland Games in beautiful Wine Country. These games celebrate the deep connection between Australia and Scotland. Enjoy a full day of Scottish culture including National Highlander Championships, live jousting, pipe band competition, highland and country dancers, highland cows, clans and societies, Jacobites Living History Group, market stalls, kids activities and more. Postponed from its original date in August, the Hunter Valley Highland Games brings together the best of Scottish traditions in one day. Click here for more information.