THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

Thommo and Andy sound like a comedy duo, or a breakfast team on local radio. Winemaker Andrew Thomas from Thomas Wines and chef Andy Wright from Pokolbin Catering Co. are, in fact, deadly serious about food and wine and their collaborations are some of the hottest tickets for June's Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival.Join them to explore 12 vinta...

Not only are three generations of the Scarborough family actively involved, but the tasting room is in the old family homestead on Gillards Road in Pokolbin.The recently renovated facility is set up for groups large and small and you'll almost certainly meet a Scarborough, whether that be founders Ian and Merralea Scarborough, winemaker son Jerome ...

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...

As officials have laid out a three-step plan to reopen Australia after the coronavirus crisis, there are hopes that the third step could be achieved as early as July. Each state and territory is anticipating when they can be moved from one step to the next, and the Hunter Valley will certainly be an active destination once the doors open.With a hos...

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...