THE GRAPEVINE BLOG
Looking for the latest news, stories, tips and local knowledge to help plan your trip? Discover what is happening on the Hunter Valley Grapevine.
The Real Review has named Hunter Valley winemaker Aaron Mercer of Mercer Wines ‘Rising Star of the Year’ in the 2026 Top Wineries of Australia rankings. The Rising Star of the Year award recognises an outstanding emerging wine professional yet to receive wide recognition for their winemaking success. “To be recognised as this year’s Rising Star is
MEDIA RELEASE The Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association is pleased to announce the nominees and finalists for the 2026 Hunter Valley Legends Awards, recognising excellence across wine, tourism, and hospitality. These awards celebrate the individuals and businesses who continue to elevate the Hunter Valley’s reputation as one of Australi
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. Created in partnership with the Wonnarua People, the Traditional Custodi
The 2026 Hunter Valley Vintage opened at Mount Pleasant, where 80 local wine industry members joined Wonnarua Elder, Warren Taggart for a Smoking Ceremony - deeply rooted in 60,000 years of indigenous culture. As the first wine region in Australia to adopt the practice, sacred ancient symbols were used to bless the vintage with smouldering eucalypt
Vintage is one of the best times to visit the Hunter Valley. The grapes are bursting with colour and flavour, the vines are looking lush and green, and the community is in full swing with everyone pitching in to harvest the grapes at the right times – whites are picked first, followed by reds. Want to get in on the action and experience the 2026 vi
Hunter Lavender Farm is thrilled to announce the opening of Season 4: Summer Smiles in Bloom, from 6 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. This year’s theme celebrates the joy and colour of summer in full bloom — a time to wander, taste, and smile among the lavender fields. For just few weeks each year, the farm transforms into a sea of p