Events Survival Guide

Are you planning to attend one (or a few!) of the fabulous events we have coming up in the Hunter Valley? If so, there is a list of things you should make sure you tick off before the event date. See below a ‘To Do List’ to follow to ensure you are fully prepared for your getaway to Wine Country:

Book your Accommodation – This the first & most important step! If you are planning to stay in the Hunter Valley to attend the event, it’s important that you book your accommodation as soon as (or sometime before) you purchase your tickets. When a big act is announced, accommodation books up almost immediately & if you leave it too late, you will be disappointed. Also keep in mind that a lot of places in Wine Country have a two night minimum on weekends, so expect to make a weekend of it & stay the two nights. Click here to start your Accommodation Search.

Book your Tickets – If you are keen, book your tickets as soon as your hear the event tickets go on sale. There are many ticket outlets that sell tickets to Hunter Valley shows including Ticketek & Ticketmaster, however you may also be able to book your tickets from local venues or festival websites such as www.adayonthegreen.com.au.

Book your Transfers – If you are planning to attend an event in the Hunter Valley, surely you want to enjoy a drop or two of our finest? In that case, you will need to get to & from the concert in the safest & easiest way possible. Rover Coaches is our local bus company which offers transfers to & from concerts from most of the accommodation in the Valley as well as afar. You can either book your transfer through the Visitors Centre or at Rover Coaches directly. And if you missed the all important first step (booking your accommodation) they also provide transfers from outside the winery area such as Singleton, Muswellbrook, Maitland, Newcastle & Central Coast. Check out their website for pick up times & where they will be picking up from: www.rovercoaches.com.au

Research the FAQ’s – Depending on the event you are attending & where it is being held, there are some questions you might have that can be answered simply. Such as; "Is there parking?", "Can I BYO food or alcohol?", "Who is the support act?", "What time do the gates open?". Almost all of the time, you can find these details on the event website. For events at Hope Estate, go to www.hopeestate.com.au, for event at Bimbadgen Estate (A Day on the Green), go to www.adayonthegreen.com.au & for Jazz in the Vines go to www.jazzinthevines.com.au.

Organise your weekend – So you have organised to visit Wine Country for the weekend to see your favourite act. However the concert only goes for 3 hours on Saturday or Sunday night, so what are you going to do the rest of the time you are here? This is your chance to explore & find your own Hunter Valley gems & secrets. Discover one, or many, of the 150 wineries, indulge in local produce, dine out in one of our fabulous restaurants or enjoy a pre or post-event drink. You can unearth some exciting local artisans, wander the Hunter Valley Gardens, take a wine tour or even attend another event!

How to get to the Hunter Valley – There are many different ways to get to the Hunter Valley. Click here for options

Lifecycle of a Grapevine

Bud Burst

This is the stage of new beginnings. The weather starts to get warmer after Winter which spurs the growth of new foliage. Small buds swell out & tiny new leaves begin to show, bringing a vibrant green colour back into the dormant vines. After approximately 2 months the growth slows & flowering occurs.

Flowering

At this stage of life, small flowers clusters appear. It is vital for mild weather at this stage, a heavy rain or hot temperatures may reduce the fruit set, cause uneven pollination of grapes or even prevent pollination.  Following this stage, small clusters of grapes will form small bunches & begin the period of growth & development. Warm weather at this time of the year assists with developing sugar in the grapes

Verasion (Colouring)

This crucial stage determines the colour & softening of the grapes. Depending on the grape colour, growers asses & some trim the leaf canopy to assist the remaining bunches to optimum maturity. Version usually occurs approximately 1 ½ months after fruit set.

Harvest

Traditionally harvest occurs approximately 100 days after flowering, however this depends on the season & the grape development. The winemaker will assess the grape sugar & acidity level before determining a harvest date. Once this is determined, harvest occurs & the vineyards come alive with grape pickers & machinery culling the vines for fruit. Once complete, the lifecycle of the grapes begins again for another year.

How to get to the Hunter Valley

SELF DRIVE FROM SYDNEY

Drive over Sydney Harbour Bridge and follow the A1 (Pacific Highway) towards Hornsby. Before Hornsby (at Wahroonga) take the M1 (Pacific Motorway) north towards Newcastle and take one of three exits to the Hunter Valley Vineyards.

ROUTE 1: After 120km (1 hour 15 mins), exit the M1 at the Newcastle Interchange and take the M15 (Hunter Expressway) and follow the M15 until you reach the Lovedale Road exit (24km), the Wine Country Drive exit (36km) or the Hermitage Road exit (48km).

ROUTE 2: After 100km (1 hour), exit the M1 at the B82 (Freemans Drive) exit ramp and follow the signs along the B82 to Cessnock/Hunter Valley Vineyards.

ROUTE 3: After 40km (20 minutes), exit the M1 (Pacific Motorway) at the Calga Interchange (Peats Ridge) and follow Tourist Route T33. This route will take you through scenic mountains and into the Hunter Valley at the historic town of Wollombi.

BY TRAIN & BUS

Arrive by train at Maitland, Newcastle or Morisset stations with connecting buses available. For train and bus timetables, call 131 500 or visit transportnsw.info

BY PLANE

Cessnock Airport – by private charter. Newcastle Airport – flights daily from Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Melbourne. Call 02 4928 9800.

GETTING AROUND

Once you have arrived in Wine Country, getting around is easy. There are a number of tour operators to choose from to show you the Hunter Valley (check our website winecountry.com.au or ask at the Hunter Valley Visitor Centre). Hertz Rent A Car also offers rental cars if you would like to drive yourself.

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