PLAN YOUR GETAWAY - It's Wine & Dine Time!

As we go to print, the Hunter Valley is preparing to open its doors to visitors after a lengthy lockdown that wreaked havoc in an industry that was already reeling from the effects of bush fires, drought and severe weather conditions. So, with the lockdown expected to end within days, take the time to plan your trip to the Hunter Valley, where the pleasures of eating and drinking are celebrated daily – in your own backyard!

Hunter Valley Wine Country has been built on 188 years of passion and dedication to the craft of winemaking, resulting in the production of many world-class wines. However, there is more to the Hunter Valley than wine, and with the wide selection of great accommodation, dining options and activities on offer, the Hunter is the perfect short break and romantic getaway.

The roots of old Semillon grapevines run deep in Hunter Valley Wine Country, with winemaking dating back to the 1830s. These days you'll find more than 150 wineries producing a wide range of world-class wines from varietals that include Chardonnay, Semillon, Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris), Viognier, Gewurztraminer, Fiano and Verdelho amongst the whites and Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Chambourcin, Sangiovese and Merlot among the reds.

Although Broke Fordwich is officially the only recognised sub-region, colloquially, there are several other areas within the Lower Hunter that offer distinctively different 'regions' in their own way. These include the areas known as Lovedale, Mount View, Pokolbin and Wollombi.

EXPERIENCE THE GLORIOUS VIEWS OF MOUNT VIEW

Nestled amongst the breathtaking surrounds of the Brokenback Range, Mount View, with its winding roads and panoramic views, offers some of the most outstanding scenery available in the Hunter Valley. The history of the area dates back to the mid-1800's, when early pioneers recognised the quality of the land offered by the area. Here visitors have their choice of a handful of impressive and highly acclaimed boutique wineries that seem to appear out of nowhere and all providing a relaxed and idyllic wine tasting experience and superbly welcoming hospitality.

VISIT HISTORIC WOLLOMBI

At the southern gateway to Wine Country is the Wollombi Valley – a small, picturesque and historic village that over the years has successfully retained its fine architectural heritage bolstered by cafes, comfortable guesthouses and familyowned wineries, with the winemaker most likely also being the person who pours your wine in the tasting room.

TAKE A TURN TO THE TRANQUIL SIDE OF THE HUNTER VALLEY

Continuing your wine country travels and situated an easy 15-minute drive from Pokolbin, the Broke Fordwich Wine Region is a separate viticultural sub-region of the Hunter Valley and accounts for approximately 11% of the vineyard area planted in the Hunter Valley. The warm climate and fertile soils produce distinctive wines such as Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Verdelho, as well as Italian varieties such as Sangiovese and Barbera. The area was first settled as early as 1824, and despite being one of the oldest wine-growing areas in Australia, it is only in the last 35 years that Broke Fordwich has started to become an important player in the Australian winemaking industry and home to approximately ten cellar doors.

GET EDGY IN THIS HOT SPOT FOR TASTING ROOMS AND FOOD

The rural locality of Pokolbin is considered to be the ''hub'' of the Hunter Valley wine region and where you get to sample vintages from old vines and new varietals at some of the oldest and most historic vineyards in the country. Pokolbin is internationally recognised for being Australia's oldest commercial wine-producing area and where viticulture in the Hunter Valley is believed to have first started when James Busby brought planted cuttings of European wines and established what is considered the first vineyard in the area in the 1830s. However, it was not really until the 1960's that the local wine industry really took off due to the closure of local mining operations, and the arrival of European immigrants after the Second World War led to a reorientation of Australian tastes.

With well over 50 cellar doors, an equal number of restaurants and cafes and a growing selection of gourmet food providers, distilleries, breweries, art galleries and quality accommodation, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to truly experiencing what the Hunter Valley is all about.

THERE IS PLENTY TO LOVE ABOUT LOVEDALE

Often referred to as the ''Heart of the Hunter'', Lovedale is located just east of Pokolbin and is renowned for its awardwinning boutique wineries, family-owned and operated cellar doors, quality boutique accommodation, fine restaurants and of course for the annual Lovedale Long Lunch. As one of the oldest wine-producing regions of the Hunter Valley, the history of Lovedale dates back to the 1800s when local wheat, dairy and general produce farmers turned their hands to grape growing. Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Pinot Noir are the more popular varieties grown in the area, and with a vast selection of boutique accommodation to choose from and a wine and food trail consisting of 12 cellar doors and ten restaurants, Lovedale offers the perfect weekend away and the ideal opportunity to experience some of the best wine and food the Hunter has to offer.

With so much to see, taste, and do – you will leave wanting to return. But that's OK – Hunter Valley Wine Country is, after all, in your own backyard. Discover more here!