Taste the Hunter Valley: A World of Wine & Food Experiences Await You This Autumn

There's something quietly magical about the Hunter Valley in autumn. The vines flush gold and amber, the air crisps up just enough to justify a second glass of Shiraz, and the crowds begin to thin — leaving you with that rare, unhurried feeling that the whole place was made just for you.

Just two hours from Newcastle, Australia's oldest wine region transforms beautifully in the cooler months. Cellar doors are welcoming, long lunches stretch into golden afternoons, and the Brokenback Range sits draped in mist on cooler mornings like something from a postcard.

CELLAR DOOR GEMS

Latitude 32 in Pokolbin is one of the Hunter's most exciting newer names. Founded by Emma and David White, who walked away from corporate life to buy a 50-acre old-vine vineyard, the winery embraces vintage variation rather than hiding it. Fire pits, spectacular Brokenback Range views and a signature Dumplings & Wine pairing make this a place you'll settle into for longer than planned. Their 2025 'Edward' Semillon recently took out Best NSW White Wine at the Australian Small Winemakers Show.

In the Broke Fordwich sub-region, Winmark Wines is genuinely difficult to leave. Danishborn owner Karin Adcock transformed the historic Pooles Rock property into one of the Hunter's most extraordinary destinations — a Halliday 5-star winery combining awardwinning Chardonnay, an art gallery, sculpture garden and luxury accommodation. In autumn, the 40 deciduous trees in Karin's 'Koppie' grove turn spectacular shades of gold.

Over in Lovedale, Molly Morgan Wines carries the spirit of its namesake — a former convict who became one of Australia's first female landowners and Queen of the Hunter.

Revitalised in 2024 by Novacastrian couple Di and Adam Loong, this historic 60-year-old vineyard produces exceptional estate wines and boasts one of the best outlooks in the region.

SLOW DOWN AND SAVOUR

In Pokolbin, Cafe Cou Cou at the Keith Tulloch Wine complex is a charming Frenchinspired escape — perfect for a leisurely brunch or a long pause between cellar doors.

For trip planning, visit www.wineanddinehuntervalley.com.au.