Weekend in the Hunter Valley

Weekend in the Hunter Valley

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Posted 2012-07-15 by Madeleinefollow
One of the most wonderful things about living in Sydney is our immediate access to the outskirts. Within 20 minutes of jumping on a freeway suddenly you are miles away from the hustle and bustle (and traffic) of the Pacific Highway. You start to see fields, and then gumtrees, and then lakes… and then jumping roos, and spotty cows… You are well on your way to one of Australia's most famous wine regions. The Hunter Valley.

Once you arrive in the Hunter Valley (some 3 hours later) you start to get a good sense that this is still rural (yet so strangely tourist-ified). The houses are speckeled in townships, and bizzarely all seem unoccupied. But right along the way large petrol stations, and KFC chains tower over the humbe 1950& #8242 ;s fibro's. Hello Cessnock, and hello the most unbeliveable sunset ever seen. If only such colours could be captured in a moving car, out a windshield.

Sixteen of us have arrived by 9pm, and we are staying in a huge 20 sleeper in Whispering Brook . (A winery and a homestead). As morning breaks, and hangovers set in from the evening of cheap wine (how's the irony?) - the bus departs for its 5 hour journey from cellar door to cellar door. The man driving us is a lovely fellow, and we hand over our $40 per person, and set off to winery number one. We would highly recommend getting in touch with these guys , and arranging them to drive you from place to place, and it will save you some dollars from the expensive tours on offer. Bearing in mind for a big group you will need to book into the wineries for your tastings.

David Hook is tucked away behind Peterson Creek, and after doing a few laps, and asking around, we are standing infront of some goregous Riedel glasses, and some out-of-control 2011 Mosto. It's made similar to iced wine and its delicate taste is the most unoffensive for 10.30am in the morning.

Next we have travelled further to picturesque Keith Tulloch . Though they have been around for 12 years, their new cellar door is simply stunning, and you get the feeling that you might not be able to afford what's inside. But for $28 a bottle, why not? They set us in a special room, and sadly leave us to our own devices with a piece of paper to try and translate the fancy flavours.

Next, we head to Tatlers for lunch. Only eight of us opt for the Tapas on offer, we enjoy a few much needed beers for the boys, and a bottle of their finest rose. One hour later, we declare that we feel like royalty, and would much rather stay seated for the rest of the afternoon. Their food is amazing, and must not be missed, especially the Shephard's Pie. Tatlers offer us a favourable tasting, and are kind enough to refund us the $3 tasting fee with our purchases (bonus). Our purchases are roughly 12 bottles of their Frizzante.

By this stage everyone is feeling decidedly 'happy' but we must soldier on, there are still three more wineries to go. We arrive at Pools Rock Winery late, and they forgive us. Their views over the Valley are unprecedented, and their staff are the same. They take us through the motions, and send us on our way with some Cockfighters Ghost Verdhelo. These guys also own and run the infamous Audrey Wilkinson. Seems they know what they're doing.

On the home stretch we arrive back in Broke at Margan's . They take us into the depths of thier cold cellar and seat us around some big barrels, the whole time we're all feeling very authentic. You can see that people will have used this as their wedding reception; it is all quintessential Hunter. Their Rose is the perfect amount of bitter sweet, and must be had by all.

The day now feels as though we have been travelling for months, and for that reason we recommend limiting your wineries to 4-5. Back at Whispering Brook, you get the sense this winery was part of the revolution twenty years ago, and could do with a bit of TLC, but their staff are lovely, and it's a quaint little setting. Suprisingly their Chardonnay and Mulled wine are winners, and we retreat about 20m to our home again, and the warm inviting fire. Each of us with almost a case in hand, we begin to indulge in our spoils. Never drinking cheap wine again… ever.

In the morning, and we are on the road early for Breakfast at Petersons Champagne House . We didn't opt for the champagne, but the breakfast was simply stunning. If you do one thing, eat here (they also do oysters overlooking the valley – amazing). But be prepared for cranky staff, and long waiting times, but it's well worth it for the food.

The rest of the day is spent popping into Lake's Folley for a 'pretty woman' moment. We can afford the $65 a bottle, but who wants to pay it when the grumpy gap-toothed man doesn't deem you worthy – maybe next time Mr Folley.

Finally we head to the grounds of Tempus Two (we didn't actually make it in the cellar door), but spent the next 4 hours sitting in the sun drinking a bottle of Proseco, eating fresh strawberries, and more cheese, and more salami. The sun was absolutely beaming, and the air was fresh. Pure Winter Bliss. This weekend has been too good to be true. This is what living is all about.

Thinking of heading to the Hunter Valley this Winter? We think if you're going with a group of friends and want to make it as fun, organised, and economical as possible, this is the way to go. Ask me anything about our trip, and I can help you out.





#hunter_valley
#wineries
%wnsydney
103493 - 2023-06-12 10:44:17

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