|
|
     
 Hunter
Valley is the oldest and perhaps the most prestigious Wine Country
in Australia. Though it produces only about 3 percent of the nation’s wine
supply, this miniscule output is remarkably impressive, consistently winning
awards at Australia’s National Wine Shows. Only 2 hours drive
outside Sydney, Hunter Valley is a popular destination for
wine connoisseurs and a perfect place to head to for a weekend retreat.
Getting to the Hunter
To get to the Hunter, as the Aussies call it, you cross the Sydney Harbour
Bridge and follow the Pacific Highway to Wahroonga, then take the clearly
signposted right turn onto the Newcastle Expressway. An hour along the Expressway,
you take the left turning onto Route 82 and head for Cessnock, about 15
kilometres up the road (if you reach Kurri Kurri, you’ve overshot). Once
you’ve hit Cessnock, you’re in Hunter Valley.
Hunter Valley is usually divided into two sections: Lower and Upper Hunter
Valley. Lower Hunter wineries and vineyards is centred around the little
town of Pokolbin, just a little ways northwest of Cessnock. The area is
home to about 70 wineries, ranging from famous labels to small, ‘boutique’
winemakers, and it receives the majority of the visitors. Upper Hunter also
has a few wineries, but since it’s a solid hour’s drive away, not everyone
makes it that far.
Hunter Valley recognized the value of tourism a long time ago, so all the
wineries welcome visitors for wine sampling and of course cellar-door
sales. Many will offer tours as well, but usually not on weekdays, so if
you’re not there on the weekend and still want a tour, you’d best check
with the local tourism office. Unless you plan on a long stay, you’ll probably
wont have time to sample the offerings at every winery, so a bit of picking
and choosing is necessary. Once there, you can join one of the winery tours
and be assured of a comfortable but abbreviated trip around the local establishments.
Exploring the valley
If you’re a bit more adventurous, you can pick up a map and head off on
your own. The only trouble with the adventurous approach is that in Australia,
it’s a simple job to get lost in the country. Having said that, wandering
around dirt roads and gazing out over the vines and scrub-covered hills
isn’t such a bad way to spend the time. If you’re lucky, you might even
spot a wild kangaroo or two. As long as you can see vines, you needn’t worry
as you won’t be too far from people.
For such a small area (according to Australian standards), Hunter Valley
boasts an impressive variety of wine offerings. Some of the vineyards belong
to big name companies such as Lindemans, McWilliams, Rothbury, Hardy's,
Wyndham Estate and McGuigan. Others establishments, like Tyrells
and Draytons, are very old and fiercely independent family businesses
which have been there for several generations. More than a few of these
smaller wineries have strong reputations even in competition with the ‘big
boys’.
 With
all these choices available, it’s a struggle trying to decide which winery
to go to, so a good idea would be to ask for recommendations from the tourist
office, or from some knowledgeable Aussie friends. A more entertaining way
would be to ask the cellar staff. Often, the suggestions these ‘insiders’
give are helpful and insightful — just be prepared to get an earful if one
winery happens to be feuding with another!
As for the wines themselves,
there is a wide range of wines available, with something to suit every palate.
The signature grape of the Hunter is Shiraz, which in France is known
as the Syrah. this hearty red wine has a subtle taste, more earthy than
the wines produced from that grape in other parts of the continent, and
less tannic than the Cabernet with which it is often blended. Another popular
wine is Semillon (which when pronounced with a thick Aussie accent,
rhymes with Babylon), with its almost honeyed quality and deep golden colour.
As is more usual in Australia, the Semillon is blended with Chardonnay,
rather than Sauvignon Blanc, as is the practice elsewhere.
Upper Hunter and Other Things To Do
There’s plenty of offerings in Lower Hunter, but if you’re itchy for more
exploring, then the Upper Hunter offers some nice surprises amongst its
handful of wineries. Take the New England Highway to get there — most will
tell you that the ‘back way’ to the Upper Hunter is more scenic, but for
those with a foggy sense of direction, it might result in more than a few
wrong turnings. You can always take the scenic route on the way back.
Upper Hunter has another attraction — a widespread reputation for excellent
horse breeding. The area is a major thoroughbred breeding centre,
and in between the slopes of vines are some of the prettiest mares and stallions
you’ll ever see. The Upper Valley town of Scone has a race course which
hosts numerous races, and also offers comfortable accommodations for those
who’d rather not drive back after all the wine sampling and race cheering.
Of course, there are other things to do
besides wine tasting. There’s sandy beaches to explore at nearby Nelson
Bay, or the Brokenback Range to climb. Surrounding the Hunter are extensive
National Park, perfect for hiking, horseback riding and cycling tours. Hot-air
ballooning and helicopter flights are popular, and a great way to see the
Hunter. There are facilities for swimming, golf, tennis and almost every
other recreational activity. There are numerous charming, historic towns
and villages to explore. Specialty cheese makers, breweries and a (highly
respected) olive oil industry all add spice to the local fruits, vegetables,
meats, seafood and game on offer in the excellent restaurants. There are
pubs, museums, art galleries, and an abundance of festivals of all kinds
to keep you busy. If a day trip isn’t long enough, there is a host of accommodation
options around the Hunter, from guesthouses, to private cabins and luxury
hotels.
Book Hunter
Valley Hotels here
|