When you are one of the smallest wine growing areas in the country there is only one way to stand out and that’s by consistently producing some of the best wines in the world.
The Hunter Valley is a dynamic wine region with more than 150 premium wine producers, made up of a number of smaller subregions Broke Fordwich, Lovedale, Mount View, Pokolbin and Wollombi Valley. Each has its own secrets to reveal and subtle nuances in terms of wine characteristics.
The area is Australia’s oldest wine growing region, with vines first planted back in the early 1820’s from cuttings brought by James Busby, the father of Australian wine.
Today the Hunter Valley is home to some of Australia’s most distinctive and outstanding wines. The most recognised of these is Hunter Valley Semillon, a truly remarkable wine that has been called ‘Australia’s unique gift to the world’. A standout in terms of quality and taste, Hunter Valley Semillon is the product of techniques, skills and processes that have developed over 150 years of winemaking in the Hunter Valley as well as through the inspiring work of famous winemakers and winemaking families such as the legendary Maurice O’Shea and the Tyrrells, Draytons and Tullochs.
From its early days, when it was known as Hunter River Riesling, the variety formed a unique bond with the Hunter Valley. So strong is this affiliation with its ‘terroir’ that the style has not been replicated anywhere else in the world. When young, Hunter Valley Semillon is deliciously crisp with abundant citrus aromas and flavours that pair magnificently with seafood. With age Hunter Valley Semillon develops its unique complex toast, vanilla and honey flavours, giving it depth and richness.
The Hunter Valley is also known for producing outstanding Shiraz and for its development of innovative new varieties and styles such as Tempranillo.
Come and visit the Hunter Valley and taste the difference heritage makes.
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Broke Fordwich
The Broke Fordwich region, a 20 minute drive from Pokolbin, is nestled at the foothills of the Brokenback Range in the shadow of the majestic Yellow Rock escarpment. It has a rustic charm and is pin-drop quiet, making the perfect destination for a relaxing rural retreat. Peppered with boutique and biodynamic vineyards, olive groves, cosy accommodation options and restaurants, it has two big-ticket events; A Little Bit of Italy held each April and the Broke Village Fair & Vintage Car Display in September.
Lovedale
When you exit the Hunter Valley at Lovedale Road and turn left you have arrived in Lovedale, a relaxed neighbourhood east of Pokolbin. The winding country roads are lined with cellar doors, eateries and an eclectic collection of places to stay – pick up a copy of the Tour De Lovedale map and follow the self drive route. It is also home to mobs of kangaroos and wallabies, and the Lovedale Long Lunch, which takes place on the third weekend in May each year.
Mount View
As far as idyllic rural backdrops go, you cannot ask for much better than Mount View. Weaving its way past terraced vineyards, tasting rooms and charming B&Bs, Mount View Road takes you up to the Bimbadeen and Mount Bright Lookouts, with breaktaking views in every direction. It is off the beaten track, but the mountain-top lookout, peaceful setting and memorable wine experiences are worth seeking out.
Pokolbin
Pokolbin isn’t a town or a village, but it is hailed as the hub of the Hunter Valley because it has the highest concentration of wineries, restaurants, accommodation and activities in the region. The first vineyards in the Valley were planted in Pokolbin in the early 1800’s and it continues to play a pivotal role in winemaking today with winemakers producing the region’s award-winning flagship wines – Shiraz and Semillon – as well as new varieties that receive widespreed acclaim. While Pokolbin revolves around Broke and McDonalds Roads, it also includes established trails such as De Beyers Road, Palmers “Wine Lovers” Lane and the Around Hermitage Trail.
Upper Hunter
The Upper Hunter is the largest horse-breeding region in Australia with an extensive viticultural industry based around Denman, Muswellbrook and Jerrys Plains. Stretching from Singleton in the south to Murrurundi in the north, it has a bevy of paddock-to-plate produce to sample, including olives, cheese and boutique wines, as well as outdoot and water-based activities at Lake St Clair and Lake Glenbawn.
Wollombi Valley
Drive 30 minutes south-west of Pokolbin to the quaint village of Wollombi and you will be transported back to a bygone era. Established in the mid-1800’s, the pretty hamlet is famed for its colonial architecture and old-world general store. The gateway to the Wollombi Valley, it offers a heady mix of attractions from acient Aboriginal sites, national parks and the Great North Road convict trail to farmgate produce and boutique wines.