5 Ways To Spend 5 Hours In Wine Country NSW | Australia

One of the things I love about living in Australia is that you can jump in your car, drive a couple of hours (or less) and all of a sudden, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush vineyards, the mountains, endless coastlines or paddocks.

Last weekend, we decided to take a day trip to one of our fave wine country spots – Hunter Valley. Ok, so by now you’re probably thinking we’re a couple of winos, considering the last few blog posts have been about Hunter Valley or some wine event.

But who doesn’t love wine? And cheese? And chocolates? Or wine, cheese and chocolates TOGETHER?! I digress.

As I was saying, we decided to revisit Lovedale and Rothbury which we’ve recently grown to love. Pokolbin is great and has a lot to offer, but sometimes – and I hate to admit this – bus load after bus load of tourists, selfie sticks and all that shoving to get to the front of cellar doors just ruins the entire experience. Lovedale and Rothbury have been fortunate enough not to have this problem – yet.

Anyway, if you ever find yourself with some spare hours up your sleeve and happen to be within a 100km radius of the Hunter region, spending a day here is quite a treat.

Here are some ideas on how you can maximise your day at one of Australia’s top wine making regions:

1. Choose 3 wineries or cellar doors

We’re all guilty of trying to fit as many (free) wine tastings as we can into one day, but the last thing you want is to feel like – and for lack of better word – sh*t at the end of the day. If you’re after a relaxing day, perhaps skip the getting-totally-sloshed-on-freebies part as it will probably haunt you….the next morning!

This time ’round, we chose Wandin Valley Estate, Sandalyn Estate and Pepper Tree Wines.

L to R: Pepper Tree Wines, Wandin Valley Estate & Sandalyn Estate

2. Book a table and spoil yourself with a nice meal

Our fave so far is Emma’s On Lovedale (Emma’s Cottage Vineyard). I highly recommend their Bavarian Pan or spatchcock, paired with a nice glass (or bottle) of vino. If you’re lucky enough to be blessed with beautiful sunshine, grab a seat outside. Guaranteed bliss to be had!

3. Book a mini experience

June is Food and Wine Month in the Hunter so we just made it. For AUD$20, Pepper Tree Wines at Pokolbin usually offers a wine-and-chocolate or wine-and-dessert tasting experience. Make sure you call ahead as they get booked out. Great way to meet other people but in smaller groups.

4. Take in the sights

Go on, take a selfie in front of that vineyard!

Snippet of my Instagram account. Click on the pic for more images.

5. Satisfy your sweet cravings

A great way to end a day trip is to grab a nice coffee and perhaps even a desert. Our faves are Adina Vineyards and Olive Groves; Sabor In The Hunter; Peterson House; and Pepper Tree Wines.

Delish deserts at Sabor In The Hunter – Chocolate Volcano (a dark chocolate dessert served warm with a choc sauce that oozes from the centre); Caramel & Hazelnut Mousse Cone

What’s your fave day trip? And where?

 

Featured Image: Taken at Wandin Valley Estate, Lovedale