AmyHuang
Visit Australia: Hunter Valley
I have decided to do another round of Visit Australia series and today, let's visit the NSW wine region of Hunter Valley.
Mostly known for its wines, Hunter Valley has also grown to become one of the top gourmet travel regions of NSW. Cheese, boutique beers and gourmet restaurants are all opening up offering more reasons to visit the Hunter Valley.
Personally, I like it for the vast rolling hills, carpeted with vineyards of various types of grapes. In the spring morning sun they emit different shades of green dotted with lust purple. The sweet smell that lingers in the air, the half fermented juices makes it all more pleasing.
It takes some time to really appreciate the surroundings, and Hunter is no exception to this rule. While I watch bus load of wine tours pass by, stopping at each cellar door for no more than 30 mins while the visitors gulp down glass after glass of wine and purchasing them case by case before being ushered to the next, I often wonder whether it would have been easier for them to just visit the local wine club to get their fix.
But of course, visiting wineries are a must and you get to see how wines are made and taste them at the source before they hit bottle shops. Just make sure you set aside some time to explore the region as well.
We usually visit in Spring or Autumn, when it's not too cold and still not humid from the summer heat. Driving up from Sydney is a pleasure along the Old Pacific Highway, along the central coast and winding through the national parks.
As we reach our destination, we stop by one major winery to get a couple of bottles, then head into The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory to grab some blocks of creamy Brie, Vintage Cheddar and whatever they have on seasonal sales. With a stick of bread, our supply of cheeses and the bottle of wine, we head to The Hunter Valley Gardens.
Almost like being in a fairytale, the Hunter Valley Gardens is a tranquil place to visit. Located at the foot of the Brokenback Ranges in the historic district of Pokolbin, this well groomed and flowery garden is a delight to visit.
If you don't want to pay admission to the Gardens itself, a stroll around the vintage style Village Shops is a must. There are bookshops, craft shops, candle shops and above all, lots of boutique little cafes to enjoy that afternoon Devonshire Tea.
However with our wine, cheese and bread in tow, we head straight to a lush patch of grass and laid down our picnic blanket. The sun was warm and inviting as we enjoyed a lazy afternoon.
Accommodation in the Hunter Valley is plentiful and whether you prefer a Bed and Breakfast, a five star resort or camping, there is something to suit all tastes. The best thing about staying the night is the sunrise the next day. It is certainly a beautiful sight.
Mostly known for its wines, Hunter Valley has also grown to become one of the top gourmet travel regions of NSW. Cheese, boutique beers and gourmet restaurants are all opening up offering more reasons to visit the Hunter Valley.
Vineyards over the shadow of a sunset
Personally, I like it for the vast rolling hills, carpeted with vineyards of various types of grapes. In the spring morning sun they emit different shades of green dotted with lust purple. The sweet smell that lingers in the air, the half fermented juices makes it all more pleasing.
It takes some time to really appreciate the surroundings, and Hunter is no exception to this rule. While I watch bus load of wine tours pass by, stopping at each cellar door for no more than 30 mins while the visitors gulp down glass after glass of wine and purchasing them case by case before being ushered to the next, I often wonder whether it would have been easier for them to just visit the local wine club to get their fix.
Barrels of wines stacked up to age
But of course, visiting wineries are a must and you get to see how wines are made and taste them at the source before they hit bottle shops. Just make sure you set aside some time to explore the region as well.
We usually visit in Spring or Autumn, when it's not too cold and still not humid from the summer heat. Driving up from Sydney is a pleasure along the Old Pacific Highway, along the central coast and winding through the national parks.
As we reach our destination, we stop by one major winery to get a couple of bottles, then head into The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory to grab some blocks of creamy Brie, Vintage Cheddar and whatever they have on seasonal sales. With a stick of bread, our supply of cheeses and the bottle of wine, we head to The Hunter Valley Gardens.
Almost like being in a fairytale, the Hunter Valley Gardens is a tranquil place to visit. Located at the foot of the Brokenback Ranges in the historic district of Pokolbin, this well groomed and flowery garden is a delight to visit.
The cute boutique village shops at Hunter Valley Gardens
If you don't want to pay admission to the Gardens itself, a stroll around the vintage style Village Shops is a must. There are bookshops, craft shops, candle shops and above all, lots of boutique little cafes to enjoy that afternoon Devonshire Tea.
On the lake side at the Hunter Valley Gardens
However with our wine, cheese and bread in tow, we head straight to a lush patch of grass and laid down our picnic blanket. The sun was warm and inviting as we enjoyed a lazy afternoon.
Accommodation in the Hunter Valley is plentiful and whether you prefer a Bed and Breakfast, a five star resort or camping, there is something to suit all tastes. The best thing about staying the night is the sunrise the next day. It is certainly a beautiful sight.
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