THE GRAPEVINE BLOG

The Hunter Valley has made its mark on the nation's live music map having hosted some of the biggest names in the world including Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Fleetwood Mac and Elton John. If you’re in the mood for some live music during your stay, you don’t always need to plan and source a ticket to one of these headline shows. Here are some of the top places to kick-back to live music each weekend in the region. Whether you’re after sunshine, vine side acoustic blues in the afternoon or a sun-drenched beer garden with a band covering all the classics, there is no better way to celebrate the end of the week than with some great vino and vibes.

The Hunter Valley is a region that has built its reputation around relatively traditional winemaking, signature varieties, family values and in general, doing what’s been perceived as “what the Hunter does best” for over a century. Fast forward to the 2020’s, some 150 years after the region’s inception, there are some exciting developments, some new entrants to the market, some traditionalists challenging the norm, and some young blood bringing more responsible farming and winemaking practices into their businesses and worldly experiences into practice back in their valley.

The drive from Sydney to the Hunter Valley via the M1 and Expressway can feel like it goes on forever and ever. Why not take the scenic route? Next time you’re driving up for a visit to the Hunter Valley, take the road less travelled and discover the rich history and natural beauty of Tourist Drive 33. Not long after you get onto the M1, you'll soon find yourself driving on a motorway that cuts through the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which is full of bush-walking trails and offers the perfect opportunity to take a break during your travels. The motorway is also bordered by huge sandstone cut walls that lead in and out of lush bushland.

There is no better place to tie the knot in Spring than in the heart of the Hunter Valley. If you’re dreaming of a picture-perfect wedding surrounded by boundless rolling green hills, sprawling vineyards and starry skies, the Hunter Valley is the place to be saying "I do". We have helped narrow down your search for the perfect Springtime wedding venue for your special day!

It’s no secret that the Hunter Valley is home to some of the most incredible, scenic National Parks that NSW has to offer. These wildlife-filled wonders are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts wanting to unwind, escape and reconnect with nature. From scenic mountain brim hikes boasting with native flora and fauna to secluded oasis campsites under the milky way, the Hunter Valley is the perfect spot to trek off grid and switch off for a few days. 

Winemaking is a craft often passed on from generation to generation all around the world, and even in Australia where the art of winemaking is relatively young in comparison, there’s history in the making and common business values at play.

The Hunter Valley is known for its wine, above all else! But that’s not all the beautiful area has to offer. We may be biased, but we believe that golf is the perfect sport to take you outdoors in the Hunter Valley! Whatever your style, there’s something here to do.

2022 CCL Hunter Valley Wine Show Trophy Winners Announced

Commemorating its 50th milestone, the CCL Hunter Valley Wine Show’s week of celebrations kicked off on Monday 15th August with wine show judging at Singleton Lone Pine Barracks and concluded with an industry celebration at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on Friday 19th August. The luncheon was attended by over 350 industry professionals to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the Hunter Valley wine industry.

For many pet owners, the hardest part about travelling is leaving our four-legged companions behind. Luckily for us, most venues in the Hunter Valley are in the same boat – pooches are part of the family and in many cases, staff rosters as well. You’ll find that many wineries and even restaurants will have a resident fury friend on-site, in charge of the hellos and goodbyes.

The Hunter Valley is home to some of the nation’s top names in wine, but sometimes it’s quintessential to explore the off-beaten track and discover the many hidden gem wineries the region has to offer. Often family-owned and operated, these wineries tend to offer the ‘open doors to our home’ hospitality experience you may not find at some of the bigger names, with intimate tasting experiences and limited-release drops not easily found outside of the cellar door or region.