Suitable stopover
Sydney tour guide Maggie Li said the Hunter Valley is a manageable size for a wine valley visit.
"It's small in planted area compared to those in the Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria states. The fun part about a wine tour is 'hopping' to different wineries, cellar doors, so you cover quite a bit of ground in a relatively short time here," Li said.
"Taste top Australian tipples at the wineries, pair a few impressive bottles with a lunch and dinner made up of fresh local produce, buy a vintage or two of your liking to cellar at home, and take in the surrounding sights or enjoy the other leisure spots the next day. It's a perfect weekend getaway," she said.
Li highlighted flame-grilling prime Australian beef cuts over fire-pits paired generously with wine served on long tables for lunches that extend languidly toward dinnertime, trying a hand at cheese-making, or signing up for a cooking class to perfect a pastry or cake, as part of the valley food trail.
For those who want to get even more hands-on, they can join local farming families to harvest avocados, figs and citrus fruit that supply the restaurants, she said. The area is also known for its olive groves, with boutique cultivators leveraging the Mediterranean-like climate for premium olive oil to drizzle over fresh salads and pasta.
"Those who want a break from the wines can also make the rounds on the independent craft breweries here," Li said.
"The beer tours go very appropriately with live band performances and music festivals."
The Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Festival in July promises "entertainment from well-known local musicians, foods from a wide range of providores and the opportunity to relax in the spacious lawns", according to the state tourism agency.
Children get complimentary entry to the family-friendly event, with a variety of activities in store, including a jumping castle, train rides, a carousel, and face painting.
For Lin, the tourist, her family's visit to the Hunter Valley is just one of many more to come.
"We like Sydney so we'll definitely be back to the valley as well, next time with more family and friends," she said.
