The Hunter Valley, More Than Just Wine

So I’ve lived in Sydney for over two years and haven’t managed to get my lazy backside out to the Hunter Valley which is only around 2 hours outside of Sydney. Man have I been missing out! It took the APEC weekend for me to need an escape and book a tour to go to the Hunter.

We booked a fantabulous weekend retreat at Shelly Beach Cabins at The Entrance. . These little beauties are across the street from the beach, sleep 6 and were only around $140 a night total! Excellent Value for money. They came with linens, towels, a BBQ area, a fully equipped kitchen and nice blazing hot shower. The living area was big enough to host around 14 adults playing poker… he he he.

From the Entrance on the Central Coast , we wanted a tour that would pick us up at our door step, take us to the Hunter and then drop us, wine laden, back at our lovely sea side cabins. Red Baron Tours stepped up to the plate. The mini-bus was not shiny new, but it was clean and exactly what we needed. The super driver- Mark- kept everyone on task and helped arrange things as we went. Thanks Mark!

Red Baron was professional to book with. They allowed multiple on-line payment so that everyone could pay for their own tour instead of one of us having to collect money from 10 people…much easier. If you have a group of at least 10 going- I highly suggest their services. The wineries they arranged with the exception of the Golden Grape (avoid it) were friendly, organized and of very good quality (Tulloch, Tamburlaine, Iron Gate , and Pokolbin Estate.

BUT! The Hunter has waaaay more to offer than just wineries… it also has CHEESE! Yay! And chocolate and gelato, and olives and home crafted wood, and CHEESE! We very merrily topped off our wine tasting palates with a whirlwind stop at the Pokolbin Village Smelly Cheese Store. Ooooohhhhhh yum! So! Some of the other attractions of the Hunter you say?

The Hunter Olive Centre At Pokolbin Estate Vineyard, McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Pokolbin Chocolate Company, 188 Broke road, Pokolbin 02 4998 7110

Nulkaba Australian Woodwork Gallery- Cnr of Country Drive and Fleming St, Nulkaba, 02 4990 4994. Next to Potters Brewery, (MicroBrewery for beer lovers)