Why everyone should visit Hunter Valley in 2023
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Hunter Valley is not all about hunting for wines (speaking metaphorically) on a Hunter Valley Wine Tours. Well, we know most of it is about tasting wines, vineyards, etc. But there are other reasons as well that make this destination of NSW worth visiting. This valley region has something for every traveller. You just need to find out your reasons to pack your bag for a day trip to this place. However, if you are still confused, we are at your rescue. So, stick with us, as we give you the top reasons to visit Hunter Valley in any weather all around the year.
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Reason 1 – The oldest wine region in Australia
When we say Hunter Valley, we visualise vast swiping vineyards and wine cellar doors. And there is nothing wrong with having such images, as this region is perhaps Australia’s vastest and oldest wine-growing zone. Hunter Valley includes wine zones like Pokolbin, Broke Fordwich, the area of Hunter, and the sub-regions of Upper Hunter Valley.
You can visit here to try some of the most famous wines like Chardonnay, Shiraz, Semillon, and Verdelho. And the best thing about this place is that you get the chance to enjoy wines and an array of cuisines complimenting them in the valley’s warm and cosy climate.
If you want to go beyond just wine tasting, you can visit its vineyards to see how grapes are grown, and wines are made.
Best months to visit: March to May (Autumn)
Reason 2 – World’s best Semillon wines produced in this region
A true haven for wine lovers, Hunter Valley, produces the world’s best Semillons wines. If you are a true oenophile, you can visit Hunter Valley to try some of the regions’ most iconic Semillon dessert wines.
Made from golden-skinned grapes, Semillon wines have low alcohol content and will give you a refreshing, crispy, and zesty flavour. You will be interested to know that Hunter Valley produces many distinct types of Semillons, which makes the tour of this place sensational.
Some of the top Hunter Valley Semillon wines to taste include Tyrrell’s Vat 1, Brokenwood, Mount Pleasant Elizabeth, Mount Pleasant Lovedale, and Margan.
Reason 3 – Only one of the places near Sydney for hot air balloon rides
Are you craving to soar high on a hot air balloon and get a birds’ eye look at the valley? If yes, one of your top reasons to visit Hunter Valley could be the hot air balloons.
A view from above will unfurl the valley in green and orange patchworks surrounded by fog-clocked hills and eucalyptus trees. We suggest you take an early morning balloon ride to get a serene view of the valley getting kissed by the first rays of the sun. What’s more, you can top off your hot air balloon ride with a gourmet breakfast as well.
If you are travelling with your partner, a hot air balloon ride can be a romantic way to spend your day at Hunter Valley. Family packages are also available to check out.
Best time to visit: Early morning
Best months to visit: October- The Hunter Valley Balloon Fiesta
Reason 4 – Amazing food and best-in-class restaurants
Hunter Valley houses some of the most delicious destinations when it comes to food. It is a haven for food lovers. You can get an array of delicacies here, ranging from cheeses, jams, chocolates, and so on. Also, this region is home to some highly acclaimed restaurants.
If you are a true foodie, we suggest visiting top restaurants like Muse Restaurant and Circa 1876. These restaurants are iconic and offer seasonal chefs’ tasting menus like Pan Seared Scallops, Wild Caught Snapper, and Pan Seared Duck Supreme, among others.
In addition, if you have a sweet tooth, you can surely visit the award-winning dessert bar Sabor in the Hunter.
Reason 5 – See Aboriginal history
Moving away from wines, another top reason to visit Hunter Valley is to witness the region’s aboriginal history. If you explore the areas in and around this region, you will encounter several Aboriginal rock art and engravings. In addition, this area is rich in Aboriginal culture, which you can witness in sites like Biaime Cave and Yengo National Park.
To learn in-depth about these sites and the history associated with them, you can undertake guided tours and walks. Some of the popular guided historical walks here include:
- Finchley Cultural Walk
- Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences
- Wollombi Aboriginal Cultural Experiences (a 3-day camp)
The best month to visit: November to May- The Wupa Aboriginal Art Trail
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