Senior Features Writer Sophie Hong doesn’t know much about wine, except that she loves drinking it. So when she found herself in Sydney one fine autumn day, she made a side trip to the Hunter Valley wine region for a couple of days. Here’s what she did there – besides getting drunk.
Senior Features Writer Sophie Hong doesn’t know much about wine, except that she loves drinking it. So when she found herself in Sydney one fine autumn day, she made a side trip to the Hunter Valley wine region for a couple of days. Here’s what she did there – besides getting drunk.
Considering Australia is one of the top five wine exporters in the world, it would be a pity to not visit their vineyards while you’re there. Just a mere two-hour drive from Sydney, Hunter Valley is home to more than 150 wineries, and makes for a very good weekend trip with your bae, girlfriends, or even family. Line your stomachs, wear comfortable walking shoes, and get ready for a taste of the winer – uh, I mean finer – things in life.
See
The early bird catches the worm, and in Hunter Valley, the early risers get to catch a spectacular view of the sunrise from a hot air balloon. A flght with Balloon Aloft costs AUD$269 (S$282) and includes an hour’s ride in the balloon and a hearty breakfast at Peterson House Winery, which also comes with champagne. Plus, you get to help inflate and deflate the balloon, which is quite the experience. www.balloonaloft.com.
Eat
For a leisurely lunch, make a reservation at Muse Kitchen in Keith Tulloch Winery. The homely restaurant is like a Pinterest board come to life, and for those with adventurous stomachs, there’s kangaroo on the menu. Forget your no-carb diet and help yourself to the bread – it’s the best I’ve had in Hunter Valley. And don’t just rush off to your next stop after lunch – take a stroll around the picturesque area for a bit, and then pop into Cocoa Nib next door for some artisanal chocolates. www.musedining.com.au
Do
You’re in Australia’s oldest wine region, so it’s practically a crime if your itinerary isn’t filled with wine tasting sessions. A few things to note before embarking on this journey: Hunter Valley is known for its Semillon (say: seh-mee-yhon); you don’t have to finish the wine in your glass and it’s perfectly OK to take just a sip and tip the rest away into the vessel provided; and “cellar door” just refers to the area of the winery where visitors go to make their purchases. It’s also where the tastings usually take place. And don’t be intimidated if you know nuts about wine – the Aussies love their wines, but aren’t snobbish or pretentious about it. The winemakers are enthusiastic about the work they do and are very friendly, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Tyrrell’s Wines is the perfect place for wine noobs. Here, you’ll be walked through the vats, barrels and the winery’s 159-year history. We even got to taste the wine that was drawn directly out of the oak barrels. The tour gives you basic knowledge on how wine is made and what makes a good wine, so make it your first stop if you know nuts about fermented grape juice. www.tyrrells.com.au
Next, try Tempus Two Cellar Door. Located within the Roche Estate (which is also a concert venue and dining destination), this cellar door’s sleek, modern look is a complete 180 from the previous vineyard. Here’s where you might want to buy a couple of bottles – the design makes it a pretty gift for people back home. www.rocheestate.com.au/tempus-two-cellar-door
The Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop is also housed within the Roche Estate, a stone’s throw from Tempus Two Cellar Door, and is a must-visit. True to its name, the shop stocks a wide range of cheeses, as well as some crackers and delicatessen (cured meats and olives) to go with. Try a cheese tasting here!
Head to www.smellycheese.net.au for details.
Tired of walking around? Have a seat at the gorgeous Usher Tinkler Wines, whose compound used to be a church. Set aside a couple of hours just for this place. Have your wine tasting here with a cheese and salumi (cold cuts) board of your choosing for AUD$20 (S$20.80) per item. www.ushertinklerwines.com
Images 123RF.com, Destination NSW Text Sophie Hong. Prices correct at the time of print.
