We MUST visit Hunter Valley this visit to Oz but it looks like we have only one day to do it. We plan to get up super early to get our there, stya overnight there but return super early the next day. What are the best wineries to stop at? And where would you recommend staying? Are we really nuts to try it in only one day?

Shannon, <BR> <BR>If that is all the time you have then go for it regardless. <BR> <BR>If the Vineyard area of the Hunter is your choice of destination then here is a tour that might meet your requirements. Check out the following link: <BR> <BR>http://www.wonderbus.com.au/pages/hunterport.html <BR> <BR>If however you want to do a drive yourself type tour then I recommend staying at any of the following vineyard locations: <BR> <BR>http://www.peppers.com.au/hunter/ <BR> <BR>http://www.cypresslakes.com.au/ <BR> <BR>As for which vineyards to see I suggest you take one of the wine shuttle tours which allow you to taste the different varieties and styles without having to worry about driving. <BR> <BR>I used to live about 30 mins drive from the vineyards and my wife and I loved going exploring there on weekends, I must say that one of my favourite wineries is Wyndham Estate but it is a little out of the way from the main area of wineries. <BR> <BR>I just stumbled on to another one day Hunter Wine Tour from Sydney, you can view it at the following website: <BR> <BR>http://www.ozguide.com.au/nsw/aat_huntervalley.htm <BR> <BR>If you are going to drive yourself then take the freeway from Sydney all the way to its end and then head for Maitland and then Branxton where you turn off to the main vineyard area. There are road signs at Branxton to indicate where to turn. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps and wish you all the best with your holiday.

WONDERFUL! thank you for your post. We are planning to drive to get there but perhaps bike(?) between vineyards. Not really bikers, but really active people we thought the exercise would do us better than an organized tour bus. Wyndham Estate is also one of our favorites and we would love to visit it...but if it's too far perhaps we should reconsider the bikes?

Shannon, <BR> <BR>I know we have already conversed on this so this post is more for others who maybe thinking of doing the same as yourselves. With regard to biking in the vinyards I would not advise this due to the road system not being cyclist friendly in this location also some of the better Wineries are not exactly located within easy reach of each other especially Wyndham Estate which is way out on its own but one which we highly recommend to see. <BR> <BR>Cheers

Not mad - we did it in one day on an exclusive tour. Wendt on Tours picked us up at our hotel, and took us for the full day to all the best boutique wineries! Morning at vineyards. Lunch at their expense at Robert's. More vineyards. Then, they delivered us happliy back to our hotel. The other nice thing was that the vineyard employees/owners knew our guide, and served us promptly and courtiously. <BR> <BR>email: [email protected] <BR>phone02)9531.6599 <BR> <BR>

We 'did' the Hunter Valley tour with an Operator from circular quay, Sydney. I remember being sat at the back of an overheating coach right next to the engine on a blistering day. Boy was some of the 'Amber Nectar' consumed when the driver stopped in Wollombi for a break. 'Try & visit the Pub' he'd said ! ( the Wollombi Tavern ). I almost asked him to leave me there & pick me up on the way back !