Move over, Napa!
When you think of “wine country” you might think of places like Napa, Tuscany, and Bordeaux. But did you know that about two hours outside of Sydney, Australia, there is a beautiful wine region called Hunter Valley? Known for its varietals of Semillon and Shiraz, the Hunter Valley has been making wine since the early 1800s. Unlike some places where larger wineries tend to be run by big corporations, the Hunter Valley features world-renowned brands run by family institutions for generations.
Audrey Wilkinson Winery is one of Hunter Valley’s most popular. There you can sample some of their finest vintages. Audrey Wilkinson dates back to 1866, and guests can partake in the Fortified and Fromage experience, which runs about U.S. $46 per person. You can indulge in some chardonnays and Semillons paired with various locally produced cheeses. There’s a reason wine and cheese are a classic pairing.
Tyrrells Cellar Door is also a great recommendation for a wine-tasting experience. Opt for the tasting in one of their historic rooms dating back to the late 1800s. And no trip to Hunter Valley is complete without a stop at Brokenwood Winery for more Semillon, which is considered the crown jewel of the Hunter Valley due to the soil found in the region. At Brokenwood, make sure to try drinking wine out of a barrel using a device known as a “wine thief.” It makes you feel like a very sophisticated pirate!
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The beauty of this region is best viewed from above on a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon with Balloon Aloft Hunter Valley where you can see wildlife frolicking in the grass below. It truly is a must-do experience, even though you need to wake up at 4:30 a.m. to do it. Post-balloon adventure, grab lunch at The Cellar Restaurant, where guests can enjoy some soft shell crab and tasty chicken wings with more wine, of course.
One of the most highly regarded restaurants in all of the Hunter Valley is Muse, the two-hatted restaurant. What’s a “hat” you ask? It is an organization that judges Australia’s finest restaurants just like the Michelin Guide. The restaurant is reminiscent of places like The French Laundry but with an Australian twist. The menu is a set five-course affair which will run you about US $102 per person. The menu includes favorites like freshly shucked oysters, whey and meyer lemon risotto with a shark bay scallop; black garlic braised beef cheek with pink turnip, black olive, anise and puffed wild rice. For dessert, try the famous Muse coconut which resembles a work of art. The husk of the coconut is made of dark chocolate and sits on a bed of raw shaved coconut. Inside is a coconut cloud mousse filled with coconut water and vanilla bean.
There are many places to stay in the Hunter Valley but Spicers Vineyards Estates boasts 12 rooms on a stunning property that feels like a 5-star retreat. There are even wild kangaroos running around! You can spot many of them in the mornings while you’re having your coffee. It is a pretty spectacular sight and the perfect way to kick off your New South Wales wine adventure (make sure you also meet the hotel’s pet pig, Wiglet). Other great hotel options in the are Voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley and The Convent Hunter Valley. There are also many other wineries in the region to visit such as Bimbadgen, Hope Estate, and Pooles Rock.
Getting to Australia can be quite the journey and flying on Qantas is a great way to go. The airline recently reinstated direct service from SFO to SYD, and re-launched flights back to New York with a new service operating from Sydney to JFK via Auckland. The service will operate on a Dreamliner and is considered the final stepping stone to Project Sunrise, non-stop flights from Sydney to New York starting late 2025. You’ll wake up on the other side of the world, surely ready for a glass of wine.