There is something for everyone in the 80 or more wineries of the Hunter Valley - from traditional wineries specialising in aged vintages to stylish boutique cellar doors boasting fresh flavours. Soak up the atmosphere and stories of The Valley whilst tasting some of the Hunter's best.
Anyone that has a passion for good food and wine will have their favourites. One of the most enjoyable challenges in the Hunter Valley is trying to single out one from the many restaurants and cafes.
Around the world today there are chefs who learnt their craft or honed their skills in Hunter Valley Wine Country.
Clustered around the vineyards of Hunter Valley Wine Country are a number -of charming Villages and Towns. Each has a special appeal of its own, the result of 200 years of rural settlement, proud coal mining history and the slow growth of the winemaking dynasties of the Hunter.
Apart from their roles of providing the infrastructure and supply needs of the region, towns such as Cessnock, Kurri Kurri and Wollombi display some of the state's most striking heritage buildings, and surprising special gift centres that deserve hours of browsing.
Stylishly restored Australian pubs abound that offer hearty counter lunches and a refreshing beer.
The character of villages such as Branxton and Greta comes to the fore as they host some of Wine Country's most attractive markets and festivals. Of course not all that endures in the Hunter Valley was borne of 'Passion'. Several buildings in and around the Towns of Wine Country were built using convict labour and the results of their toil are impressive still. Courthouses, churches and post offices of imposing sandstone recall a thriving colonial past.
See www.WineCountry.com.au and www.Cessnock.nsw.gov.au
|
