48 Hours: A Must-See Guide to the Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley has so many incredible experiences to offer, that it can be hard to squeeze them all into just one day… So why not stay for the weekend.
In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best and most unique quintessential Hunter Valley Experiences the region has to offer, Including Ivanhoe's very own cellar door - In just 48 hours. Let’s do this.
DAY 1: Morning
Take a Scenic Helicopter Flight
Bypass the CBD traffic and get airborne with Hunter Valley Helicopters. Not only will you save time, this is also a unique way to see the region with an exclusive aerial view over the Hunter Valley Vineyards. You can even fly directly into the Ivanhoe Estate.
Experience the Ivanhoe Difference
Whether you are new to the wine game or a seasoned wine taster, our experienced (and passionate) cellar door hosts will guide you through the best way to taste and enjoy our premium Hunter Valley wines. Giving you hints and tips to help you identify the key characteristics of a wine so you can judge each wine for yourself.
An Ivanhoe Personal Wine Tasting is a perfect introduction to our wines and an ideal addition to your itinerary. Your newfound wine tasting skills will come in handy as you visit other cellar doors during your stay.
DAY 1: Afternoon
Surround yourself with Nature
Featuring eight kilometres of walking paths winding through 14 hectares of gardens consisting of over 6000 trees, 600,000 shrubs and over 1 million ground cover plants.
You won’t be short of natural and manmade wonders to marvel at the Hunter Valley Gardens. A great option for the whole family.
Have a long lunch
Goldfish is the perfect place to spend an afternoon catching up with friends.
Their menu is designed for sharing, so you can try a little bit of everything and trust us... you'll want to! It's here that you can enjoy a relaxed lunch while sipping on one of their innovative cocktail creations.
DAY 1: Evening
Enjoy a 'Test Tube' Tasting
Located in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country, Hunter Distillery is the only locally owned and operated distillery. Using premium quality organic and raw ingredients to produce an exceptional range of top-shelf spirits. Their multi-award-winning spirits include Gin, Vodka, Liqueurs and Schnapps.
Enjoy a unique 'test tube' tasting, at their Pokolbin based distillery - Bookings essential.
Taste the Flavours of France
With a loyal following of locals and visitors from Newcastle, Sydney and beyond, the menu at Bistro Molines reflects a commitment to locally sourced, in-season produce. With a stunning view across the valley, we’d suggest booking an early table and watching the sun go down while you feast on this authentic French menu.
Book a Private Escape
After an action-packed day exploring the Hunter, there really is nothing better than re-charging at the Cedars Mount View. De-stress in the spa bath or enjoy a glass of our 2019 Swordsman Shiraz by the fireplace - it is the perfect place to unwind.
DAY 2: Morning
See a Hunter Valley Sunrise
There is nothing more energising than a balloon ride at Sunrise. A Balloon Aloft flight package will have you floating over the patchworked Hunter Valley wine country and includes a glass of sparkling and a delicious gourmet breakfast.
DAY 2: Afternoon
Something for the Beer Lovers
Make a stop at the Ironbark Hill Brew House to sample delicious handcrafted beers and ciders. Surrounded by sprawling vineyards in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country, this brewhouse is situated on the Peter Drayton Estate.
Their unique venue is also home to The Brewhouse Kitchen, where you can enjoy delicious gourmet pizzas from their Italian outdoor pizza oven, as well as a range of tempting pastas, salads, wings and more!
Take the Hunter Valley Home
Before you leave, be sure to visit the Hunter Olive Co. tasting room to sample products made from the finest olives and other quality produce, grown and sourced in the Hunter Valley, where you can sample Truffle Oil, Pickles, Mustards and of course olives!
Follow this with a trip to the Hunter Belle Cheese Room for a handmade selection of local cheeses, as well as decadent fudge, famous gelato and giftware and more. Be sure to stock up on a delicious variety of local produce to take a little slice of the Hunter home with you.
DAY 1: Late Afternoon
Feel the Wind in Your Hair
That’s right, you can segway your way through wine country with The Adventure Centre. This is a fun and unique way to experience nature and learn about the Hunter wine region.
The tour ventures through the renowned Vanessa Vale vineyard, plus past the Hunter Valley Bottling Company. Here you get to appreciate the grapes in their natural state.
It’s a truly exhilarating experience not to be missed.