The perfect long weekend itinerary in the Hunter Valley

Morning 

Get an early start from Sydney and you can be in the Hunter Valley in time for brunch and that all-important first glass of fizz. Peterson House is one of the first wineries you’ll pass as you drive into Pokolbin and their Restaurant Cuvee is famous for its bubbly breakfasts. Take a seat in the sunny courtyard and map out the rest of your long weekend. 

Afternoon  

You’ll find a constellation of great wineries scattered around Pokolbin, all within short a drive of each other. Be sure to drop in at Audrey Wilkinson, one of the oldest vineyards in the Hunter Valley, with a hilltop cellar door and winemaking museum, and the Brokenback Mountains as a backdrop. Tulloch Wines has interesting tastings that pair its wines with cheese or chocolate from on-site Cocoa Nib. At Scarborough Wine Co you can taste the estate’s classic range of wines or focus just on flights of chardonnays or red wines. Top tip: if you’re planning on visiting multiple wineries, a private tour is the way to go. Book in with Two Fat Blokes, All Around the Vines, Wine D Road Tours‘s shuttle bus or Cheers Bus.

Then it’s time to check in to your luxury digs, the secluded and exclusive Spicers Vineyards Estate. With just 12 stylish suites, all with king-sized beds, fireplaces and spa baths, it’s the ideal place to unwind and indulge. There’s a swimming pool for summer and fire pit for winter, plus an award-winning restaurant and dreamy spa. If you’re travelling in a group, book Vineyards House, a private four-bedroom retreat on the hotel grounds.  

Evening 

After a busy first day, you won’t want to travel far for dinner. Luckily, the contemporary Italian restaurant éRemo is one of the best in the Hunter Valley’s and it’s just steps away from your room. Start with a dozen freshly-shucked oysters, then move onto the lamb rump with white beans, a roasted market fish with steamed mussels, and finish with a classic tiramisu. Round off the meal with a glass of Brokenwood Sticky Wicket Semillon and then tumble into bed.