Our Top 7 Picks For Things To Do In The Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is famous for its Semillon wines, however, a wide variety of wines including Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Verdelho are considered a top drop in the region.

Cellar doors in the Hunter Valley are a candy store for adults, and with over 150 wineries you’ll need an extra day (or three) to make the most of the vineyards. Each grape filled vineyard has its own unique charm and touch of elegance; you’ll soon find your Instagram filled with an abundance of snaps.

There are multiple tour companies in the Hunter Valley that can drive you to and from cellar doors. Some have been pre-mapped or you can choose your own; it’s the perfect way to spend a weekend with a group of friends. If you’re feeling more energetic, you can always hire a bike and ride to each cellar door; an amazing way to spend an afternoon in the sun soak vineyards.

TimeOut has listed their top 10 wineries to make it easy to plan your next weekend away.

It is never enough to visit the wineries until you’ve visited some local cheese and chocolate shops to supplement your wine tasting experience. Enjoy the taste of local cheese makers by visiting Hunter Valley Cheese Factory located just a short walk from Leisure Inn Pokolbin, which commenced production in 1995. We suggest trying the variety of dipping sauces whilst you’re here.

Smelly Cheese Shop, just across the road from the hotel, is also home to traditional Italian Gelato made with imported Italian ingredients using a 200 year old recipes. If you feel like staying indoors or having a picnic, just collect some hampers and platters of antipasto plates with cheese and complete your day with some delicious flavours. Sweeten up your day with one of the finest Belgian couverture chocolates with Australian dried fruits and nuts from the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company! A great way to enjoy some local produce along with your wine.

Hunter Valley Gardens, are located just minutes’ walking distance from Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill, in the heart of Hunter Vineyards. Enjoy spectacular views of international display gardens with sensational colours and fragrances and amazing adventures for the little ones. It’s a perfect place to spend a day out with family and friends with village shops and a quaint café located across the street serving breakfast and lunch.

Outside the gardens, you will find the Hunter Valley Gardens Aqua Golf. If you’re a golfing enthusiast then this is a must do activity during your stay in the Hunter Valley. Spread across a 5000sqm lake you’ll take aim at floating targets where you can win vouchers to local restaurants, cellar doors, hot air balloon rides and many more great prizes.

Expand your imagination with some unique adventures in the Hunter Valley. Set your alarm for an early sunrise start and enjoy an adventurous hot air balloon ride or a helicopter ride and take in magnificent views of wine regions of Pokolbin, Lovedale, and Broke. Balloon flights last approximately an hour and are followed by a delicious gourmet breakfast.

Slattery Helicopters have a wide range of services such as scenic flights, airport transfers and some breakfast and lunch tours. It is very easy to access from the hotel and our friendly staff can organise the booking for you. It’s a great way to celebrate special occasions with partners or family.

Discover a variety of handmade goods made and crafted by Hunter Valley artisans. Held in the picturesque gardens of Kevin Sobels Wines in Pokolbin, the market allows you to explore the authenticity of handmade produce and wares and meet the maker, grower, or artist behind the unique creations. Get involved and marvel yourself with what the community has to offer.

Choose one of many venues in the Hunter Valley to celebrate your special day and make a difference with picturesque imagery and a variety of options to go with your wedding theme. One of the most spectacular and elegant venues is Peterson House, located just a short drive from the hotel. The architecturally designed sandstone building gives your wedding a unique styled venue and all your guests will enjoy one of the most famous bubbly in Hunter Valley. Hunter Valley is one of the best locations to celebrate any wedding due to the natural garden settings, vineyards and cherry blossoms which makes it easy to pick your date without missing out on any of the venue options.

Had a long flight or road trip and tired of driving your car? No need to worry as our friendly receptionists can assist you to hire a bicycle, which includes a cycling map, helmet, and roadside assistance. The Hunter Valley offers a great opportunity to enjoy some outdoor exercise with magnificent backdrops of vineyards and the vast surrounds. If you’re interested in a special day out with family or friends, hire a bike and explore various picnic destinations alongside the vineyards. There are a lot of cycling options in the Hunter Valley but our recommendation would be Sutton Estate Electric Bike Hire.

Bikes can be booked and collected from the hotel reception.