The Hunter Valley in NSW is a great place for a couples getaway trip. Located in one of Australia’s major wine regions, the Hunter Valley is renowned for its wineries, gourmet restaurants, spa retreats and concerts in the vineyards.
Spicers Vineyards Estate
We chose to stay at Spicers Vineyards Estate and treated ourselves to a luxury getaway celebrating a special event. The spacious split-level room had a separate lounge area with fireplace, opening out onto a covered verandah. In addition, the pool area is outside in a native bushland setting and was a welcome relief to the heat of summer! As a result, this Hunter Valley hotel made us feel like we had walked into a dream location.
The hotel has its own vineyard and has an option for guests to take breakfast outdoors in the vineyard, therefore we opted to experience this treat. Sitting in between the vines, we were surrounded by birdsong as we ate our breakfast accompanied by a bottle of champagne.
Things to do:
- Firstly, wine tasting in the vineyards is a treat as many of the estates are in fabulous buildings, either in old colonial houses or modern architecturally designed structures. There are over 120 wineries to choose from ranging from larger well-known brands to small boutique vineyards.
- Secondly, visit the Hunter Valley gardens for a visual feast. Allow yourself plenty of time to stroll around the 25 acres and enjoy all the different areas you will find along the way. We went on a summer evening during the gardens’ “Christmas Lights” display
- Thirdly, indulge in a Helicopter flight over the area! We booked a Slattery Helicopters scenic tour & lunch package. Fitting in with our luxury getaway theme, we were taken from our hotel to lunch at one of the vineyard estates, in superstar fashion from door to door. It was our first time in a helicopter and our pilot was fantastic – introducing us to the feeling of the helicopter before she took off up and away.
Places to eat while visiting the Hunter Valley:
Oishii Japanese Restaurant at the Tempus Two Winery. Thai fish cakes, pad thai, and teppanyaki beef in an outdoor setting for lunch. All was very tasty. For instance, I recommend the teppanyaki beef as it was especially flavoursome. Service was friendly and prompt even though it was a busy time.
Harrigans Irish Pub – the Hunter Valley’s iconic Irish Pub, surrounded by vineyards. Great atmosphere, and food to match. Moreover, make sure you read all the Irish sayings displayed throughout the pub on the walls and the ceilings.
The Verandah – have the tapas style lunch on the verandah overlooking the vines of the Calais Estate Vineyard. Most importantly, the food is absolutely delicious.
To sum up, we stayed for three nights, however, we felt that another two would have been equally enjoyed. Where will you stay when you go?
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This place sounds amazing; there’s so much to do that you’re guaranteed to never get bored. I love it! I’ve always wanted to take a getaway to a vineyard before, though I’m not sure I’d be able to control myself with so much alcohol available to taste and try! It’s the perfect way to find out which wines you do and don’t like, though. I think if I were to go on a vineyard themed holiday I’d love to go to Italy or France, both of which are closer options to Australia when you consider that I live in dreary England, haah! It sounds like you really enjoyed yourselves.
Rebekah Gillian | https://rebekahgillian.co.uk
Yes, it was a really nice experience. Something to remember if you ever find yourself over here, you can add it on. I’d love to do this in Italy or France also!
You really should make a plan for it and just go and do it! Good luck with your planning. 😁
This looks like such a wonderful experience! I love the scenery of everything.
Thanks! It was a really great experience. Sometimes you need to treat yourself to a little luxury. Once every 25 years or so, haha.