Vineyards
All around the Hunter Valley, the vines grow in tidy rows under an autumn sky. (14April2014)
The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s major wine-growing regions.
Pokolbin, less than 200 km north of Sydney, is the centre of the Hunter Valley Wine Country, and a popular destination for weekend getaways and short breaks. With well over 100 vineyards – most with cellar door sales and tastings, and many hosting weddings, musical performances, or conferences – the area boasts restaurants, boutique shops, golf courses, and country guesthouses.
We were lucky enough to be staying in “The Hunter” last week. My husband was attending a regional conference in Pokolbin and I got to tag along for the social schedule and copious wine.
I was looking forward to days among the vines. Unfortunately, a month before we headed north I tore a ligament and broke a leg. As a consequence, instead of taking myself off on exploratory field trips, I spent my days in our room before hobbling down for conference dinners.
All was not lost, however. During those long days, I sat with my leg elevated, reviewing photos I took during our two trips to the Hunter last year.
Hunter Beer Co.
It isn’t all about the wine. More and more craft breweries are popping up in the area. (13April2014)
Beehive Brick Kiln
Heritage brick beehive kilns dot the grounds of the Potters Hotel Brewery Resort, – – –
Magnolia
– – – a restored 1920s brick microbrewery set in spacious landscaped gardens. (13April2014)
Beer Taps
It is Australian custom that all beer served be icy cold. (13April2014)
Checking the Beer
Potters Brewery offers a short guided tour of the beer-brewing equipment. (13April2014)
“Jack the Bar Guy”
Our guide explains the beer-making process …
Tubes and Wires
… and lets us into the cooler…
Pulling Beer
… before giving everyone samples of the different brews. (13April2014)
Sunset Beer Selfie
The shiny beer kegs at the back of the brewery reflect my husband and myself – and the afternoon sun over the landscape. (13April2014)
Grey-Crowned Babbler – Pomatostomus Temporals
Birds scrabble around in the ground outside our room. (14April2014)
Tourist Shops
Wine-tasting tours often include a stop at the Hunter Valley Gardens, where there are delightful gift shops, …
Lilies
… coffee shops and restaurants, and (of course) gardens. (14April2014)
Water for Wine
The water jugs are full, and the wine glasses are empty: ready for the tasting at the Tamburlaine Cellar Door. (14April2014)
Cheese Lady
Our next stop is at the “Smelly Cheese Shop”, where we get to taste-test a number of delicious products. (14April2014)
Tempus Two
Looking back over the bowl that the architecturally designed Tempus Two presides over, it is easier to see how concerts with world-class performers can be accommodated here. (14April2014)
Galahs in the Vines
(14April2014)
Vines in the Garden
The Ernest Hill Wines estate is set in a lovely garden.
(iPhone5 – 14April2014)
Water and Wine
The water, glasses, and tasting notes are ready for us…
Wine Master
… and before long, the wine master appears to introduce us to the wines and the Hill family traditions.
(14April2014)
Workboots
Nothing says “country” like workboots at the entry.
Vinden Estate (11October2014)
McGuigan Glasses
At the McGuigan Cellar Door, the glasses wait…
Pouring McGuigan
… for our hostess to pour out generous samples. (11October2014)
Sun in the Vines
The sun rises high in the sky over the spring growth…
(iPhone5 – 11October2014)
Sunset in the Vines
… before setting over the vineyards and the surrounding mountains – signalling the end of another Hunter Valley break. (iPhone5 – 11October2014)
It’s a great area to visit – the wine just makes it better.
Until next time –
Cheers!
Pictures: 13-14April2014 and 11October2014
