subject: Explore The Hunter Valley Wine Area In New South Wales [print this page] In 1797, the Hunter River was discovered accidentally by European settlers. A Lieutenant by the name of John Shortland was browsing the area for escaped convicts. The area speedy became a significant source of timber and coal for ships that offered transport to Sydney. By 1823, 20 acres of vineyards had been established on the river banks in what is now known as the Dalwood/Gresford area.
It was from these beginnings that the valley flourished and a number of families began making wine. Of certain note, had been the Drayton, Wilkinson and Tyrrell families as effectively as Dr Henry Lindeman. Today, Lindemans wines are effectively known all through the world and they acquire international and national awards each and every year. The fascinating history of early wine production can be seen at quite a few museums and historical villages.
The most beneficial time to visit Hunter Valley is through winter (April to October). The days are cool and clear, when the nights are crisp and chilly. After a day out, indulge in a hot spa, then have a drink next to an open fire. Delight in a scrumptious candlelit dinner accompanied by a bottle of a single of the valley's very best wines.
Of program, wine tours are really popular. Some of the region's most popular wines are Chardonnay, Semillon, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The most beneficial estates to go to consist of Tyrrell's Vineyards, Wyndham Estate, Pepper's Creek, Rosemount Estate, Lake's Folly, Farrell's Wines and Lindemans. There is a thing special about tasting wine in a cellar, talking to the winemaker and finding out how it was produced.
The valley has an abundance of other excellent locally grown foods. In addition to making wines, the Tinkler family grows the most terrific seasonal create which contains nectarines, peaches, table grapes, citrus, figs and avocados. These are all picked when naturally ripe so that they retain their scrumptious flavors. There is a shop on web site exactly where guests can order this produce as well as a variety of house-created relishes, pickles, marmalades and jams.
A superb way to see the valley is to take a horse-drawn carriage tour. Sit back and take pleasure in a trip by way of the country and spend the day tasting wines and locally developed olives, cheeses, chocolates and all sorts of other gourmet delicacies. For the extra adventuresome, there are horseback riding tours. This is a different fabulous way to see the magnificent scenery in the heart of the valley.
Hunter Valley is not only popular for its wines, but it has an award winning brewery, the Hunter Beer Enterprise. Its total-bodied Bock and a delicate Pilsner are just some of the brews that have won 11 silver medals and 13 bronze medals at the final 3 annual Australian International Beer Awards. Visitors are welcome to pop in any time to sample the beers on site, chat to the brewers or loosen up in the beer garden and love a Brasserie lunch.
