Hunter Valley: 10 best things to do

Live off the land

The Original Margan 100 metre meal is back! Enjoy their estate-grown Suffolk lamb served with heirloom garden vegetables, accompanied by a glass of White Label Barbera. Everything is grown on site within 100m of the restaurant! Available all lunches throughout June for $45.00. #margan100metremeal

Check out the views

Fly high above the vineyards with Balloon Aloft, or enjoy superb 360-degree views at the sandstone and timber Audrey Wilkinson cellar door, and exceptional vistas at Scarborough Wines on Gillards Road.

Play a round

Golf enthusiasts are well catered for at championship resort courses including Greg Norman-designed The Vintage, Cypress Lakes and the Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club at the Crowne Plaza.

Cheese treats

Wine and cheese are natural partners and the Hunter is home to several outstanding cheese producers and merchants. Try Binorie Dairy, the Hunter Valley Cheese Company and the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop, or try some smoked goods from the Lovedale Smokehouse.

Ocean to Paddock

RidgeView’s executive chef Donna Hollis will draw inspiration from the local culinary offerings to bring diners a seven-course degustation dinner matched with estate-grown wines during June. Meet the RidgeView crew and embark on a gastronomic journey from the ocean to the paddock. Saturday 14th June, 6.30pm, for $125. Bookings essential on 6574 7332. www.ridgeview.com.au

Go green

Hunter Valley Gardens at Pokolbin features 60 acres of superb gardens, surrounded by vineyards. There are 10 different themed gardens along with a boutique shopping village and an Irish pub.

Check out a concert

The Hunter comes alive on live-music weekends when vineyards including Hope Estate, Tempus Two and Bimbadgen showcase international stars in open-air concerts.

Wind down

Château Élan at The Vintage has established itself as one of Australia’s finest golf and spa resorts. Located in the heart of the Hunter vineyards, the high-tech spa has 17 treatment rooms and lists a range of treatments
and hydrotherapies.

Stay in style

Peppers Convent, Tower Estate, Tonic Hotel and Sebel Kirkton Park all have classy boutique accommodation, while the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley and The Vintage by Grand Mercure cater for groups.

Enjoy a cocktail

Goldfish, the Hunter’s first cocktail bar, is part of the Tempus Two complex.