For more information and to book please visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or let us arrange your whole trip, by calling +44 (0)20 8987 4312 or from the USA dial 1 866 610 3867.
When 18th-century settlers first landed in New South Wales, they made sure they brought some grape vines with them. Thanks to such forethought, the Hunter Valley is now Australia’s most famous viticultural centre, with more than 60 wineries producing dozens of varieties – with Sémillon taking the starring role. Just two hours’ drive from Sydney, the slopes of the Lower Hunter are home to the highest concentration of vineyards and are peppered with dinky market towns such as Branxton and Lovedale, and quaint rural idylls such as Wollombi, which, with its colonial architecture and welcoming 1930s ethos, is like stepping into a postcard from the past. As you’d expect from a celebrated wine region, the quality of the food has developed to match the drink, and you’ll find some very fine dining indeed in the Hunter Valley’s smattering of elegant restaurants.
Our round-up of the hippest hideaways and romantic boutique hotels in Hunter Valley
A fine example of Antipodean shabby chic, Tonic hotel, in the Australian wine lovers’ paradise of the Hunter Valley, offers the kind of laid-back living that wannabe jackaroos go to bed dreaming about.
With museum-rivalling multicultural credentials, Tower Lodge is a modern manor sprinkled with curios and antiques, and surrounded by rambling winelands and groomed green golf courses.
Planes, trains, automobiles, or maybe even helicopter – we tell you the best way to go.
©2009 Mr & Mrs Smith
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