#gartlemann

The Hunter Valley coming into Summer. 

Visit 2-3 times a year. we make the pilgrimage to the valley usually for outdoor concerts or the simple excuse of a catch up. less than 2 hours from Sydney plus vineyards make it the perfect weekender. leave early on the Friday to avoid the coast homage traffic.

DRIVE: If you are leaving from Sydney in daylight hours take the Tourist Drive 33 "Calga/Peats Ridge" (from the F3 highway) heading for Wollombi. it is literally 10 minutes longer and far more scenic. even better is a special lunch at Margan Family Wines in Broke. their wines are a great introduction to the Hunter  at very reasonable prices. the Semillon is the obvious standout but look out for the Barbera which is starting to make waves in the region. the eclectic, family run and small batch Broke Estate right nearby, was one of the first to grow and actually has what I think is the best Barbara. as you drive towards Lovedale where the bigger wineries live is Krinklewood Estate. it is biodynamic (how the hell they make money I don't know). standouts for me are the Semillon and Verdehlo. the gardens and French chateau setting is worth the visit alone. 

STAY: I don't think we have ever gone to the Hunter in less than a party of 8 hence the accommodation choices. nothing better than getting a house, cooking up a feed with friends and guzzling the days wine raid. 

TIP: Make the effort and take food up with you or at least for main meals. the general store selection is pricey and limited. olives and dips etc can be picked up on your vineyard travels.

Midnight's Promise (formerly Parrot Stump Farm) Lovedale. the accommodation is all set on a vineyard with 2 houses to choose from (2 and 3 bedder). the huge kitchen is only the beginning with a great barbecue area including a wood fired pizza oven! you are greeted with 6 bottles of wine grown right on the property.

Midnight's Promise accom. pizza oven being well utilised by Bretto and Sven. (ZAC)

I Villlni. just up the road from Parrot Stump. fantastic spanish style villa that sleeps up to eight guests. we went to an outdoor concert in the area and they organised a bus straight from our door. breakfast is ready and waiting to be cooked in the fridge.

I Villini. perfect for 8 (ZAC)

EAT: For special occasion evenings...

Shakey Tables. mod australian. eclectic and homely.

Muse Dining. mod australian. white table cloth. multiple chef hats.

AVOID eating at Bluetongue Brewery Cafe. average food while you fight for your place amongst the tour buses.

VINEYARDS: so many, so little time. these 3 are close together, smaller operations and stand outs. 

Gundog Estate. semillon and bone dry rose. get to this vineyard before demand takes over and prices rocket. best thing is young winemaker Matt Burton is usually also behind the counter oozing passion for his product. plenty of local product to choose from as well as his "trials" of Muscat with mates in Rutherglen plus the superb limited release Shiraz Viognier from his family vineyard in Canberra. also serves Toby Estate coffee and packaged dips products etc to complement your wine after a long day around the vineyards.

Audrey Wilkinson. all about the view. high standard of wines across the board with a number to choose from. they also make a very small batch of Malbec and Tempranillo grown on the estate which are worth trying alone.

Tulloch Wines. fill the boot. their semillon case price is ridiculous. 

Other stand outs... 

Tower Estate. the vineyard of the late, great, "godfather of the Australian Wine Industry" Len Evans who according to the Oxford Companion to Wine did

"... more to advance the cause of wine in Australia than any other individual." 

the staff make this vineyard. the only drawback is that many of the wine varietals are sourced from the traditional standout region. they are amazing though including the home grown semillon and the Tassie Pinot. if its quiet, the staff may even be let you indulge in the homemade limoncello.

Gartlemann Estate. unsurprisingly its about the semillon although they are getting acclaim for their reds now too. also make olive oil and fresh olives can be purchased.

AVOID Piggs Peake. terrible name. it's unfortunate as it has great wine (although pricey tag) and horrendous service. off the main drag which attracts the masses with the staff at the time treating us accordingly.