With over 120 wineries in the Hunter Valley area, one weekend isn’t enough for even the most avid wine lover to sample even a fraction of all the varieties available in and around Lovedale. Aside from being the home of many of Australia’s largest wine producers, there are dozens of wonderful boutique wineries to choose from. You could easily set off in the morning to visit several, only to find yourself spending hours in just one, sampling wine and enjoying a sumptuous meal in one of the fine restaurants attached to the winery.

While the Hunter Valley in general and Lovedale in particular are most famous for their wineries, those who have been in the region once return again and again just to enjoy the area’s serene beauty. For many visitors, a stop at a winery is just an added bonus as they take a leisurely drive through the area enjoying a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Golf lovers are also drawn to Lovedale, the home of the Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club. If a weekend of wine tasting, fine dining and golf isn’t the perfect weekend, then what is? The Hunter Valley club is only one of 4 golf clubs within "putting distance" of Lovedale. Other nearby clubs include the Vintage, on Wine Country Drive, Cypress Lakes Country Club near Pokolbin and the Oaks, just outside Cessnock.

As small as it is, Lovedale is big on entertainment. On any given weekend, it seems like one or more internationally renowned entertainers are in town. Slated for the first three months of 2011 alone are big international names in music like Neil Diamond, Joe Cocker, Lionel Ritchie and Santana. Because of the region’s popularity and close proximity to Sydney, the larger wineries are able to attract stars of this calibre to a tiny, out of the way town in the Hunter Valley.

Even though Lovedale can attract international superstars, it remains essentially a small town that takes pride in its "green" image. The town’s commitment to the environment is obvious everywhere throughout its immaculately maintained town centre and its restaurants, shops and other fascinating businesses.

Thanks to regular luxury bus services from Sydney and the nearby airport, visitors from overseas get the opportunity to explore Lovedale and the rest of the Hunter Valley as easily as Sydney locals do. Once you have arrived there, you won’t be left stranded, either. After you have arrived at your Lovedale accommodation, you can make arrangements to go on a winery tour, play a round of golf or do anything else you like. It’s all there for you in Lovedale, Hunter Valley, NSW.

In 1797, European settlers accidentally discovered the Hunter River. The area was being searched by Lieutenant John Shortland for escaped prisoners. It quickly became a major supplier of coal and timber to steamships travelling to Sydney and its surrounding areas. By the year 1823, the region now known as Dalwood/Gresford featured 20 acres of vineyards that were planted on the river banks.

Following this, the valley began to flourish as many families turned to wine-making. These included the Wilkinson, Tyrrell and Drayton families, as well as the illustrious Dr Henry Lindeman. Still today, Lindemans wines are known all over the world. Each year they win national and international awards. The intriguing history of this early era can be seen at a number of historical villages and museums in the valley.

The winter months of April to October are the best times to visit Hunter Valley. The days are clear, sunny and cool, while the nights are chilly and crisp. After a busy day of sight-seeing, relax in a hot spa. Then enjoy a drink next to a roaring fire before dining by candlelight with a bottle, or two, of fine local wine.

Wine tours are obviously very popular. This region is best known for its superb Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz wines. Some of the best estates to visit are Pepper’s Creek, Tyrrell’s Vineyards, Lake’s Folly, Wyndham Estate, Lindemans, Rosemount Estate and Farrell’s Wines. Tasting a wine where it was made and chatting to the winemaker is something very special. Three other major estates are McWilliams, Rothbury Estate and Mt Pleasant.

The valley is also noted for its beautiful locally produced foods. The Tinker family, in addition to making wine, grows fantastic seasonal produce that includes avocados, figs, citrus, peaches, table grapes and nectarines. Everything is picked when perfectly ripe to ensure that no flavour is lost. These products can be purchased on site, along with many home-made jams, marmalades, pickles and relishes.

A perfect way to tour the valley is by horse-drawn carriage. Book a tour and relax as you travel through the gorgeous countryside. Spend the day wine-tasting and sampling locally produced chocolates, cheeses, olives and other delightful fare. Those with a more adventurous spirit can take a horse-back riding tour. This is a great way to experience the stunning scenery.

Apart from its wines, Hunter Valley is also noted for an award winning brewery. This is the Hunter Beer Company. For the last three years, it has received 13 bronze medals and 11 silver medals at the Australian International Beer Awards. Feel free to stop in any time and sample the beers, talk to the brewers or enjoy a relaxing Brasserie lunch in the beer garden cooked by fine chefs.

Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin

Foodies and winos listen up! If you haven’t heard of Pokolbin in New South Wales, commit the name to memory because it is your next vacation destination. Located in the famous Lower Hunter Valley wine region, Pokolbin is home to many of Australia’s oldest and best-known wineries as well as newer vineyards, which are quickly making a name for themselves. In addition to the wineries, there are many shops, restaurants, cheese makers, and gardens—really the ideal spot for those who love good food and drink.

It’s all about wine in Pokolbin. Also known as the Hunter Valley, vineyards have existed in the area since the 1830s. The area is specifically known for Shiraz, which is dubbed by some as “Australia’s unique gift to the world.”

Possibly the greatest and most luxurious way to experience Pokolbin is to stay in an all-inclusive resort that specializes in all things wine. Pokolbin Village, for example, incorporates wine into every aspect of your stay. In addition to wine tastings and tours of local vineyards which are easily arranged by the Village staff, guests can enjoy wine-inspired culinary treats in the on site restaurant, shop for discounted wines in the Winemaker’s Outlet, and of course, enjoy a bottle of complimentary wine upon arrival.

Resorts such as the Pokolbin Village and other Pokolbin accommodation like hotels and bed and breakfasts are in close proximity to over 70 area restaurants. With local produce, artesian cheeses, and olive oil, chefs in the area have brought these ingredients to life in unique, Australian style. Try the Verandah Restaurant, a tapas-style eatery that showcases modern Australian cuisine. The menu changes frequently, as the restaurant only serves the freshest local produce. For a light lunch, try the Bread Basket, which specializes in home made breads, cheeses, and desserts. Bring a picnic basket and stock up for an amazing meal on the go.

Your stomach will likely need a rest after all that food and wine. Luckily, there are plenty of shopping opportunities, golf courses, and even hot air ballooning! There is certainly no better way to take in your surroundings than in a hot air balloon that calmly floats above the earth.

Set in the historic district of Pokolbin, Hunter Valley Gardens is nestled amongst the foothills of the Brokenback Ranges in the heart of the Hunter vineyards. It is one of Australia’s premier tourist destinations, Hunter Valley Gardens is 60 acres of magnificent gardens, with 10 theme gardens; Formal, Indian Mosaic, Rose, Italian Grotto with the statue of St Francis of Assisi (patron saint of birds and animals), Border Garden, waterfall in the Sunken Garden, the elegant Oriental Garden and the kids favourite – Storybook Garden.

With a climate similar to that of the Mediterranean, there is no bad time to visit Pokolbin. Just be sure to bring an extra bag on your trip, because you’ll likely want to take lots of wine and cheese back home!