What is the Hunter Valley known for?
The Hunter Valley is one of Australia's oldest and most famous wine regions, about two hours' drive north of Sydney. It is especially known for Semillon and Shiraz.
Vines were planted in the Hunter Valley in the 1820s, and James Busby, often called the father of Australian wine, brought vine cuttings from Europe in the 1830s. Today the region has more than 150 wineries and cellar doors.
Hunter Valley Semillon is a classic Australian white wine. It is often light and fresh when young but develops honey and toast flavours with age. The region's Shiraz is softer and lighter than many other Australian styles.
More than wine
Visitors also enjoy restaurants, cheese and chocolate shops, golf courses and hot-air balloon flights over the vineyards. The Hunter Valley Gardens in Pokolbin hosts a famous Christmas lights display.
The main towns are Cessnock and Pokolbin in the Lower Hunter, while the Upper Hunter is known for horse breeding studs and coal mining around Muswellbrook and Scone.
Did You Know?
Large outdoor concerts, often called A Day on the Green, are held at Hunter Valley wineries during summer.