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The Hunter Valley is one of Australia's premier wine growing districts and also a varied and interesting tourist region in New South Wales. Situated less than 2 hours from Sydney and only 45 minutes from Newcastle, "Wine Country" as it often called is an easy escape for frazzled city dwellers to escape the everyday and enjoy a tast of rural hospitality (and fresh air!). Whether you're a lover of great wine and gourmet food, an enthusiast of natural beauty and wildlife, a keen golfer, an adventure junkie, or just need a little time-out - the Hunter Valley has it all. Part of the diverse regions known as The Hunter Region of NSW, not only is the Hunter Valley Australia's oldest wine-producing region, it is also renowned for it's extensive undergound riches - coal. The Hunter River was ‘discovered' by European settlers in the 1700s. The river takes its name from John Hunter who was the Governor of the New South Wales colony at the time. The discovery of coal quickly led the Hunter Valley to become an important settlement, with coal mining providing work and revenue and attracting more settlers and industry. It remains a major coal producing area to this day.
Road transport quickly opened up the Hunter Valley to new settlers, who found that the sandy banks of the river flats were suitable for many types of agriculture. With the arrival of the free settlers, agricultural and pastoral activities rapidly grew to rank with timber and mining in economic importance and it was at this point - the early l820s - that wine grapes were first introduced to the valley. The early pioneers of the Hunter Valley’s long winemaking history were George Wyndham of Dalwood, William Kelman at Kirkton and James King of Irrawang. The Hunter Valley’s future was further assisted by the arrival of amateur viticulturalist James Busby - an opinionated gentleman who, returning from the second of two extensive study tours of the winegrowing regions of Europe, arrived back in the Colony of New South Wales with a collection of some 500 vine cuttings drawn from collections and private plantings in Europe and South Africa. From these beginnings, the Hunter Valley flourished, with several families establishing vineyards in the area. The Tyrrell, Wilkinson and Drayton families’ history all started in the latter part of the 19th century as did the viticultural pursuits of Dr Henry Lindeman. Today, the Hunter Valley is certainly one of Australia’s most well-known wine regions, which, since its foundation, has produced many fine, world recognised wines. As a result of this history, some of Hunter Valley's major attractions are the vineyards and more importantly the Cellar Doors - which now number almost 150 (that's right - you will never go thirsty here!). Many world famous wine producers are based in the region and most of the larger vineyards (and also many smaller ones) offer tours and wine tastings. Whether you have a day or a week to explore, you can take in a number of wineries and also get a flavour of the countryside as you travel around. You can work out your own itinerary, or book a Hunter Valley wine tour. However, it's not just the wine that keeps visitors coming back... Restaurants Hunter Valley Gardens Golf Courses Shopping & Galleries Gourmet Produce Adventure Relaxation Visit Surrounding Areas
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