The Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival is an annual celebration of the region’s world-renowned wines and local produce. Held in the picturesque Hunter Valley, this two-month-long festival showcases the best of the area’s culinary and viticultural offerings.

Key Features

  1. Wine Tastings: Numerous opportunities to sample wines from the Hunter Valley’s top wineries.

  2. Gourmet Food Events: Special dining experiences featuring local produce and innovative cuisine.

  3. Cooking Demonstrations: Workshops and demonstrations by renowned chefs.

  4. Wine Education: Seminars and classes on wine appreciation and winemaking.

  5. Meet the Makers: Opportunities to interact with local winemakers and producers.

When and Where

  • Timing: Usually held from May to June.
  • Location: Various venues across the Hunter Valley wine region, including wineries, restaurants, and resorts.

Highlights

  1. Signature Events: Large-scale events like the Hunter Valley Wine Festival and the Lovedale Long Lunch.

  2. Themed Dinners: Special dining experiences pairing local wines with gourmet meals.

  3. Barrel Tastings: Opportunities to taste wines straight from the barrel at some wineries.

  4. Food and Wine Matching: Learn about pairing wines with different types of cuisine.

  5. Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Exclusive access to some of the region’s top wineries and production facilities.

Tips for Visitors

  1. Plan your visit in advance and book popular events early to avoid disappointment.
  2. Consider staying in the Hunter Valley for a few days to fully experience the festival.
  3. Designate a driver or book a tour if you plan on wine tasting.
  4. Pace yourself - with two months of events, you don’t need to try everything in one day.
  5. Combine your festival experience with other Hunter Valley activities like hot air ballooning or spa treatments.

The Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival offers a unique culinary and wine experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the flavors of one of Australia’s premier wine regions. It’s an excellent opportunity for food and wine enthusiasts to explore the Hunter Valley’s offerings and learn more about the art of winemaking and fine dining.

Related: What’s On, Experiences, Hunter Valley, Day Trips and Weekend Getaways, Food and Drink, Hunter Valley Wineries