| TRIP DETAILS – HUNTER VALLEY | |
|---|---|
| Trip Name | Hunter Valley Regional Visit |
| Host | Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association |
| Date | 12th April 2027 – 14th April 2027 |
| Capacity | Minimum 10 and Maximum 30 |
The Hunter Valley invites delegates to discover the depth of the Hunter Valley’s winemaking heritage, showcasing our globally celebrated wines, producers, and innovative approaches, set amidst some of the oldest vineyard landscapes in Australia.
The Hunter Valley’s enviable heritage of trailblazing viticulturists, winemaking dynasties and iconic wines is where great Australian grape growing and winemaking all began. Nearly 200 years later and the pioneering spirit of the Hunter Valley lives on in an unrivalled class of skilled viticulturists and their winemaking counterparts, who are unafraid of pushing boundaries to achieve distinctive wines that are rich in character and regional authenticity.
@huntervalley.wine | @huntervalley
All guests are required to make their own travel arrangements to/from the trip start and end meeting point in the Adelaide CBD. Please notify the trip host if you have any dietary or access requirements.
Please provide an itinerary in the following format so that it fits within the website template. This can be provided in a separate document if you prefer.
| Day 1 | |
|---|---|
| — | Transfer from Sydney Airport or Newcastle Airport. Arrive Hunter Valley and check into accommodation. |
| 10:00 am | Introduction and Regional Overview The visit begins with a regional overview set against the Brokenback Range, an important geological and climatic feature of the Hunter Valley. Here, delegates will be introduced to the region’s long history of viticulture and the factors that have shaped its signature styles. A tasting of young vintage Hunter Valley Semillon paired with local Sydney rock oysters provides an immediate sensory introduction, highlighting freshness, restraint, and the region’s longstanding connection to food. |
| 11:30 am | Hunter Valley Semillon & Shiraz Masterclass @ Brokenwood Wines Hosted by Chief Winemaker, Stuart Hordern at Brokenwood Wines, Halliday Wine Companion's 2026 Winery of the Year, this masterclass will explore the evolution of the Hunter Valley’s two defining varieties: Semillon and Shiraz. Through a structured tasting across multiple vintages and styles, delegates will examine traditional and contemporary approaches. |
| Lunch | Casual lunch at The Wood Restaurant – Brokenwood Wines Winners of the 2024 Restaurant & Catering Hostplus Awards for Excellence – Best Restaurant in a Winery (Regional NSW). |
| 2:00 pm | Heritage Vineyards Tasting @ Tyrrell's Hosted by Chris and Bruce Tyrrell and winemakers, Andrew Spinaze and Mark Richardson, this tasting will explore both current and aged release wines from the Tyrrell’s range. Delegates will also have an opportunity to visit iconic Tyrrell’s vineyard sites, a unique patchwork of vineyards, with many sites bearing vines that are more than 100 years old. Thriving in a diverse range of soils, from sandy loams lying on ancient creek beds to heavier red clays over limestone, these vineyards produce some of the most distinctive and refined wines in the world. |
| 7:00 pm | Wine from the Vault Dinner @ Dalwood Estate The evening centres on a rare back-vintage dinner at Dalwood Estate, one of the Hunter Valley’s most historic vineyard sites, with plantings dating back to the 19th century. Enjoy the finest back vintage wines paired with a curated menu that highlights the best of Hunter Valley cuisine, hosted by our Hunter Valley Living Legends, including Bruce Tyrrell, Brian McGuigan, Iain Riggs and some of our Hunter Valley Winemakers of the Year from the last decade; Adrian Sparks (Mt Pleasant), Andrew Margan (Margan Wines), Andrew Spinaze (Tyrrell’s), Andrew Thomas (Thomas Wines), Liz Jackson (First Creek and Silkman), Mike De Iuliis (De Iuliis Wines), Mark Richardson (Tyrrell’s), PJ Charteris (Charteris Wines) and Stuart Hordern (Brokenwood). Our Hunter Valley Living Legends are drawn from latter day pioneers commencing in the era of Legends such as Max Lake and Percival McGuigan. The status of ‘Hunter Valley Legends’ is an honour bestowed on individuals who have given many years of outstanding service to the advancement of the Hunter Valley as a wine producing region. |
| Day 2 | |
|---|---|
| 9:00 am | Aerial Vineyard Tour The day begins with an aerial vineyard experience, offering a rare perspective on vineyard layout, topography and land use. Led by leading viticulturists, this session explores canopy management, water movement, soil health and the region’s sustainability initiatives. Discussion will focus on how growers are adapting to climate variability, maintaining vine health and preserving vineyard longevity across diverse sites. |
| 11:00 am | Hunter Valley Chardonnay Masterclass @ First Creek Wines Hunter Valley Chardonnay Masterclass at First Creek Wines/Silkman wines, hosted by 2025 Halliday Winemaker of the Year and Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year, Liz Silkman guiding you through the elegance and complexity of Hunter Valley Chardonnay. |
| Lunch | Casual lunch at First Creek Wines |
| 2:00 pm | Next Generation Producers The afternoon shifts focus to the next generation of Hunter Valley winemakers and growers. Delegates will visit boutique vineyards and producers who are shaping the future of the region through alternative varieties, innovative viticultural practices and contemporary business models. These visits provide insight into how emerging producers are responding to climate, market expectations and sustainability, while still working within the Hunter Valley’s established framework. |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner and Panel Discussion "Sustainability and Adaptability – The Hunter Valley in a Changing Climate." Listen as winemakers, viticulturists, and local businesses share insights on how the Hunter Valley is evolving to meet the challenges of a changing world, with a focus on alternate varietals being planted in the region. |
| Day 3 | |
|---|---|
| — | Check out and transfer to airport |
