To say that Australia is a lovely country is an understatement.
Although I can’t boast that I’ve been to many countries in my lifetime, I have been told by seasoned travellers that in their opinion, Australia is indeed one of the most amazing, wonderful, colourful, beautiful country they’ve ever been to. And I don’t doubt that for a second – Australia is both cosmopolitan and bush; you can have the most exotic Japanese cuisine and the true blue Aussie bush tucker meal the next; fresh seafood in one plate, luxurious, decadent chocolates in another, topped with one of the best wines from the best grapes in the world.
Did you say wines?
Yes, Mr J and I are newborn wine lovers. Not just the occasional “House white please”, but we’ve delved into more exciting wines and small wineries and have enjoyed every minute of it! And so, when my dear Rob Thomas decided to grace our shores here in the Land Down Under and creatively picked Hunter Valley as the concert venue, we jumped in the opportunity and bought concert tickets, booked hotel accommodation, made dinner reservations, and asked for annual leave for work. Why all the fuss? Apart from it being a concert weekend, it was also the Chinese New Year weekend and… VALENTINE’S DAY weekend! Sydneysiders all know what this means – the Hunter Valley comes alive during these events.
The long weekend was filled with everything good known to us – concert, food, wine, great conversations, new friends and wonderful memories. This is the beauty that is the Hunter Valley. This is the beauty that is Australia.
One of our most favourite wines in the Hunter Valley is David Hook wines. I all started with my not-so-secret love affair with their Mosto (similar to Moscato but not using muscat grapes). This was 3 years ago when all I could drink were dessert wines, but now I’ve ventured out into other varieties and I must say, David Hook wines are still one of the best.
One of the oldest wineries in the Hunter, nay Australia – absolutely beautiful wines, knowledgeable staff and you just can’t help but get that old school vintage feel.
Just next to the David Hook Cellars, Cafe Enzo is a gastronomic experience that every single person in the Hunter Valley should have. We thought it was just another meal on just another day, but we were wrong – the meat, pasta, vegetables and wines were the best we’ve had in a long time! They definitely know their food!
Looking for a restaurant to spend Valentine’s Day dinner is no easy feat. Places around the Hunter were either fully booked, or markedly expensive as places try to take advantage of the big weekend that was February 13 and 14. Amanda’s was a secret jewel that we’ve unearthed on that cold, rainy Sunday night. Low lighting, hushed voices, and that unmistakable warm and cozy feeling that hugs you as soon as you seek refuge inside those wooden doors. The food was exceptionally beautiful – think of homecooked country meals, the best wines from Windsor’s Edge Vineyards, and the warmth and excellence of the service staff.
We stayed at Hill Top Country Guest House – look for Margaret and mention the horseback riding if you’re after something different. It’s a good 20 minutes drive from Pokolbin and past the smaller wineries and shops along Lovedale Rd. You might even get lucky and catch a kangaroo or two hopping alongside the car before disappearing off in the thick bushes.
The view from Hilltop
Late summer grapes...
Water crackers, camembert cheese & quince paste
The loot!
…
David Hook Wines
Corner Ekerts and Broke Rd, Pokolbin
Ph 02 4998 7121
Tyrell’s Wines
1838 Broke Rd Pokolbin
Ph 02 4993 7000
Cafe Enzo
Peppers Creek
Corner Broke & Ekerts Road Pokolbin
Ph 02 4998 7233
Amanda’s On the Edge
Windsor’s Edge Vineyard
McDonalds Rd Pokolbin 2320
Ph 02 4998 7900
Hill Top Country Guest House
288 Talga Rd Rothbury
Ph 02 4930 7111
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