Fast facts
- Village centre of the famous Lower Hunter Valley wine region
- A tapestry of vineyards in the shadow of the Brokenback Range
- 150 km north of Sydney, population 450
Why go there
The Pokolbin area is a wine-lovers paradise that has produced wines since the mid-1800s. The area has undergone remarkable growth since the 1970s when Australia achieved the recognition it deserved as a major wine producer and the Lower Hunter was at the vanguard of this movement.
History
Pokolbin’s fortunes have been dictated by the vineyards that surround it. Wine grapes were first planted in the area in the 1870s but development was relatively slow and uneven until the 1970s, when Australian winemaking spread its wings.
Things to do
- Hop aboard a hot air balloon for an aerial view of the vineyards.
- See how wine is made, and enjoy the cellar door tastings.
- Take a personalised tour of boutique wineries aboard a horse-drawn carriage.
- Indulge in some fine dining and local produce.
Events
- Hunter Valley Harvest Festival March-April is a feast of concerts, art exhibitions, street parties, wine tastings and gourmet food.
- Opera in the Vineyards and Jazz in the Vines in October is a musical month in the vineyards
Don’t miss
- A bicycle tour through the vineyards along country lanes.
- Hunter Valley Gardens, 12 immaculate, themed gardens.
- The heritage towns of Maitland, Morpeth and Wollombi.
- The superb gourmet restaurants of the Pokolbin region.
- A weekend away in rustic surroundings amid the vineyards.
