Gorgeous autumn weather here, so re-posting from November!
![]() |
Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort & Country Club, Hunter Valley, NSW © |
How excited was I to discover that Australian Society of Travel Writers (ASTW) was holding its convention in my 'hood'? Over the moon, actually, as I'd just returned from living overseas for many months and was trying to re-connect with my surrounds and people, including fellow members of the ASTW.
I'd been living in a 500-year-old cottage in the Cotswolds, worrying about leaving the history, countryside, ancient landscapes and, of course, friends. But when I did come back, I realised how much I had missed our mountain in Wollombi, the incredible sandstone landscapes, the adorable flora and fauna, the vineyards, the history, and a sense of place I realised I already had.
Our highly-anticipated ASTW annual conferences have been held around the world during my 30 years of membership and there are many wonderful stories. I was ASTW Vice-President the years we went to Rotorua and Lombok – I still have the images of the prize-winners from both. (There was a lot of sand involved at the beach-side awards dinner in Lombok!)
Oaks Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club, Hunter Valley, NSW became the hosts on this occasion (sand only in the bunkers), with neighbouring partner Elysia Wellness Retreat on hand for a welcome touch of wellbeing. (Touch of deja vu as both visited and photographed 'back in the day' when they first opened.)
![]() |
Elysia Wellness Retreat, Hunter Valley, NSW © |
I signed up and realised that it had been a while since I'd focused on Hunter Wine Country as a destination. Living in the beautiful Wollombi Valley, our drive routes skirt Pokolbin's vineyards, instead using Lovedale Road on the way to Maitland, and Broke Road en route to the beautiful Winmark Wines, Margan Wines & Restaurant, and the Upper Hunter.
Sometimes we drive the scenic Mount View Road from Millfield, up across the Broken Back Range (see photo above), past iconic Bistro Molines and down to Pokolbin, passing famous vineyards like Sadler's Creek, Audrey Wilkinson, Tamburlaine, and Brokenwood Wines.
Some historic Hunter wine families are legendary – like the McGuigans with over 100 years of winemaking. Now Lisa McGuigan is taking the family name in new directions with her Vamp Wine Rooms, think Gothic/Medieval Knights+ (check the website). Lisa and the Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association hosted a fun cocktail party here for the ASTW.
![]() |
ASTW cocktail party at Lisa McGuigan Vamp Wine Rooms © |
As with many winemakers in the Hunter Valley, Lisa's range of wines include varietals from other signature Australian wine regions. From the Hunter come the likes of her Silver Pinot Grigio, Platinum Gruner Veltliner, Platinum Chardonnay and Velvet Vin-Rose, Renaissance Cabernet Merlot and Renaissance Spartacus Shiraz from Langhorne Creek (South Australia), and Pinot Gris from the Alpine Valley (Victoria).
Australia's oldest wine region, the Hunter has around 150 wineries and cellar doors including historic estates and new boutique vineyards. Something for everyone, but of of our members visiting for the first time in ages remarked that the region is much more 'boutiquey' now.
For the Hunter's traditional Shiraz and Semillon, visit Thomas Wines where winemaker Andrew Thomas is passionate about local, producing single vineyard wines from the signature grape varietals including Kiss Shiraz, Sweetwater Ridge Shiraz and Braemore Semillon.
As well as wine-tasting and restaurants, the Hunter is a favourite wedding venue, has lovely gardens at Hunter Valley Gardens and is a top spot for hot air ballooning.
Tourist Drive 33 through Wollombi is the scenic way to drive to the Hunter – stop off for a wander around our historic village, enjoy a gelato or coffee/snack from the General Store. Have coffee/brunch/lunch at Myrtle and Stone, shop at stylish Twine, treasure hunt at The Forge and shop for local crafts at The Roadside Gallery. We have vineyards and cellar doors, too including Stonehurst Cedar Creek. Cultural experiences are on offer, too, taking you into the heart of the country surrounding the plains.
Checking out your own backyard is amazing, especially when it's as varied as the Hunter Valley.
Oaks Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club
Hunter Valley Wine & Tourism Association