A sojourn in the Hunter Valley.

It was a surprise for G's birthday. We tend not to do big gifts these days but rather treat each other

(and ourselves) to experiences.

This deal popped up on Living Social and it seemed OK. I checked the reviews on booking.com and Trip Advisor and

....yep, that'll do.

We haven't been to the Hunter Valley....for ever!

It used to be THE wine area in Australia (after the Barossa) but apparently these days - not so much.

However there are heaps of wineries there...

Our accommodation was at Bimbadeen Estate tucked under the hills on the far side of Cessnock,

with an absolutely fabulous view.

There are 6 cottages there with a mini kitchen, (microwave, no cooker) and a breakfast hamper is provided.

and with our deal we got a free bottle of the estate wine!
It was beautiful sitting out on the terrace overlooking the valley, over to the coast and up to Barrington Tops.

Just below us was restaurant Molines, reputed to be the best in the valley.

Unfortunately it wasn't open when we were there.

The next day we walked done the hill to Petersons winery - a stonesthrow away.....over 1 hour later!

It was a lovely morning for a walk!!
Petersons came recommended and didn't disappoint. We picked up some wines later when we drove down.

Our place of rest was so quiet and relaxing, we almost didn't want to go out anywhere.

But we managed to fit in a couple more wineries, a cheese shop, Hunter Valley Gardens,
an olive shop, an alpaca shop, a lunch and a dinner out.

Peterson's winery

Briar Ridge winery

David Hook wines

First Creek wines

Hunter Valley Gardens

Sculpture garden at Mistletoe wines

World's smallest risotto at the Royal Oak

The deck at Gartelmann wines from The Deck cafe

This is where we went -

- Petersons winery
- Pukara Estate for olives, oils and relishes
- Binnorie cheese
- Briar Ridge winery
- The Deck for lunch
- First Creek Wines
- Mistletoe Winery
- David Hook wines
- Gartelmann Wines
- 221 Restaurant, Royal Oak Hotel. World's smallest risotto.

But with over 130 wineries stretching over the whole area there is plenty to go back for.