Hunter trip EOM

[rens]

Hello all,
I don't get here too often anymore, but nice to know it's still humming along.
I'm off to the Hunter at the end of the month and looking for some recommendations. We're staying at the Drayton's Vinyard in Pokolbin from Sunday to Wednesday, so hoping it's a little quieter and not too many tourists. Looking for both food and wine recommendations.
Over to you...

[Michael McNally]

Hello Rens

Been a while since I have been down there but a few worth a visit (most of which you probably know already).

History:
Tyrrell's (tasted the 2023 reds today and they are excellent)
Mount Pleasant
Tulloch

View (and wine)
Audrey Wilkinson

Other Well Knowns
First Creek
Margan
Thomas
De Iulius

Smaller
M&J Becker Wines (tasted at Pinotpalooza and great wines - have USA pinots as well)
Sweetwater (haven't been but heard good things about their wines)
Gundog Estate

Happy travels! Have to organise an offline for when you are back.

Cheers

Michael

[rens]

Thanks Michael. I'll check your list out.

on a side note, does anyone have experience with Lake's Folley?

[sjw_11]

I went to Lakes Folly many years ago and it was good.

They only have the two wines (Chardonnay and Cabernet, and sometimes a third wine). Have really enjoyed them in the past. Worth checking in advance if they may be sold out.

[Matt@5453]

Hi All

I am heading to the Hunter in a few weeks time, only have a short stay there. There are some good suggestions here, I like the look of Audrey Wilkinson and Tyrells.

looking for recommendations for one more with good food, does not need to be fine dining.

TIA.

[marmi01]

Margan Estate has great wine and a good restaurant (in the Broke side of Hunter rather than the Pokolbin side. If your going there then 1813 is just across the road from them and worth a visit.

Mick

[ticklenow1]

Thanks Michael. I'll check your list out.

on a side note, does anyone have experience with Lake's Folley?

We went to Lake's Folly in November. Only had 2 wines on tasting. Both good. Bought a couple of the Cabernets.

We can highly recommend Mount Pleasant and Tyrrell's.

At Mount Pleasant we did the Member Tasting - Significant Sites and Blends. It was free as we are members but normally $70 per person. We tasted the list and a whole lot more. Aged Lovedale and Maurice O'Shea as well as others. We were there for 3 hours and it was one of the best tastings we have ever done. Stunning glassware and stunning room. A must do.
At Tyrrell's we did the VIP Premium Tasting Experience. $75 each. You could argue about the cost, but once again we were treated to many other wines that weren't on the tasting list. The '98 Lovedale being the highlight. Also a must do in my book.

We also enjoyed Scarborough for their Chardonnays.

Brokenwood and Thomas wines had stunning cellar doors, the wines, while very nice, weren't anywhere near the Tyrrell's and MP standard.
Vinden and Pepper Tree were acceptable experiences.

Baume was great for lunch and Yellow Billy was exceptional for Dinner (old Lakes Folly by the glass was impressive). Lots of lovely restaurants all around the Valley.

We found the Hunter very expensive across the board (meals. accomodation etc) compared to other wine regions we have visited, but I guess they are catering for the Sydney crowd. The cellar doors are impressive though. Huge money spent on so many of them. Much grander than say the Barossa or McLaren Vale, but this is at the expense of winery intimacy if that's the right word. I prefer to do tastings with the actual winemakers in the wineries or a small intimate cellar door. Having said that, we had a wonderful 4 days there.

Enjoy your trip Rens...