I have a little bit of a confession to make... today's adventure was planned, so it's not quite a let's see what happens day. However, I can promise, for a change, it is not going to be a hectic day, more of a sit back, relax and enjoy type day...
After booking flights on-line an option to book other activities was offered, so it was a good opportunity for us all to get out of the city and expand the horizons further ... guess what we are doing? Yep we are going to go off wine tasting in the Hunter Valley. Oh but I do have another surprise for you too, so stay with me!
The Hunter Valley is about two hours drive from the city along the Pacific Highway. It is Australia's first ever wine producing region. Having been picked up at 7.30am the tour bus heads off. The tour guide is informative and the group joining the tour fun and friendly.
What amazes me as we drive along is the greeness of Sydney and surrounding area, especially coming from a scorched, summer rain-deprived State. How the Hawesbury winds gracefully through national forest, how there are small communities on the river's edge that commute to Sydney via boat each day. Totally magic.
Visiting one boutique winery after another. Enjoying informative presentations and learning more about the techniques of wine making. Mmmmm.... did you know wooded wine, doesn't necessarily mean the wine has been maturing in oak barrels, however the technique of oak chips placed in mesh bags (as if a tea bag) dangling in a metal barrel is often used?
The day was fun and our guide fabulous. We had intended to be back at our accommodation by 6pm, but goodness it was such a fun day, the wineries enjoyed our visit, not rushing and taking the time for us, our tour guide was fabulous and didn't shepherd us like a border collie to the bus at any time, so we didn't get back until after 7pm. This still giving us plenty of time for us to freshen up before my special treat for you....
I'm sure you may be aware when Oprah was visiting, she had a special surprise waiting for her.... wooohoo fireworks... well guess what I have for you... oh yesseee fireworks, so sit back, relax and enjoy (oh and just because Australia Day falls on the same day, purely coincidence, these were organised specially for you!)
Fabulous fireworks. So how does the Hunter compare with the Vales? I might be a little biased about wine regions lol.
ReplyDeleteI just love fireworks Mynx (the kid in me :)). Oh dear, you are asking a Sandgroper? You know it just has to be the Margaret River region, not that I am biased!
ReplyDeletethe hunter valley is really pretty,I love the Hawksbury river, some lovely spots there, the train trip up the coast is great.
ReplyDeleteI looove fireworks and miss cracker night, it was the best fun. This year i'm going to try and get to sydney to see the fireworks from Sydney Park, its away from the crowds overlooking the city,the fireworks are so big I don't think we will miss much by not being right under them.
Did you go to Newtown at all? such lovely little boutique shops there and restraunts from every country imaginable..I could spend a week just there lol
The Hawksbury is just soooo beautiful, IWBY. Sydney Park definitely sounds the place to be, fireworks and city views, without crowds, as that is the worse part of major firework displays getting out of where they are held. Unfortunately, I didn't get to Newton, but I am drawing up a "must do" list right now :). What is the saying so much to do and so little time?
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