Appraising Hunter Valley New South Wales Wine Country

One of Australia's best known wine regions is the Hunter Valley New South Wales. Located half way between Newcastle and Sydney, the valley is approximately 190km (118 mi) long, and lies mostly within 25 km (16 mi) of the ocean. It is the 6th most visited place in Australia and receives 2.5 million visitors per year. There is plenty to do and see there, even for those that are not wine connoisseurs.

Humans have inhabited area surrounding the Hunter river and its tributaries for the past 30,000 years. The Wonnaura tribe were the original occupants. The area was first discovered by Europeans in 1797 and soon became a coal and timber producer. Nowadays it produces beef, dairy, and Thoroughbred horses as well. The upper valley, near Scone, is possibly the largest horse breeding region in the world.

Mostly, it is known for tourism and its award winning wines. The first vineyards were instituted in 1823. Today there are o

Over 140 vineyards. Some have seen several generations of family vintners. They produce a variety of white and red wines. Semillon and Shiraz are predominant varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are also easily found, with small amounts of Pinot Noir. The Pokolbin area is the centre of the wine industry here.

More than 60 restaurants, many are in historic houses, and many world class chefs, are found in the area. Accommodations in more than 190 venues, including country guest houses, are available. Additional attractions include breweries, spas, fine cheeses, olive oils and olives, and concerts featuring some top musical acts.

Visiting gardens and art galleries, golfing, bicycling, horseback riding, hiking, hot air balloon rides, and shopping are other preferred forms of entertainment. Cruises of scenic Lake Macquarie and the Hunter River, and tours by aircraft, are available on regular schedules. On the first three Sundays of every month the Hunter Valley steam trains run.

A bicycle tour of The Great North Road, or Convict Trail, is a favorite for some. This engineering marvel, connecting Sydney and Newcastle, is 264 km (164 mi) long and was built by shackled convicts from 1826 to 1836. As with many government planned projects it never was used much by the people. It ran through remote territory and bypassed existing communities. It was abandoned before it was ever completed. Travel by coastal steamer was preferred.

The valley's climate is of a Mediterranean type. Temperatures in the summer average 21.1 C (70 degrees Fahrenheit). January has the hottest days. Occasional thunderstorms and cool breezes from the ocean at night serve to moderate the summer heat. Temperatures in the winter average 4.4 C (40 Fahrenheit). July is the coldest month, with an average daytime temperature of 18 C (64 Fahrenheit).

This region can be driven to in 2 hours from Sydney and 45 minutes from Newcastle. Of course traffic here drives on the left side of the road. In Australia, and Hunter Valley New South Wales, the legal age for drinking is 18 years. This applies to wine tasting as well. Motorists can be stopped at random to check for drink driving. Less than . 05% blood alcohol level is tolerated. Foreign currencies and travelers cheques are not accepted. Obtain cash at a bank or Bureau de Change beforehand.