Hunter Valley, renowned for its picturesque vineyards and exceptional beverages, is a premier destination for various events throughout the year. This region offers a diverse range of festivals, from wine tastings and gourmet food events to cultural celebrations and live music performances.
Below is a detailed guide to the key festivals and events happening in 2024.
1. Taste of the Hunter Valley
Date: Saturday, 17th August 2024
Location: The Station, Newcastle
An all-day event perfect for families and friends. Visitors can sample a wide range of local wines, beers, and spirits, each crafted with expertise. There will also be gourmet foods showcasing the best local produce, from cheese to chocolates and everything in between. Artisans will display their handcrafted goods, offering unique items for purchase.
Live music will be playing throughout the day, featuring local bands and artists to create a lively atmosphere. Kids can enjoy activities like face painting, games, and crafts, making it a fun day for everyone. This event is a fantastic opportunity for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
2. Boydell’s Spring Styling Lunch
Date: Sunday, 8th September
Location: Boydell’s Restaurant, 2 Green St, Morpeth
Boydell’s Spring Styling Lunch is an elegant event focused on spring entertaining. Attendees will learn how to create the perfect spring table setting and design a seasonal menu that pairs beautifully with Boydell’s crisp wines. The lunch will be held in the charming Boydell’s Restaurant, where guests can enjoy a menu bursting with seasonal colours and flavours.
Expert stylists and chefs will provide tips on table decor and food pairing, ensuring you leave with plenty of inspiration for your next gathering. This unique event combines culinary delight with aesthetic education, making it a must-attend for anyone looking to enhance their hosting skills.
3. Hunter Highland Lunch at McLeish Estate Winery
Date: Saturday, 14th September
Location: McLeish Estate Winery
Experience a touch of Scotland at the Hunter Highland Lunch at McLeish Estate Winery. This event celebrates Scottish traditions with a Hunter Valley twist. The day begins with performances by Maitland Pipes and Drums and highland dancers, providing an authentic Scottish atmosphere.
Guests can try their hand at the caber tossing competition, a traditional Highland Games event. The celebration continues with a three-course meal featuring local produce, paired with McLeish Estate’s wines, including their highly acclaimed Cellar Reserve Semillon. This event is a perfect blend of cultural festivity and gourmet dining, set in the picturesque surroundings of the McLeish Estate.
4. Stomp! Wines Pottery, Drink & Cheese
Date: Friday, 4th October
Location: Stomp! Wines
Join us for a creative and tasty experience at Stomp! Wines. This workshop allows participants to create their own pottery tableware while enjoying a tasting of six different Stomp! wines and a cheese plate from Binnorie Dairy. The pottery session will cover techniques like slab building and pinching, along with decoration methods such as carving and slip painting.
Included in the workshop:
- A glass of sparkling wine upon arrival
- Tasting of six Stomp! wines
- A Binnorie Dairy cheese plate
- All materials and tools needed for pottery
- Instruction on pottery techniques and design
- Glaze firing of your pottery pieces
After the workshop, your pottery creations will be glazed and fired, ready for pick-up from Hunter Valley Ceramics Studio approximately 3-4 weeks later. This event is a wonderful blend of creative arts and wine tasting, resulting in handmade pieces you can cherish.
5. D’Vine Long Weekend
Date: 5th-7th October
Location: Pokolbin region
D’Vine Long Weekend offers an extensive program of activities and experiences for everyone. This three-day event includes tastings of local wines, whiskies, and craft beers, along with cheese and pasta making workshops and cooking demonstrations. Visitors can enjoy barrel tastings, learn from masterclasses, and watch cooking demos that pair local wines with international cuisines.
For families, there are plenty of activities such as Pet’s Paradise dog show, kids’ games, and a Footy grand final party. Adventurous visitors can explore the region with horse and cart rides or rent E-bikes. The hop-on and hop-off shuttle bus service makes it easy to get around and enjoy the natural beauty of the Hunter Valley without any stress.
Local produce and handmade gourmet delights will be available for purchase, allowing you to recreate the region’s gastronomic experiences at home. Accommodation options with a shopping concierge service are available, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable visit to the Pokolbin region.
6. Hunter Valley Beer & BBQ Festival 2024
Date: Saturday, 12th October 2024
Location: Hope Estate, Hunter Valley
Get ready for a day of delicious BBQ and refreshing beer. Held at the scenic Hope Estate, this festival is a treat for beer and BBQ enthusiasts. Your ticket includes entry to the event, six tasting tokens to sample a variety of beers, a souvenir event glass, and access to the Paddle Bar where curated selections of beers are served on tasting paddles.
The festival features live cooking demonstrations by BBQ experts, BBQ stalls offering mouth-watering dishes, and live music throughout the day. It’s the perfect event for a fun day out with friends, enjoying great food, drinks, and entertainment.
7. SummerSalt 2024
Date: Saturday, 16th November 2024
Location: Roche Estate
SummerSalt returns in November 2024 with a lineup headlined by global superstar Hozier. This event, set in the beautiful Roche Estate, promises an unforgettable music experience. Hozier, along with his band, will perform as part of his ‘Unreal Unearth’ 2024 Australian Tour. Special guests will be announced soon, adding to the excitement.
It offers a family-friendly atmosphere with feel-good music in a scenic setting. Enjoy sun-drenched days and vibrant evenings as you listen to live performances. Although tickets are sold out, keep an eye out for future announcements and opportunities to join this amazing event.
Explore Hunter Valley
The region’s festivals and events provide a unique mix of music, culture, and food, all set against the backdrop of its renowned vineyards. Whether you’re a wine lover, music enthusiast, or just looking for a delightful getaway, the 2024 event calendar promises unforgettable experiences.
Mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of this enchanting region. Cheers to a year of adventures and celebrations!
