The 2022 edition of The Race That Stops a Nation is due to be run on Tuesday November the 1st. It’s time to start planning! The action isn’t confined to Flemington of course, you might have your own special day planned. For those enjoying a tipple with their flutter thoughts naturally turn to sparkling wines. If you’re doing the Melbourne Cup your way, it might be time to consider stocking up the cellar by visiting some of the Hunter Valley’s finest sparkling wine producers with the aid of Hunter Valley Tours! Hunter Valley Wine Country is home to not only some of the oldest and most famous names in the industry, there are plenty of smaller boutique wineries putting out high quality wines of all varieties too. For now, though, we’ll focus on bubbles. Here are some of the region’s best…
Peterson House
A word of caution first. If you’re planning a tour of several wineries, you’ll need to be disciplined if your first stop is Peterson House! Regarded by some as the gateway to Wine Country it’s more appropriately considered a mecca of sorts for sparkling wine lovers. With over forty different varieties across white, red and rose styles you’ll either be hard pressed to make a choice or you’ll end up taking some of everything! Indulge yourself with some of their unique tasting experiences, where you can sample sparkling wines paired with the unlikely partners of their house-made biltong for those craving savoury flavours or gelato for the sweeter inclined.
Corner of Broke Rd & Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin NSW 2320
https://www.petersonhouse.com.au/
Phone: 02 4998 7881
Bimbadgen
Bimbadgen’s vines were planted more than fifty years ago, and the winery is home to six different sparkling varieties. They offer Non-vintage sparkling Semillon, Rose, Moscato and Cuvee as well as more prestigious and refined Vintage Blanc De Blancs. The winery offers two dining options, with the more casual setting of Bimbadgen Wood-fired pizza being the perfect setting for lazy afternoon grazing or the fine dining experience that is Esca Bimbadgen. If you’re planning your visit to coincide with Melbourne Cup Day, Esca Bimbadgen will be hosting a special cup day function featuring a set four course menu along with sweeps and their very own fashions awards! Places are limited so contact the winery for further information or to book your place.
790 McDonalds Road Pokolbin NSW 2320
Phone: 02 4998 4600
Tyrell’s
To get a true taste of Australian wine history a visit to Tyrell’s winery is a must. Their patchwork of vineyards started to take ship in the mid 19th century at the foot of the Brokenback Range and even to this day there are vines over 100 years old in existence. You can tour the facility and see some real throwbacks that are still operational such as their aged oak vats and red cellar. They produce two sparkling brut varieties. If you’re looking to other styles it’s worth pointing out that their Old Patch Shiraz is held in very high esteem. Tastings, tours, tradition, it’s all waiting for you at Tyrell’s
1838 Broke Road Pokolbin NSW 2320
02 4993 7000
Hungerford Hill
With more than 50 years history the family owned Hungerford Hill winery is renowned for their unique Hunter Valley focussed takes on classic wine styles. This is exemplified in their sparkling range. For something a little different but just as decadent you must try their Cardinal Sparkling Shiraz. You may not have tried a sparkling red before but this particular effort has met with almost universal acclaim. Served chilled and with a gentle fizz it’s world’s removed from your traditionally full bodied Australian Shiraz. As the weather warms it’s the ideal accompaniment to afternoon barbecues and grilled meats. It may change the way you look at Australian reds altogether! If you’re after a more traditional taste profile the 2018 Sparkling Dalliance Tumbarumba may be more to your liking. Sweeter, lighter tastes are catered to with their pink tinged Moscato and Vermentino varieties. Hungerford Hill is not only a destination for lovers of wine, foodies too make the pilgrimage to the two-hatted Muse Restaurant, one of the finest dining experiences in the entire country.
Tour Hunter Valley Wineries in Safety and Luxury
Whether you’re stocking up the cellar for Melbourne Cup day or just yearning for the delights of one of Australia’s premier wine producing regions, safe transport is a must so you can concentrate your senses and let your tastebuds be taken on a journey. The last thing you want to be worrying about is whether the next mouthful is the one that means you shouldn’t drive home. Hunter Valley Tours are here to make your day as pleasant, memorable and hassle-free as possible. Explore some of Wine Country’s premier attractions with their set itinerary tours or set your own plan. They can even help sort accommodation and other experiences so all there is for you to do is show up, eat, drink and be merry! Travel in air conditioned luxury with all accessibility requirements catered for and take in the best the region has to offer. Contact Hunter Valley Tours today and start planning your next cellar re-stock or decadent getaway. Call them on 0456 737 888, email at info@hvtours.com.au or enquire through the website here.
