Hermitage Road wends its way over rolling hills of vines, with the fabled Brokenback Ranges an inspiring backdrop. Along its course there are vineyards, wineries, and restaurants. The combination of beautiful scenery, cellar door wine sales from some of the Hunter’s most famous vineyards and wineries, and gourmet food in tranquil settings makes this area of the Hunter Valley a popular tourist destination.
We get lots of requests for recommendations for restaurants and wine tours. There are several restaurants on Hermitage Road, but one we really recommend is the Beltree. Chef Mark DeLandro offers great food at good value.
A really good way to get a cross-section of true Hunter Valley wine, without having to drive all day is to go to the Hunter Valley Winegrowers Centre, located in the same building as the Beltree restaurant. The Centre has tasting and sales for ten of the best small family/boutique vineyard/wineries. The Beltree and Hunter Valley Winegrowers Centre website is at www.huntervalleywinegrowers.com.au.
Beyond the wining and dining there are many other things to see and do in the area. You could start the day with a hot air ballon flight, a quiet round of golf, or go horse riding. Follow that up by touring the picturesque roads on bicycle or horse drawn carriage, join one of the winery tours, or breathe in the year-round spectacle of Hunter Valley Gardens.
The Hunter Valley also hosts regular musical events - an opportunity to see and hear such international artists as: John Mellencamp, Chris Isaak, Eric Clapton, and many others. Among the annual musical events are: Opera in the Vineyards, and Jazz in the Vines. For more information, and the latests news on local concerts consult our News page.
Here are just some of the great things you can see and do around Kurrajong Vineyard:
- Wine and Food Tours
- Wine & Cooking Schools
- Bicycle Rides
- Horseback Rides
- Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
- Golf Packages, or Aqua Golf
- Hunter Valley Zoo
- Hot-Air Balloon Flights
- Helicopter Scenic Flights
- Aerobatic Flights
If you want to find out more about the many fine wines, food, arts and crafts to explore - all close by and within easy access to Kurrajong Vineyard - visit the excellent Tourist Information Centres at nearby Cessnock and Singleton, or visit their websites.