It may be Australia’s oldest winemaking region, but there’s so much more to the Hunter Valley than affairs of the grape. Go beyond the region’s wine specialties – chardonnay, sémillon, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon – and try something new with our full-day Hunter Valley foodie itinerary.
Fawk Foods Kitchen & Bakery
Where to find it: 2188 Broke Road, Pokolbin
Distance from next stop: 800m
Not content with owning one restaurant (the spectacular EXP. in Pokolbin Village Estate), chef Frank Fawkner has blessed locals and visitors with Fawk Foods Kitchen & Bakery, a casual all-day cafe plating up dishes to make your morning. Choose between the sourdough corn fritters with avocado and tomato relish, or what could be the best plate of bacon and eggs you’ve ever had, with triple-smoked bacon, chipotle-glazed free-range eggs, roasted tomato, potato hash and sourdough. If you’re after a sweet start to the day, don’t miss the bakery cabinet, overflowing with croissants, tarts and doughnuts – the perfect pairing for your flat white or macchiato.
Tower Whiskey Distillery
Where to find it: Halls Road, Pokolbin
Distance from next stop: 750m
For those game enough to kick things off with a single malt whiskey tasting, this acclaimed distillery is the Hunter Valley’s first and only. Enjoy a whiskey-tasting flight while your host explains the barrel-ageing and distillation process – your flight includes four tastings of the company’s inaugural drops and small batches. The Spanish-inspired Tower Lodge chateau is on the same grounds and is worthy of a night or two’s stay while you discover the rest of the valley.
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
Where to find it: Shop 5 Hunter Valley Gardens, Broke Road, Pokolbin
Distance from next stop: 1.7km
Take a quick snack break down the road at the famous Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. Here, chocolatier Peter and his team prepare a huge range of artisan chocolate, using the finest Belgian coverture chocolate and Australian dried fruits and nuts. Nibble on blocks, bars and bark infused with orange, raspberry, mint or coffee, or sample a range of fudge – at any one time, up to 20 options can be offered.
Muse Restaurant & Hungerford Hill Winery
Where to find it: 2450 Broke Road, Pokolbin
Distance from next stop: 5.5km
With two hats to its name, Muse Restaurant is a destination in itself, drawing visitors from all over the state to sample Troy Rhoades-Brown’s interpretation of contemporary Australian cuisine. Housed in the iconic Hungerford Hill Winery, it showcases seasonal and local produce across a French-influenced menu, with dishes like Little Hill Farm chicken with Jerusalem artichoke, cured pork neck, pippies and verjuice butter. The elegant dining room, friendly yet professional service and extensive wine offering – thanks to its hosts – complete the package.
Cafe Enzo
Where to find it: 1946 Broke Road, Pokolbin
Distance from next stop: 2.3km
The enchanting courtyard of Cafe Enzo, set in the Tuscan-inspired Peppers Creek Village, is the perfect place for a spot of coffee and cake. The menu reads as a list of local producers, highlighting the bevvy of ingredients available in the region. Depending on the season, you might find a lemon tart with housemade strawberry jam and King Island cream, or banana and walnut bread served with honey.
Brokenwood Wines
Where to find it: 401-427 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin
Distance from next stop: 450km
Brokenwood may not be the oldest winery on the block, but it’s lost no time in creating a contemporary wine experience that caters for every level of oenophile at its huge cellar door. Pull up a chair in a wine pod to taste your way through seven varietal and single-vineyard drops under the guidance of staff or work your way through the self-guided wine and food flight. True wine enthusiasts will love the Journey Wine Tasting Experience, complete with a guided food and wine flight, behind-the-scenes tour and pre-release wine tasting straight from the barrel.
Goldfish Bar & Restaurant
Where to find it: 2144 Broke Road, Pokolbin
The Hunter Valley isn’t just about wine – cocktails are just as revered, and there’s nowhere better than Goldfish. The multi-award-winning cocktail bar features a list of signature concoctions from the bartenders, as well as a collection of classics, such as old fashions, negronis and whiskey sours. Settle in for a night of live music, countryside views from Goldfish’s deck and a well-earned meal – it’s the perfect way to end a gourmet day in the Hunter Valley.
Discover the Hunter Valley
Feature image courtesy of Destination NSW; Tinklers Wine, Pokolbin
