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Start your weekend getaway in the Hunter off right with this 24-hour itinerary.
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Breakfast at Café Enzo
There's no better way to kick off a day in the Hunter Valley than with a big breakfast at Café Enzo. Snag a table in their enchanting courtyard and take full advantage of the delightful surrounds of the Tuscan-inspired Peppers Creek Village while you explore the menu.
You can expect all your classic brunch and brekky favourites here, from free range eggs, French Toast, a Big Breakfast and a fruit salad bowl. Plus some more adventurous offerings, like creamed corned with poached eggs and bacon, or the truffle green peas. We also have it on good authority that the coffee is good and strong, fuelling tourists and locals alike. Whatever your preference, you're guaranteed a good feed here at Enzo’s – so, be sure to eat up big because you've got a huge day ahead of you.
Tasting at Hungerford Hill
Now that you're fed, hydrated and well-caffeinated, it’s time for a tasting. And where better to start than with a visit to Hungerford Hill. Nestled in the heart of the Valley, this boutique estate is dedicated to producing distinguished, characterful wines that capture the unique styles and traditions of the Hunter. As you step into the barrel-shaped cellar door – that’s right, like a wine barrel – the friendly and knowledgeable staff will teach you about Hungerford’s history and winemaking process, along with the opportunity to sample some wines from the Hungerford range first-hand.
Despite their resounding reputation for the Hunter classics – semillon, chardonnay and shiraz – Hungerford are not afraid to experiment. Under the stewardship of highly accomplished and award-winning winemaker Bryan Currie, the team produces stunning wines from alternative and up-and-coming varieties like fiano, vermentino and tempranillo.
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Lunch at Brokenwood Wines
With your first tasting of the day ticked off, it must be time for lunch. Just a hop, skip and a jump down the road, you’ll find Brokenwood Wines. Established in the early 70s by a trio of Sydney-based lawyers, today the winery is recognised for its iconic Hunter Valley wines. However, it’s the dining options that have our mouths watering. That’s right, there’s more than one!
For a more casual atmosphere, the Cru Bar + Pantry serves up delicious plates to share, woodfired pizzas and artfully stacked charcuterie platters. While you eat, you can peruse the rotating selection of museum wines especially available through an Enomatic self-service dispenser. Or, if you’re feeling a little fancy, why not dine at The Wood restaurant, which offers a mini-degustation menu, complete with tasting samples of Brokenwood wines matched with flavour-packed canapés.
Beer tasting at Foghorn Brewery
Housed in a heritage-listed former brickworks, the Foghorn Brewery is like no other in the Hunter Valley. Established in 2007, it’s Wine Country’s original craft brewery and has earned a reputation for its quality and diversity of styles. With big flavour and aroma, the team regularly bold new takes on traditional styles and a few new inventions of their own. They have 16 beers on tap, including a hand pump and some cider, that always hit your glass fresh from the tank.
With so many mouth-watering brews on offer, it can be difficult to know where to start. Thankfully, the team at Foghorn have you sorted with a guided brewery tour! Go behind the scenes with brewers Keith or Daniel, or their awesome beer slinger Claire, and discover what makes these seriously refreshing brews so tasty. Be sure to pick up a pack of their flagship Hunter Kolsch to enjoy later – it’s a modern day Hunter Classic for a reason. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, food is available at The Mighty Hunter next door and can be ordered direct from the brewery as well if you feel like settling in for the afternoon. But don’t spoil your appetite too much – there’s something special planned for dinner.
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Dinner at Muse Kitchen (only open Saturday nights)
Finish off the day with a 3-course meal at Muse Kitchen. Normally only open for lunch, the kitchen comes alive on Saturday night to serve up an unforgettable dinner menu. Tucked away in the picturesque courtyard at Keith Tulloch Wines, this award-winning European-inspired restaurant champions seasonality and sustainable dining with a menu that features the best of the Hunter Valley’s local produce.
More like a country home than a restaurant, the atmosphere at Muse Kitchen is warm and inviting, with an old-world charm that complements Chef Josh Gregory’s ever-changing menu. At first glance, the dishes appear to offer a simple sophistication – but they are anything but simple. From line-caught squid and capellini to beef fillet with pine mushrooms, and a side of hand cut fries with truffle aioli, each dish is a masterwork of flavour that allows the quality of the ingredients shine through. Our only advice: Take your time and savour it.
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