Prepare to sip your way around one of New South Wales' grapiest regions because the Hunter Valley Wine Festival is back for the fifth year. It's a completely different event to the Hunter Valley Food and Wine Festival, in case you were wondering. Here, in vineyard country, one vino fest really isn't enough.
Taking place from 11am to 5pm on June 24, it's the reason you've been needing for a weekend jaunt away from the city — not that anyone really needs an excuse for that. The area's wineries, large and boutique included, will come together at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley for a day-long showcase of the Semillon, Chardonnay, Riesling and Shiraz varieties they're best known for, plus emerging, organic and biodynamic tipples too.
Tickets cost $20, which includes five tasting tickets and a tasting glass. When you're not sampling wine with booze-loving abandon, you can also try out some local beer and cider, or eat your way through a selection of local cuisine.