Winter in the Hunter Valley is a season of crisp mornings, clear days, and cosy nights by the fire. It’s a time when the vineyards take on a quiet beauty, and the pace of life slows down. But that doesn’t mean there’s any less to enjoy – in fact, winter might just be the best time to explore the region’s world-class wines.
Click here to check your dates and book your Hunter Valley Accommodation!
The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and most renowned wine regions, known for its distinctive terroir and its commitment to quality. It’s particularly famous for its Semillon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz, but you’ll also find a range of other varieties to explore. Winter is a great time to delve into these wines, as the cooler weather lends itself to richer, fuller-bodied styles.
“What about mulled wine?” we hear you say. Jump to the bottom of the article for a Hunter Valley Mulled Wine recipe. Stay cozy and enjoy!
Here are ten Hunter Valley wines that are perfect for winter drinking in 2023:
- Petersons Champagne House Sparkling Semillon – This delightful sparkling Semillon is a unique take on a Hunter Valley classic. Its effervescence and light citrus notes make it a perfect match for seafood dishes. Try it with a plate of fresh oysters for a truly indulgent experience.
- Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz – A rich and robust Shiraz, this wine pairs beautifully with hearty winter dishes. Enjoy it with a slow-cooked lamb shank for a warming winter meal.
- Audrey Wilkinson Winemaker’s Selection Chardonnay – This Chardonnay, with its notes of citrus and oak, pairs wonderfully with creamy seafood dishes. Try it with a rich lobster bisque or a creamy prawn pasta.
- Margan Aged Release Semillon – Aged Semillon is a Hunter Valley speciality. This wine, with its honeyed, toasty flavours, pairs well with roast chicken or turkey.
- Pepper Tree Limited Release Shiraz – This full-bodied Shiraz, with its spicy notes, is a perfect match for red meat. Enjoy it with a juicy steak or a rich beef stew.
- Ben Ean Bernard Series Shiraz – This Shiraz, with its rich, dark fruit flavours and hint of spice, pairs beautifully with hearty winter dishes. Try it with a beef and mushroom pie or a slow-cooked lamb ragu.
- De Iuliis LDR Vineyard Shiraz Touriga – This unique blend of Shiraz and Touriga is perfect for those chilly winter nights. Pair it with a hearty beef casserole or a rich, slow-cooked ragu.
- First Creek Winemaker’s Reserve Chardonnay – This elegant Chardonnay, with its notes of stone fruit and oak, is a perfect match for roast pork or chicken.
- Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon – This Semillon, with its fresh citrus flavours, pairs beautifully with a variety of seafood dishes. Try it with grilled fish or a zesty seafood salad.
- Gundog Estate Hunter’s Shiraz – This Shiraz, with its rich, dark fruit flavours, is a perfect match for game meats. Enjoy it with a venison stew or a roast duck.
Winter in the Hunter Valley offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the region’s diverse range of wines. Whether you’re a fan of red, white, or something in between, there’s a wine to suit every palate. So why not take a trip to the Hunter Valley this winter, and discover your new favourite wine?
And remember, the best way to enjoy these wines is to experience them in their natural habitat. Book your Hunter Valley accommodation directly with Weekenda and saveup to 20% compared to the exact same listing on other booking sites like Airbnb or Stayz. With a wide range of properties to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect place to relax after a day of wine tasting. Check your dates and book now!
The Hunter Valley is more than just a wine region – it’s a community of passionate people who are dedicated to their craft. By visiting in winter, you’re supporting this community and helping to keep the tradition of Hunter Valley winemaking alive. So come and experience the warmth of Hunter Valley hospitality this winter – we promise you won’t regret it.
Click here to check your dates and book your Hunter Valley Accommodation!
We hope this blog post inspires you to explore the Hunter Valley’s winter wine offerings. Remember, the best way to experience these wines is in the beautiful surroundings of the Hunter Valley itself. So why wait? Book your winter getaway with Weekenda today and start planning your wine adventure.
To Warm You Up: Mulled Wine Recipe
Mulled wine, a beloved winter beverage, is a warm and comforting concoction that has been enjoyed for centuries. Originating from Europe, this spiced wine is traditionally made with red wine, various mulling spices, and sometimes raisins. It’s often served hot and is a staple at winter festivities.
The beauty of mulled wine lies in its versatility and the joy of personalisation. You can choose your favourite red wine as a base and experiment with different combinations of spices until you find your perfect blend. The addition of citrus fruits adds a refreshing tang, balancing the sweetness of the wine and sugar.
In the Hunter Valley, mulled wine takes on a local twist, with the use of our world-renowned wines. This recipe uses a Hunter Valley Shiraz, known for its bold, fruity flavours that pair wonderfully with the mulling spices.
So, as the temperature drops and you find yourself in the heart of the Hunter Valley, why not warm up with a glass of homemade mulled wine? It’s the perfect way to embrace the winter season and enjoy the rich, complex flavours of our local wines. Enjoy!
Hunter Valley Mulled Wine
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of Hunter Valley red wine (Shiraz works well)
- 2 oranges
- 1 lemon
- 1 lime
- 200g caster sugar
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 whole nutmeg
- 1 vanilla pod
- 2 star anise
Instructions:
- Peel large sections of peel from the oranges, lemon, and lime using a speed peeler.
- Put the sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the pieces of peel and squeeze in the orange juice.
- Add the cloves, cinnamon stick, about 10 to 12 gratings of nutmeg, and the vanilla pod. Stir in just enough red wine to cover the sugar and let it simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Bring to the boil and keep on a rolling boil for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until you’ve got a beautiful thick syrup. This creates a flavour base by really getting the sugar and spices to infuse and blend well with the wine. It’s important to make a syrup base first because it needs to be quite hot, and if you do this with both bottles of wine in there, you’ll burn off the alcohol.
- When your syrup is ready, turn the heat down to low and add the star anise and the rest of the wine. Gently heat the wine and after around 5 minutes, when it’s warm and delicious, ladle it into heatproof glasses and serve.
Enjoy this warm, spiced wine while curled up by the fireplace after a day of exploring the Hunter Valley. It’s the perfect way to end a winter’s day.
