The Ultimate Hunter Valley Events Guide

You: What’s on in the Hunter Valley this weekend?
Us: Hold our wines.

You know the Hunter Valley for its stunning scenery, delicious wine tastings and exquisite fine dining, but we’ll let you in on a little secret: there’s actually a whole range of fabulous events taking place in this picturesque pocket of the world.

Whether prepping a weekend away, planning for the festive season or locking in some exciting Hunter Valley activities for next year, our beautiful region has you and your loved ones covered for all the best wining, dining and entertainment extravaganzas.

Here, we’ve compiled the ultimate Hunter Valley events guide to get you started on your Wine Country plans. Now that’s something to say cheers to!  

Relaxed Year-Round Revels

There’s never a bad time to visit the Hunter Valley. Drive away from the city and let the gently rolling hills envelop you in serene Wine Country as you gear up for a day of tastings, tours, live music and more. 

Our Cellar Door has plenty on offer to suit every palate year-round. Visit us for a special occasion, a weekend getaway with the gang or a much-needed mid-year splurge and we’ll treat you with the finest spoils direct from our vineyard and kitchen.

Live Music at Terrace Wine Bar

Enjoy sunset sips and live music at our Terrace Wine Bar, the perfect place to wine-down before dinner at The Wood or gear up for a concert in the Hunter.

Wander over on a Friday afternoon for great live music from up-and-coming indie artists. Indulge in a crisp Semillon or rich Shiraz while sharing in a photo-worthy charcuterie board and freshly shucked oyster platter. 

Heading out to a show in the Hunter later? Hop aboard our complimentary shuttle service and we’ll ensure a smooth, streamlined experience for you and your crew. 

Check out who’s stepping up to the mic next at the Brokenwood gig guide.

When: Fridays and Saturdays 3:30-6:30pm year-round
Where: Brokenwood Terrace Wine Bar, Pokolbin
Book Now

Tasting and Tour Experiences

When it comes to wine tastings and tours, no one does it better than Hunter Valley wineries. Brokenwood has a range of experiences on offer throughout the year that provide a tantalising treat for the senses while offering an inside glimpse into our historic Cellar Door.

• Enjoy a casual wine tasting at our pods with Taste, a guided wine flight of 7 Brokenwood Varietal and Single Vineyard Wines. 
• Feeling a little peckish? Indulge in some delicious and perfectly paired canapés with Match. 
• For the real wine enthusiasts, Journey takes you on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and taste for the ultimate Brokenwood experience. 
• If you’re looking to stretch your legs and see even more of our stunning region, Icons of the Hunter hosts guided tours and tastings at three prestigious wineries (including ours, of course). 
• For the quintessential VIP indulgence, our Soil to Cellar experience takes you on an intimate journey through our flagship Graveyard Vineyard with private tastings of our award-winning Graveyard Shiraz.

When: Various times daily
*Soil to Cellar bookings on request
Where: Brokenwood Cellar Door, Pokolbin
Book Now

Image source: Hunter Valley Gardens

Family-Friendly Festivities

Warmer weather, longer days, fairy lights and festive carols. Christmas is well and truly on its way, and we are here for it! 

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with these must-do family-friendly activities in the Hunter Valley.

Christmas Lights Spectacular

The Hunter Valley Gardens annual Christmas Lights Spectacular is back for another year of dazzling displays, wild rides, roving entertainment and scrumptious bites. Located right next door to us, this iconic Christmas festival is a local favourite that attracts visitors from far and wide.

With over three million Christmas lights, a 14 metre Christmas tree, 8 metre tall gift stack and giant illuminated Santa to match, this is every little one’s Christmas wish come true!

Immerse yourself in a world of sparkling magic and festive cheer this Christmas.

When: 4th November 2022 - 26th January 2023, 5:30-10:30pm
Where: Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin
Purchase Tickets & View the Program

Image source: Wine Machine

Music Festival Frenzies

Did you know that two of Australia’s biggest music festivals take place in the Hunter Valley? 

Kicking off early next year, Wine Machine and the Red Hot Summer Tour are set to stir things up in Wine Country. Book your passes, plan your festival wardrobe and gather your friends for the ultimate blend of music, food and wine.

Wine Machine 2023

Sprawl out in splendour at Wine Machine, an extravagance of Australia’s best live music acts, finest wines and most delicious eats.

Dubbed a ‘garden-party picnic by day, fiesta by night’, this incredible festival features a jaw-dropping 2023 line-up including Lime Cordiale, Vera Blue, Touch Sensitive and The Kite String Tangle.

Setting up camp at the beautiful Dalwood Estate, Wine Machine at the Hunter Valley is looking to be an unmissable bespoke festival event.

When: 18th March 2023
Where: Dalwood Estate, Dalwood
Purchase Tickets & RSVP

Red Hot Summer Tour 2023

It’s getting hot out there in the Hunter, but in the best way possible, of course. The Red Hot Summer Tour is back and raring to go in a matter of months for a raucous day of Australia’s best in Rock n’ Roll.

Taking place at the nearby Roche Estate, this iconic tour features Aussie Rock legends Paul Kelly, Bernard Fanning, Missy Higgins, Troy Cassar-Daley and many more. Enjoy your favourite wines while escaping to the larger-than-life musical genius of our country’s most beloved acts.

When: 25th March 2023
Where: Roche Estate, Pokolbin
Purchase Tickets

Image source: Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival

Hunter Valley Highlights

When it comes to the Hunter Valley, there’s nothing that captures the true spirit of our beloved Wine Country more than these two fabulous events.

These fan favourites are cherished by locals and tourists alike, showcasing the region’s finest in winemaking, food and wares. 

Handmade in the Hunter Markets

If you’re on the hunt for local hidden treasures or one-of-a-kind gifts, the Handmade in the Hunter Markets will not disappoint. Known as the region’s only source of 100% handmade goods, Handmade in the Hunter boasts some of the finest art, woodwork, glass pieces, jewellery, home décor and fresh produce in New South Wales.

This ‘meet-the-maker’ market encourages guests to meet and speak with local artists, allowing you to experience each carefully crafted piece from its grass-roots origins through to its heartfelt sale.

Immerse yourself in the Hunter’s vibrant creative community while discovering a wide variety of unique treats and treasures. Be sure to reserve a few hours to allow for plenty of relaxed wandering through its labyrinth of stalls.

Upcoming dates: Saturday 17th December 9am-2pm, Tuesday 27th December 9am-2pm, Wednesday 28th December 9am-2pm. Be sure to check the market schedule for updated information.
Where: Sobels Wines, Pokolbin
*Free event

Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival 2023

Formerly known as the Hunter Valley Wine Festival, this lively community event celebrates the best in local winemaking, gourmet food and live entertainment. 

The Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival brings together the best in the biz for a day of action-packed revelry in picturesque Pokolbin. Hear expert talks, enjoy live music, experience premium wine, beer and cider tastings and indulge in exquisite food. There’s plenty for the kids to enjoy, too, with children’s activities sprinkled throughout the festival all day.

2023 exhibitors have yet to be announced, but you can be sure that many Hunter Valley vineyards will be represented on the day.

When: Saturday 24th June 2023
Where: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, Pokolbin
Book: Tickets available closer to the date. Visit the website for more information.

Visit the Hunter Valley

You’ll come for the food and wine but you’ll stay for the sense of community. There’s so much going on in our gorgeous region, from wine tastings and Cellar Door tours to music festivals and markets. 

Whether visiting for the festive season or a casual weekend getaway, there are plenty of Hunter Valley events to please every palate.

Start at our Terrace Wine Bar for drinks and hope aboard the shuttle (available Friday & Saturday from 3:30pm) to get to your next destination! 

Interested in hosting a private event at Brokenwood Wines? Complete our online form so we can make the occasion extra special for you and your guests.