What to Do in the Hunter Valley for the Perfect Romantic Weekend Escape

Quaint country hideaways, sprawling vineyard views and exquisite food and wine. The Hunter Valley ticks all the heart-shaped boxes for the perfect romantic getaway - and it’s not only about wine tastings (although these are of course essential to any couple’s escape).

Whether you’re planning an extra special Valentine’s Day in the Hunter Valley or spoiling your loved one with an indulgent weekend to Wine Country, our gorgeous region has plenty on offer to create a truly memorable romantic trip. 

From culinary delights to charming local attractions, we’ve compiled your very own Hunter Valley weekend itinerary to share with someone special.

Day One: Let Sparks Fly at Brokenwood

Spark your romantic retreat with a long, luxurious day at Brokenwood Wines. Allow our staff to indulge you in the finest vintages and local produce on offer, all while taking in gorgeous scenery and sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards with your loved one.

Cruise into our Cellar Door to enjoy a day of excellent wine, fresh local food, live music and intimately cosy settings.

Bookings are essential to ensure you get the best Brokenwood experience, so visit our website when planning your Hunter Valley weekend.

11AM: Wine Tasting

Sit back and relax as our experienced staff lead you through a wine tasting experience to pamper the senses. A Brokenwood wine tasting imbues all the artistic flair of our winemakers with the quintessential charm of the Hunter Valley region, making it the perfect introduction to your romantic weekend away.

From a casual Taste experience around one of our pods overlooking the Terrace to an exclusive behind the scenes Journey taste and tour, we’ve got something for every wine-loving couple. 

12:30PM: Lunch at Cru Bar + Pantry

Following your tasting, take a seat at Cru Bar + Pantry for a vibrant yet relaxed lunch featuring delicious summer bites. Our daytime eatery overlooks our lawns and is situated in the heart of our Cellar Door, so you can enjoy the buzz of fellow guests, tour guides and sommeliers alike. 

After lunch, wind down with a quiet stroll along the green, or visit our upstairs Twenty70 pop-up tasting lounge* for a flair of romantic retro fun and the chance to try our brand new vegan-friendly wines. 

*Bookings are essential. Tastings available on Fridays and Saturdays only.

3:30PM: Live Music at Terrace Wine Bar

Make your way back to Terrace Wine Bar to catch live music from 3:30pm. Indulge in your favourite wines, share a charcuterie or cheese board filled with the finest local delicacies, and relax in the warm summer air.

Live Music at Terrace Wine Bar takes place on Friday and Saturday afternoons only, so take this as your sign to book that romantic weekend escape!

6PM: Dinner at The Wood Restaurant

Finish off your Friday or Saturday evening with an exquisite dinner at The Wood. Cosy up in a twinkling, intimate atmosphere and allow us to take you on a culinary adventure through four delicious courses.

Each dish features the best locally sourced produce and is artfully matched with our summer wine list. Taste in new season green asparagus, fresh crystal bay prawns and wood roasted Red Gate Farm quail alongside a flight of premium Brokenwood wines handpicked to complement each mouthful.

View The Wood’s new summer menu here.

Image source: Hunter Valley Ballooning

Day Two: Embrace the Magic of the Hunter Valley

There’s nothing more picturesque than crisp country morning air and spectacular vineyard views to celebrate a romantic weekend away. Now that you’ve relaxed and enjoyed some of our finest Cellar Door offerings, it’s time to get out into the sweeping expanse of the Hunter and rekindle the romance.

6AM: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

When deciding what to do in the Hunter Valley aside from delicious wine tastings, this is one activity we just can’t go past. Wake up before the sun and breathe in the fresh country air as you make your way to the sleepy hills for one of the Hunter’s most iconic (and deeply romantic) attractions. Floating through the crisp, misty air and watching the sun rise over sprawling vineyards is truly incomparable.

There are a number of Hot Air Balloon attractions on offer throughout the region, such as Hunter Valley Ballooning and Balloon Aloft, most of which offer a delicious breakfast for two following your flight. 

12PM: Romantic Horse Carriage Tour

There are few things more romantic than an idyllic horse drawn carriage ride through picturesque Wine Country. Cosy up in a comfortable carriage and let the hills and vineyards roll by as you’re led through the quiet Pokolbin countryside.

Hunter Valley horse carriage rides wind through the Valley to stop at select wineries and culinary attractions, offering a unique and delicious private tour that’s sure to impress. 

Choose from a variety of lovely hosts, including Hunter Valley Horses or Hunter Valley Classic Carriages, and soak in a blissful day of stunning scenery and even better wine.

3PM: Browse the Local Wares

Driving through the bushland-lined roads of Pokolbin throughout the weekend, you may notice several quaint-looking countryside hotspots. Take your loved one on a relaxed browse through some of our region’s finest wares, produce, markets and boutique stores - and be prepared to treat them to something special!

Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company and indulge in mouth watering house-made chocolates, gelato, fudge and coffee. Discover hidden gems at the Handmade in the Hunter Markets*, which houses a plethora of gorgeous art, clothing, gifts and delicacies. Finally, our personal favourite is the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop, your one-stop-shop for all the best fresh cheeses and local specialties to enjoy with your evening wine.

*Markets are subject to schedule changes.

7PM: Sunset Picnic at Pokolbin Park

Wine-down your romantic weekend in the Hunter Valley with a classic couple’s activity: a sunset picnic in the heart of beautiful Wine Country. Visit Cru Bar + Pantry to order our delicious Hog’s Head Charcuterie, Barrique Cheese Board or house made pizzas to takeaway, along with a couple of your favourite wines, of course. Pack it all in a basket and take your beau to a picture-perfect spot on the hillside to savour the romance.

Image credit: Destination NSW

Book Your Romantic Escape Now

If you’re planning what to do in the Hunter Valley this weekend, or looking ahead for your next romantic getaway, our picturesque Pokolbin winery and surrounding attractions are sure to impress. 

Visit our website to reserve your tasting, tour and dining experiences. Our staff are also more than happy to help you create the perfect bespoke itinerary for your weekend away, so get in touch with us for some insider information on our best local offerings.