Why Spring is the Best Time to Visit the Hunter Valley

With its picturesque landscape, wine tasting events, outdoor activities, culinary delights, and perfect weather, spring offers a unique and delightful experience for wine enthusiasta.

Join us as we explore the reasons why the Hunter Valley shines in spring, and why it's the ideal time to indulge in our exquisite wines.

The Beauty of Spring in the Hunter Valley

If you're looking to witness the stunning beauty of the Hunter Valley in full bloom, then spring is the perfect season to visit. The vineyards and surrounding landscapes come alive with vibrant colours as the weather warms up after the cooler months. 

In April, the weather starts to get milder with average temperatures ranging from 11 to 22 degrees Celsius, making it a pleasant time to explore the region without the scorching heat of summer. 

By October, the weather warms up further with average temperatures ranging from 14 to 26 degrees Celsius, providing a comfortable climate for outdoor activities.

Budburst Season

One of the most exciting times in the Hunter Valley wine region is during budburst, which typically occurs in early spring. 

Budburst marks the beginning of the new growing season, when the vines awaken from their winter dormancy and begin to produce new shoots and leaves. This is a crucial time for our winemakers, as the quality of the grapes is dependent on the health of the vines during this period.

Visiting the Hunter Valley during budburst offers a unique opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon firsthand. Our Hunter vineyards and Cellar Door are bustling with activity as our viticulturists tend to the flowering vines, preparing for the upcoming harvest.

Visit our Cellar Door or even book a vineyard tour through our VIP Soil to Cellar experience to witness this beautiful burst of springtime for yourself!

Wine Tastings and Events

Spring is the time when wineries in the Hunter Valley come alive with wine tastings and restaurant visits. It's the perfect opportunity to sample newly released wines from the latest vintage, and at Brokenwood Wines, we have a wide selection of wines that are perfect for spring.

What’s Drinking Well in Spring?

Vibrant, light wines are our go-to sips during the fresh months of spring. While there’s of course no hard and fast rules about which wines to drink in spring, we recommend light to medium-bodied wines or those with a nice zest, like a crisp Chardonnay or Semillon. 

Here are some of our top wine picks for spring:

Wine	Tasting notes	Pairs with
2022 Chardonnay	Fine, juicy citrus flavours with a long and pure acidity	Seafood, pasta and light meat dishes
2022 Rosato	Floral aromas with a hint of Turkish delight. Vibrant spice/ginger notes and a nice zesty acid.	Antipasti, grissini and charcuterie
2022 Indigo Vineyard Pinot Noir	A serious young Pinot Noir with fragrant red cherry, toasty oak, and wholebunch aromas.	Duck, quail and steak tartare

 

Embark on a Wine Tasting or Tour

As a leading winery in the Hunter Valley, we also host a range of wine events during spring, including relaxed wine tastings and indulgent vineyard tours. You can discover the deliciousness and variety of our wines while learning about the winemaking process, Brokenwood history, and the art of wine tasting itself. 

Some of our tasting and tour highlights include:

• A premium selection of Brokenwood Varietal and Single Vineyard wines to taste
• Perfectly paired canapés as part of our Match experience
• Expert insights on wine and pairings from our Cellar Door Cru
• Access to our famous Graveyard Vineyard as part of our Journey experience
• Private tours of neighbouring Hunter Valley vineyards as part of our Icons of the Hunter experience
• Personalised behind the scenes tour and tasting featuring our flagship Graveyard Shiraz as part of our Soil to Cellar experience

Image credit: Hunter Valley Gardens

Outdoor Activities and Attractions

Spring in the Hunter Valley offers a plethora of outdoor activities and attractions to suit every palate and preference. From scenic vineyard visits to hot air balloon rides over the picturesque landscape, there's something for everyone. Spring truly is the best time to visit the Hunter Valley with its plethora of must-do activities.  

For the Adventure Seekers

If you're looking for a bit more adventure, why not take a hot air balloon ride and experience the Hunter Valley from a unique perspective? Soaring above the vineyards, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the stunning landscape and can toast to the beauty of spring with a glass of Brokenwood wine in hand. 

Springtime Blooms

Spring is synonymous with growth, and in the Hunter Valley, there’s no shortage of gorgeous flora to drink in during this magical time of year. The Hunter Valley Gardens, with its vibrant floral displays, is at the top of the list for nature lovers and vineyard visitors alike.

The gardens are alive with colour during spring, with blooming flowers and blossoming trees creating a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The gardens also host events and festivals during spring, making it an exciting destination for the whole family. Visit their website to find upcoming events and start planning your Hunter Valley spring experience!

We’ve got a great guide on things to do in the Hunter Valley when you visit our Cellar Door. Read it here for more inspiration.

Culinary Delights

Spring is a gastronomic delight in the Hunter Valley, with an abundance of fresh produce and seasonal flavours to indulge in. Many of the region's restaurants and cafes showcase local ingredients in their menus, and at Brokenwood Wines, we’re proud to be part of the local food scene. 

The Best Hunter Valley Restaurant to Visit in Spring

The Wood Restaurant and Terrace Wine Bar, our acclaimed on-site Hunter Valley restaurants, offer a range of delicious dishes made with locally sourced produce, expertly crafted to complement our wines. From flavourful salads to fresh seafood to succulent meats cooked to perfection, you can savour the flavours of spring while enjoying our wines in a relaxing and picturesque setting.

Discover The Wood's brand new menu! It's brimming with revamped offerings, filled delectable dishes and bursting with the freshest local produce from our incredible nearby farmers and growers.

Weather in the Hunter Valley

Wine Country boasts a range of enticing climates that each offer their own unique charms and flair. Whether you want to feel that fresh nip in the air as you sip a rich glass of red during winter, or sprawl in the warming autumn afternoon sunshine, there's truly never a bad time to visit the Hunter Valley – though we have to say, we’re pretty partial to the vibrant freshness that comes with visiting in spring.

Hunter Valley in June and July

While spring officially begins in September, the weather in the Hunter Valley during June and July can still be cool, with average temperatures ranging from 7 to 17 degrees Celsius. However, this cooler weather brings its own charm to the region. 

The vineyards are draped in misty mornings, creating a serene and mystical ambiance. It's the perfect time to cosy up by the fireplace with a glass of red wine and enjoy the tranquillity of the season. 

Our flagship Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, with its complex flavours of dark fruits, spice and oak, is a perfect choice for those toasty warm moments. This wine has excellent cellaring potential and is currently available in limited quantities on our website, making it a special addition to your winter collection.

Hunter Valley Weather in April and October

As spring progresses, the weather in the Hunter Valley starts to warm up, with April and October being transitional months. In April, the average temperatures range from 11 to 22 degrees Celsius, while in October, the temperatures range from 14 to 26 degrees Celsius. 

These months offer the perfect climate for outdoor activities and wine tasting adventures, with the vineyards in full bloom and the landscapes bursting with colour. It's the ideal time to plan a visit to the Hunter Valley and indulge in the delights of spring.

Plan Your Visit to Brokenwood Wines

Spring is the best time to visit the Hunter Valley and experience the region's natural beauty, culinary delights, and world-class wines. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a foodie, or a nature lover, there's something for everyone in picturesque Wine Country.

From outdoor activities and winery visits to indulging in local cuisine and attending spring events, there's no shortage of things to do and see. And at Brokenwood Wines, we're proud to be part of this vibrant wine region, offering our premium wines to enhance your Hunter Valley experience and ensure you have the most fun possible on your trip. 

Visit our website to plan your visit to our Cellar Door and get ready for a memorable spring getaway in the heart of vibrant Wine Country. Cheers to a delightful spring in the Hunter Valley!