Just two hours away from downtown Sydney, the Hunter Valley is New South Wales' premier wine growing region. The village of Pokolbin is the heart of this region. To look at this prosperous village today without knowing anything of its past, you would think that it had always been a wine lover's paradise, but such is not the case.
The accounts vary, but it is believed that the first vineyard begun in the Hunter Valley was established by the Wilkinson family in 1828 or by the Drayton family in Pokolbin in 1830. In either case, vine growing has a long history in the region. The first European settlers found that the region's soil and climate were suited to growing grapes and brought cuttings with them from Europe.
Today, there are dozens of wineries in the region. Large establishments like Tyrrell and Lindeman have a very visible presence in the area, while some of the smaller boutique wineries have to be discovered. Finding these is one of the joys of touring the Pokolbin region.
Aside from the Shiraz and Semillon varieties the Hunter region is renowned for, today, many other varieties of wine can be discovered in the region. Hunter Valley Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons are becoming increasingly popular, as is Pinot Noir. The region is blessed with good soil and its location near the coast helps protect it from extreme weather conditions, but occasional frosts and heat waves pose challenges to vintners.
It comes as a surprise to many newcomers when they learn that the Pokolbin region has not always been known for its wines. For over a century, mining was the principle industry in the area. After many of the mines were closed in the sixties, wine making took over as the primary local industry. By then, the vines had matured and the vintners were ready to start making their mark on the world.
Also in the 60s, wine started to become a popular beverage in Australia and the Hunter Valley wines were counted among Australia's best. Since the Hunter was so close to Sydney, it gradually became a popular holiday destination. Gradually, resorts, golf clubs, restaurants, galleries and other attractions were built to accommodate the tourists. Today, while wine remains the principal attraction in Pokolbin, it is by no means the only attraction.
Tucked away against the Brokenback Ranges not far from Pokolbin is the Hunter Valley Garden, a popular destination for families. This large, beautifully landscaped "garden" of over 25 hectares is actually divided into twelve separate feature gardens. Designed to be a family attraction, the Hunter Valley Garden hosts regular holiday events such as their annual Easter Egg Hunt. On the third Sunday of each month, they host a local market that attracts artists and artisans from all over the region.
There are so many Pokolbin accommodations to choose from, you may to do some looking around before you decide on the one that's best for you. Whatever your budget or preferences are, you will find something that's perfect for you. By all means, spend at least a night in Pokolbin or you won't be able to get the most out of your visit to the Hunter Valley.
Planning a your next vacation with the family, find <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookitnow.com.au/accommodation/nsw/hunter-valley/pokolbin/1/">Pokolbin accommodations</a>, the best attractions and other travel related information about the area on <a target="_new" href="http://www.bookitnow.com.au/">www.bookitnow.com.au</a>. Or visit our <a target="_new" href="http://travelblog.bookitnow.com.au/">travel blog</a> for more Australian holiday ideas.
