These are Lucy and Jason’s personal recommendations for what to see and do to make the most of your Hunter Valley holiday.
Getting Around: There are many transport providers ask us to help and we will give you all of the information you will need.
AT BLOCK EIGHT With 100 acres to explore here’s what we love doing most:
Stroll the vineyard (15 acres)
Stroll the olive groves (10 acres)
We are home to kangaroos, wallabies, goannas, possums, sugar gliders and scores of birds including galahs, kookaburras, magpies, white-winged choughs, ibis, swamphens, ducks, swans and many more
Explore our natural bushland areas and creeks
Take a six kilometre walk or run along country roads
Enjoy a glass of fabulous Block Eight wine on the deck of the wine room at sunset, accompanied by some amazing cheese, the ultimate relaxation therapy and the most amazing sunset birdsong to complete a perfect stay.
Our favourite Hunter restaurants
eRemo restaurant at Spicer’s Guesthouse consistently hits an amazing standard of food and service. Well worth a visit.
Restaurant Botanica amazing winelist, fresh seasonal ingredients grown on the property and very friendly staff in a relaxed setting
Margan high end dining with views of sheer perfection, well worth the drive out to Broke
Royal Federal Hotel our local little secret, best pub food in the Hunter and great for kids
Meltdown Cafe at Huntlee. This cafe is just fabulous. By far the best coffee in the area and the food has a distinctly South American vibe that makes the humble omelette so much more. Well worth a visit.
Cafe Enzo The setting here is just outstanding just a beautiful building and breakfast here is amazing. You will need a booking.
Lillinos Trattoria Host Luigi will welcome you to a menu of traditional Sardinian food. Just always very good. Be prepared to eat well. Trust me that the Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Bechemel sauce is memorable.
Jimmy Joans If cocktails and bar food is your scene then try this place. Located in Lovedale it is just a few minutes from Block Eight. For more formal dining they also have a restaurant with a more extensive menu but will need to be booked.
You know about all the big ones, but for something different try smaller cellar doors and discover fantastic boutique wines.
Binet Dan makes Block Eight’s wines and his Binet varietals pack a punch. Especially the pinot grigio.
Vinden Estate with a wide range of wines available in a relaxed setting, not a single one disappointed. Outstanding!
Usher Tinkler every single wine is a winner! Atmospheric cellar door inside an old church and a great selection of picnic ingredients to take away to one of the Hunter’s beautiful look outs or enjoy on site.
Oakvale fantastic semillon, verdelho and rose plus a few surprises like cider and bellini.
Pierre’s it’s a bit out of the way but if you love sparkling you won’t be disappointed and a chance to get close to the winemaker himself.
Brokenwood okay it is a bigger name but the staff and venue make it feel you’ve discovered a secret and their wines (particularly the reserves) are better than most.
Gundog Estate some of the friendliest cellar door staff you’ll meet and outstanding wines from hot young winemaker Matt Burton.
The Hunter Valley is so much more than just fine wine and dining. Here’s what else we love to do:
Hunter Valley Gardens breathtaking attention to detail and often host to family-oriented events such as the Christmas Lights spectacular and Winter in July
Hunter Valley Zoo it’s small but that gives kids (and grown-ups) a chance of a close encounter – plus they have lions!
Hunter Distillery take a break from the wine and try amazing home grown spirits but definitely don’t think about driving home
Binnorie Dairy grab some delicious local cheeses to have with the wines you’ve bought throughout the day
Hunter Private Tours tour the vineyards in style and comfort in a luxury vehicle. Sure beats elbowing others out of the way on a small bus!
Constable Estate good wine with amazing sculpture and one of the best 180 degree lookouts in the entire Hunter
Hunter Valley Joy Flights run by great people, tour the vintage planes before your tiger moth flight (ask for an upgrade and they will fly you over our property for a unique perspective plus you get to fly the plane yourself!)
Ask us about other places you’re thinking of going, and how to get there.
Image courtesy of Hunter Valley Gardens
Belford Block Eight provides luxury accommodation over 100 tranquil acres and makes beautiful single vineyard wines.