Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, NSW · Autumn-Winter
Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival
Throughout May and June
The Hunter Valley Wine and Food Festival runs across May and June, when Australia's oldest wine region turns its quietest season into its most rewarding one. Cellar doors and restaurants around Pokolbin host long lunches, winemaker dinners, masterclasses and vineyard events throughout the two months.
The Hunter's semillon and shiraz are the anchors, and autumn brings misty mornings, clear days and vines turning gold. Because events are spread across many venues and weekends, you can build a weekend around a couple of bookings and fill the rest with cellar-door wandering. Designated drivers and tour operators do good business here.
- Food & Wine
- Regional Tourism
- When
- Throughout May and June
- How often
- Every year
- Venue
- Wineries and venues across the valley
- Crowd
- Estimated 50,000+ across events
- Entry
- Free + ticketed
- Setting
- Mixed
Dates shown follow the event's typical pattern; exact dates change each year, so confirm on the official site before booking travel.
Getting there by bus
Tell us where you're starting from and we'll find coach options to Newcastle, the nearest coach-served town.
The Hunter Valley vineyards are about 50 minutes by road from Newcastle, the nearest major coach-served city. There is no scheduled coach service to Pokolbin itself.
Fares and timetables are confirmed on the operator's site before you book.