DETAILS

FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Meet your guide and driver as you disembark the ship today for deluxe gourmet touring of the picturesque Hunter Valley, Australia’s most visited wine region. Wine grapes have been grown and processed in the Hunter Valley for more that 180 years, and the valley region now accounts for an estimated 6% of total Australian wine production.

Your first stop is Sandalyn Estate Olive Grove and Winery in the Lovedale area for a tasting of olive oils and wine. Sandalyn Estate is a family owned and operated boutique vineyard & winery offering a unique wine & food experience. As you enter the property you will drive through the vineyard past the olive grove to the Mediterranean style cellar surrounded by manicured gardens. Oils ain’t oils, and in your tasting you will learn all about identifying and evaluating olive oils and olive products in the stunning Hunter Valley. Sandalyn Estate has gained a reputation as a producer of premium red and white wines with distinctive and unique “Hunter” character. The sparkling wines include an unusual Methode Champenoise blend of Chardonnay and Verdelho and the “Fuchs” sparkling Shiraz. Sandalyn Wines are made from Estate grown and locally produced grape of the highest quality and are available only at cellar door, selected Restaurants and wine outlets.

Next, depart Sandalyn for Pokolbin and Pepper Tree Wines, which in recent years has received over 200 Australian and international awards. This state of the art boutique winery produces wines using grapes grown in key viticultural areas in the Hunter Valley, Orange, Coonawarra and Wratonbully. The winemaking team works closely with viticulturalists to ensure harvesting takes place at optimum ripeness. Today you will taste the results of their hard work and efforts and judge for yourself.

Following tasting at Pepper Tree Wines, enter Roberts Restaurant for an enticing gourmet lunch. Roberts style is Italian/French and your lunch is certain to be a gastronomic experience you won’t forget. The restaurant itself is set in an early settlers cottage on the grounds of Pepper Tree Wines in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Enjoy a three course meal with wine, while relaxing in the stunning green surrounds of the vineyard.

After lunch continue to nearby Hunter Valley Cheese Company for a tasting of handmade cheeses. The cheeses are all preservative free and manufactured on site to traditional cheese making recipes. Enter the preserves room to browse the world of fine Hunter Valley produce. Finally, take a relaxing drive back to Newcastle and your awaiting ship.
 
SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Tour the picturesque Hunter Valley today, Australia’s most visited wine region where wine grapes have been grown and processed for more that 180 years. First stop is Sandalyn Estate Olive Grove and Winery in the Lovedale area for a tasting of olive oils and wine at this unique family owned and operated boutique vineyard and winery. Next you will taste Pepper Tree Wines, ahead of an enticing gourmet lunch at Robert’s, highly respected among Australian foodies. Roberts style is Italian/French and your lunch is certain to be a gastronomic experience you won’t forget. After lunch enjoy a tasting at Hunter Valley Cheese Company before a relaxing drive back to Newcastle and your awaiting ship.
 
TIMING BREAKDOWN
0:00 Depart from pier
1:15 Arrive at Sandalyn Olive Grove and Winery for olive oil and wine tasting
2:15 Depart Sandalyn Olive Grove and Winery
2:45 Arrive at Pepper Tree Wines for wine tasting
3:30 Walk to Roberts Restaurant in the grounds of Pepper Tree Wines for lunch
4:45 Depart Roberts and Pepper Tree Wines
5:00 Arrive at Hunter Valley Cheese Company for cheese tasting
5:45 Depart Hunter Valley Cheese Company
7:00 Return to the ship

Approximate duration: 7 hours
 
OPERATIONAL NOTES
- Includes shipside collection, touring in air-conditioned coach with professional driver and guide, boutique wine, cheese and olive tasting, gourmet lunch and all entry fees
- Roberts tasting menu includes (subject to change):
Canapes
Basket of Bread
Artichoke and Tomato Tarte Tatin with a Rockette Salad
Roast Pear and Goat Cheese Wrapped in Prosciutto
Pork and Pistachio Terrine with Cornichon
Sauteed Asparagus Spears in Garlic Butter and Parmesan
Crisp Chicken Winglets with Chilli
King Prawns with Lemon and Coriander
Hunter Beef Fillet Medallions Bordelaise
Selection of Cheeses, Fruit, Nuts and Crackers
Tea, Coffee & Petit Fours
2 glasses of wine per person
- Must be 18 years and over to participate in wine tastings
- Activity Level is Mild

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