Four Ways to Experience the Hunter Valley – Accommodation

Tinonee Vineyard Estate, Spicers Guesthouse & Black Creek Paddock

At the end of a day exploring, there are few better ways to relax than by sitting around an open fire. There are two houses to choose from at Tinonee Vineyard Estate; the grand six-bedroom The Residence and the cosy two-bedroom The Cottage (or rent them both for up to 18 guests). Grab a bottle from the on-site cellar door and toast the day in front of the roaring log fire. At Spicers Guesthouse, you can also cap off the day with a glass of local wine around the fire pit, sharing stories with other guests and disconnecting from the world.

You’ll find things a lot more modern at Black Creek Paddock in Lovedale, an expansive four-bedroom home that sits on 43 hectares of bucolic countryside in Lovedale. To keep you nice and toasty, there’s a slow-combustion wood heater in the open-plan living and dining room, where large sliding doors open to the wraparound verandah and gorgeous views.

Spicers Vineyards Estate & Degen Estate

Romantic wine-country escapes don’t come much better than Spicers Vineyards Estate in Pokolbin. There’s the tranquil setting – complete with vineyard – generously-sized rooms and granite bathrooms, and the on-site Spa Anise, where treatments include an anti-ageing face treatment enriched with local grapes. The in-house restaurant, Restaurant Botanica, is set in its own pavilion and is one of the Hunter’s most acclaimed eateries. Also in Pokolbin you’ll find Degen Estate, a luxurious home that overlooks the vines of Degen Wines, also in Pokolbin. It comprises a main house and two cottages, sleeping 20 in total (across nine bedrooms, with 6.5 bathrooms), making it the perfect location if you’re planning a group escape to the Hunter. Features include wide verandahs to soak in those vineyard views, a pool, barbecue area and in-house catering by Hunter Concierge.

Allawah Estate & Arenridge

The views from Allawah Estate in Lovedale unspool towards the horizon, perfectly framed by the home’s cathedral ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. The stylish retreat is perfect if you’re travelling in a large group, with two living and dining rooms, an indoor games zone, pool and terrace, and even a bocce court. Keen cooks will love the chef’s kitchen – or, if you prefer someone else to do the hard work, a private chef can be arranged. You’ll find the vistas equally sublime at Broke’s Arenridge, which is set on its own private vineyard. You’ll no doubt spend most of your time in the beautifully appointed open-plan living, dining and kitchen space, or on the adjoining deck, where you can drink in the views of the vines and the hills in the distance. Whether you’re considering a summer or winter stay, the pool and fireplace make a stay here appealing year-round.

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley & Chateau Elan at The Vintage

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley in Lovedale is all about resort-style living, and you can choose from rooms, suites and villas, most with private balconies or courtyards. When you’re not off exploring the Hunter, there’s plenty to occupy you here, too – two pools (one exclusively for adults), a gym, kids’ zone, the Ubika Spa, and the on-site golf course, Hunter Valley Golf and Country Club. The signature restaurant, Redsalt, offers a five-course degustation that shows off local produce, paired with the best Hunter wines. If you're looking for a little luxury, check in to Chateau Elan at The Vintage. Overlooking rolling vineyards and the immaculate fairways of the Greg Norman-designed golf course, accommodation options include plush spa suites, studio villas, and one- and two-bedroom apartments. The spa is one of the largest in Australia and boasts an outdoor deck with Jacuzzis for a post-treatment glass of bubbles. Chateau Elan is connected to the Grand Mercure The Vintage, offering spacious apartments, a swimming pool and tennis courts.