Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival: Our First Visit

Now in its 14th year, the Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival has become a much-loved fixture on the region’s winter calendar, bringing together wineries, breweries, distilleries, artisan food producers and wine lovers for a weekend of celebration.

Despite its long-standing reputation, this was our very first visit and it certainly was a great day!

A special thank you to Carolin for inviting us along. It was the perfect opportunity to experience everything the festival is known for: exceptional wines, passionate producers and the welcoming community that makes the Hunter Valley one of Australia’s most beloved wine regions.

From catching up with familiar faces to discovering new Hunter Valley wines and chatting with what’s new with the winemakers, it was a day that reminded us why wine is always about so much more than what’s in the glass.

Familiar Faces Before the First Pour

Before we made our way to the tasting stands, we found ourselves doing what we enjoy most at wine events, catching up with friends.

One of the busiest people at the festival was Brendan from The Wine Animal, who hosted the festival’s wine masterclasses throughout the day. Whether guiding guests through regional tastings or sharing his infectious enthusiasm for Australian wine, Brendan brought plenty of energy to every session.

It’s been a while since we last saw Claire from What’s the Wine?, who was delighting fans with her now-iconic Barbie Wine Meme tees. Equal parts witty and relatable, Claire has built a loyal following by bringing humour to the world of wine, proving that learning about wine doesn’t always have to be serious.

Soaking Up the Festival Atmosphere

One of the biggest surprises was just how welcoming the festival felt for families. We brought the kids along, and they quickly found their own ways to enjoy the day with taco eating competitions, kids play area while we enjoyed wondering the lawn checking out the stands.

With live music setting the soundtrack, food stalls serving everything from gourmet bites to sweet treats, and wide open lawns perfect for spreading out, there was plenty of space for everyone to enjoy themselves. Visitors settled in with a glass of wine, children played nearby, and friends gathered under the winter sunshine.

Exploring the Tasting Stands

Eventually, we made our way inside to where all the tasting was happening.

We wandered through the tasting stands, revisiting producers we’ve admired for years, including Thomas Wines, Lambs Valley Wines and De Iuliis, while also meeting the team behind AEON Wines for the very first time.

One of our favourite conversations was with Alisdair Tulloch, a fifth-generation Hunter Valley winemaker and the son of Keith Tulloch. While continuing his family’s winemaking legacy, Alisdair has also stepped out with his own label, AEON Wines, bringing a fresh perspective to the region through small-batch, contemporary wines.

We also had the opportunity to meet Jade, winemaker at De Iuliis Wines. Hearing directly from the people crafting the wines always adds another layer to the tasting experience, offering insights you simply can’t get from the label alone.

Beyond the Podcast

One of the most rewarding parts of working in the Australian wine industry is seeing the people we’ve had on the TWU podcast continue to grow.

It has been a pleasure watching Aaron Mercer from Mercer Wines build his family’s brand into one of the Hunter Valley’s most recognised boutique wineries. Equally exciting has been following Dan’s evolution as a winemaker, now producing his own wines under the Thomas Wines label while continuing the legacy established by his father.

These stories remind us that wine is always evolving. Behind every new release is another chapter of hard work, innovation and passion, something we’re privileged to witness long after the microphones have been packed away.

A Day Well Spent

For our first Hunter Valley Wine & Beer Festival, we couldn’t have asked for a better introduction. Between reconnecting with people, meeting new winemakers and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere with the kids, it was a wonderful way to spend a winter’s day in wine country.

If you happen to be in the Hunter Valley when the festival is on, it’s well worth dropping in. Whether you’re discovering the region for the first time or simply looking for a relaxed afternoon of wine, food and conversation, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Planning a trip?

If you’re planning a weekend in the Hunter Valley, don’t stop at the festival. Extend your stay by visiting the cellar doors, restaurants and local attractions that make the region one of Australia’s premier food and wine destinations.

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Marisa
Marisa
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