As we drove along the windy scenic roads when we visited the Hunter Valley a couple of months ago, we decided we should definitely return; and bring our bikes too.
So we did just that this weekend.
We stayed in the same hotel as last time, Spicers Vineyards Estate, as we had really enjoyed our last stay - and knew it had a delicious restaurant on site, which we felt we would need after an afternoon of cycling (and maybe some wine tasting too...)
Using the express way, it took 2 hours to reach the hotel from Sydney; so after a leisurely start to the morning, and a quick pack, as well as stopping for lunch, we were there by 1pm. Ready for an afternoon cycle.
From our previous stay we already had a map, as well as a vineyard - recommended by one of the vineyards we visited last time, we were sold as soon as we heard they produced a 'liquid Christmas cake'. We eyed up a rough route and set out in the sunshine. From the off we seemed to hit a slow and steady incline, and in 26+ degrees and bright sunshine I really felt the fact I hadn't cycled for around 18 months, but the promise of this tasty cake + alcohol mix = our carrot on a stick, and we ploughed on up and up and up...
Our route took us on unsealed roads, which added the the beauty of the cycle for us. Only a couple of cars passed us as we weaved through vineyards, before rounding a corner and arriving in a landscape which had a hint of Italy to it:
Through this Italy, and down - and up - and incredibly long driveway, and we arrived at our chosen vineyard, Macquariedale Organic Wines. An organic producer, they have made a red wine this year which contains no additives of preservatives whatsoever - so best drunk within a year. OK then...not too much of a problem... Apparently, around 60 preservatives can be in a bottle of wine. No wonder some give you headaches the morning after!
The liquid Christmas cake was nice, but as true Christmas cake fans (i.e. totally obsessed, hard and fast fanatics), it wasn't exactly what we expected, turning out to be more like a very rich Madeira wine. The other recommendation for the vineyard, the unwooded Chardonnay, was absolutely delicious though! We had a little sample of a few others - all tasted pretty good - and as we did so we were joined by a big Greek family, who upon sampling most of the wines, became very animated. Mother proceeded to tell the proprietor how to make Dolomades with his vine leaves, whilst Father excitedly described to T and myself the hailstones which had broken some glass. By the end of the 'conversation' we still weren't sure if it was a glass window, car window, or a glass ornament that had been broken.
We bought a couple of bottles and, seeing our mode of transport, the owner offered to drop them off at the hotel that evening. (We were going to ask if we could pick them up the following morning but apparently it was the local Christmas Party, so he wasn't going to be opening up the Cellar door that day. What a Christmas Party - a bunch of vineyard owners each providing a couple of bottles of wine...)
Back on the road, we continued our cycle loop, with only a minimal time spent on the main road thankfully. The Hunter Valley definitely isn't flat. Those hills which don't seem much in the car, can be pretty long on the incline! After 30km the sight of the hotel driveway was a welcome sight!
After a recharge on some of the hotels complimentary mini bar items (although not even 30km of cycling could make me like Australian Cadbury chocolate), we wondered, achey legged, the short distance over to the restaurant. I had told them upon booking that it was T's birthday, so they poured a us a free glass of Hunter Valley, bubbles.
We then had a lovely meal watching the sun set over the hotel's vines...
We then had a lovely meal watching the sun set over the hotel's vines...
...finished off with a Happy Birthday Rocky Road dessert:
Opening the bedroom shutters the following morning we were greeted by bright blue skies again, and the sight of kangaroos hopping around in the hotel's grounds. (Yes, you have got me there, for all the talk about how lovely the rooms are, and the great restaurant, we really came back because they have kangaroos...).
After a relaxed breakfast in our room, we made our way back to Sydney along the winding back route after stopping in to buy some cheese for Christmas at one of the Hunter's cheese shops, The Smelly Cheese Shop. The cheese we bought lived up to the shops name, and was indeed very smelly.
Albie was delighted when we returned home - not only because we were back, but because of the smelly blue-cheese package he found in the cool bag!
After a relaxed breakfast in our room, we made our way back to Sydney along the winding back route after stopping in to buy some cheese for Christmas at one of the Hunter's cheese shops, The Smelly Cheese Shop. The cheese we bought lived up to the shops name, and was indeed very smelly.
Albie was delighted when we returned home - not only because we were back, but because of the smelly blue-cheese package he found in the cool bag!