Australia - Hunter Valley

Finally, after sailing and Sydney we headed about two hours north for relaxation in the Hunter Valley. This is a small wine making region tucked between the coast and the 'mountains'. We stayed three nights at Chez Vous Villas with some gracious hosts. From there you are stumbling distance to delicious dining at Roberts.
Well fed and well rested we arranged for a small charter bus to take us around to several wineries the next day. Ian, from the Cheers Bus was a perfect tour guide - knowledgeable, but not too organized or formal. Most all of the wineries in the Hunter are boutique sized, but Ian took us to the smallest of the small. We especially enjoyed Ivanhoe, Peacock Hill, and Oakvale. Also enjoyable was the Peterson Champagne House.

The second day we rented bikes from two guys in a barn. They ran a small bike rental business and the Pokolbin Brothers Wines. Riding around in the sun (you can't do that for about 6-7 months each year up here), sipping wines, and snacking made this an enjoyable and relaxing today.

Recommendations: Cheers Bus for transport, Chez Vous to sleep, Roberts to eat, Ivanhoe, Peacock Hill, Oakvale, and Pokolbin Brothers to drink, the Smelly Cheese Shop for snacks, rent a bike.

Things we learned: 1) Semillion is a delicious not-too-sweet white wine which the Hunter Valley is known for. 2) Sparkling Shiraz is a tasty drink.

A few photos are posted here.