- Your Hunter Valley Magazine
Old But Far from Old-Fashioned | The Parish of Pokolbin
The Hunter Valley is a testament to nature's artistry, particularly during autumn.
As the summer heat mellows into cooler days and crisper nights, the valley transforms into a kaleidoscope of warm hues, offering visitors a picturesque vista filled with wine, culinary delights, and captivating landscapes – especially in the southern part of Pokolbin known as the Parish of Pokolbin.
Established (officially) in the 1880s, the ‘Parish’ is the oldest wine region in Australia – but that doesn’t mean it is old-fashioned! This area stretches from Broke Road to Oakey Creek Road and encompasses some of the Hunter Valley region’s best viticulture sites, some of the most modern architecture in Wine Country and a litany of new varieties
alongside old favourites.
Unsurprisingly, it’s also home to many of the area’s most popular places to wine, dine, shop, stay and play – and back in 2010, several such destinations came together to form the Parish of Pokolbin group and build on the area’s solid foundation of history, heritage, and unique character.
Although much of the Hunter Valley region is labelled ‘Pokolbin’, the Parish of Pokolbin is a distinct area lying at the foothills of the Brokenback Range in the southern part of the Valley. As a result, the area includes the names of some of the early pioneering families who continue to leave their mark on the wine industry.
The ideal viticultural conditions of the Parish produce some of the most highly regarded examples of the acclaimed Hunter Valley wine styles of Shiraz, Semillon, Verdelho and Chardonnay, but you’ll also find varieties not commonly seen in the region like Tempranillo, Fiano, Grenache, Vermentino and Nebbiolo promising an authentic and unique curated wine experience for both the novice and expert wine enthusiast. The Parish is also home to an abundance of eating opportunities, from fine dining to organic, casual and everything in between. Hatted establishments sit alongside cafes and casual fare to create a true foodie destination committed to showcasing the region's produce.
Explore the history of Australia’s oldest wine region this autumn and experience the gourmet delights of the valley against the backdrop of some of the Hunter’s most stunning vistas.
Visit www.wineanddinehuntervalley.com.au to plan your journey along the Parish of Pokolbin Wine & Food trail, or scan the code to get it on your mobile!
