WHAT’S ON At The Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre In October?

Join our friendly team at the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre in October for some inspiration on things do during Spring.

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October starts heating up with warmer weather, and exciting activities. Join our friendly team at the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre in October for our inside scoop into the best experiences for the School Holidays. The little ones are not forgotten in the Hunter Valley with School Holidays occurring in the first half of the month and a whole range of activities and adventures being featured in the Centre.

Oktoberfest – Lots to enjoy for grown-ups too! For the month of October, our themed display at the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre is "Oktoberfest" where we are looking at a European indulgence within Wine Country. We assure you, in the Hunter Valley the beer is flowing, grapes growing, wine maturing and our cider will be very tempting! Just to make sure we get into the true flow of Oktoberfest, visitors can celebrate with great German craft beer every weekend in October!

• Book a noon or afternoon beer session at Two Fat Blokes offering a German-inspired menu, live music and a selection of Hunter Valley German craft beers from Potters Brewery and Peter Drayton’s Brewhouse. Every Saturday in October!

• Join a mate for a special Oktoberfest beer dinner and love of all things German at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on 12 October. A five-course degustation matched to beers from Sydney Brewery Hunter Valley! Guests will begin with a tour of the brewery, fuelled by good food, great banter and excellent beers.

Spring Events There is so much happening in the valley this Spring! We have a great range of information and are featuring some of the many events which are occurring during October, including a great range of shows at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Walking with the Llamas at Ben Ean (7th October), FKA Festival at Hope Estate (13th October), Winery Long Lunches at Calais Estate (20th October) and the American Spoking BBQ at Potters Hotel Brewery Resort (27th October).

Branxton and Greta in the Spotlight Each month the Centre highlights a different precinct within the Hunter Valley. This month we are focussing on the Branxton Greta region with all it has to offer both the locals and visitors. Located at the northern gateways to Hunter Valley Wine Country, Branxton Greta is a beautiful little corner of the valley providing visitors with a chance to explore the heritage and culture of some of Australia's winemaking origins. Established on the beautiful Hunter River in 1828, Dalwood Estate is regarded as the birthplace of Hunter Valley wine and is arguably the oldest vineyard in Australia.

Branxton and Greta have retained all of their historical charms, with fine colonial architecture and friendly locals. Branxton is also a popular destination for RV tourists. The hotels in Branxton Greta are the perfect example of rural Australian pub culture.

Drop into the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre for more information about what’s on this Spring. You’ll find us at 455 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin.

Rhiannon Stevens Cessnock City Council■