Plan the Perfect Hunter Valley Weekend for Two

A romantic 3-day Hunter Valley itinerary with wineries, markets, and scenic drives — perfect for couples wanting a relaxed NSW wine country escape.

The Hunter Valley has a way of slowing you down — in the best possible way.
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, this wine region in New South Wales invites you to take your foot off the pedal, breathe in the country air, and savour moments together.

For us, it was Phil’s third visit and my second, and we were ready for a relaxing weekend with plenty of good food, great wine, and unhurried time as a couple. We travelled from Blackheath via the scenic Putty Road, making a couple of stops along the way before settling into our home base at Pokolbin Village Estate.

This blog shares exactly what we did over our three-night stay, plus some tips to help you plan your own romantic escape. You can also watch our Hunter Valley video series for a closer look at the accommodation, daily adventures, and even Phil’s winemaking class.

Need to Know About the Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, and it’s a perfect getaway for couples — whether you’re there for a romantic weekend, a midweek escape, or as part of a longer road trip. You’ll find award-winning wineries, boutique accommodation, gourmet food, markets, and plenty of space to slow down and reconnect.

Here’s a quick overview of some basics to get you started.

Location:
Around 2 hours drive north of Sydney (depending on your route), or about 1 hour west of Newcastle. The scenic Putty Road drive from the Blue Mountains is a beautiful option.

Money:
Australian Dollar (AUD). Cards are widely accepted, but it’s worth carrying some cash for markets, smaller cafes, and roadside stalls.

Weather:
The Hunter Valley is accessible year-round.

Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm to hot days, perfect for long evenings outdoors.

Autumn (Mar–May): Mild and colourful — a great time for wine tasting.

Winter (Jun–Aug): Crisp mornings and sunny days, ideal for cosy fireside dinners.

Spring (Sep–Nov): Lush vineyards and flowering gardens.

Getting Around:
You’ll need a car to explore easily — distances between wineries, towns, and attractions can be longer than expected. Local tours are available if you prefer not to drive after tasting.

Language:
English is the official language.
Here are a few Aussie basics you might hear:

G’day – Hello

Arvo – Afternoon

Servo – Petrol station

Cheers – Thank you

Insider Tip:
Weekends can get busy, especially during event periods and harvest season. If possible, try a midweek visit for a quieter experience and more personalised service at wineries. We visited on a weekend at the start of winter — the weather was pleasant, and it wasn’t overly busy, making it easy to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Friday: Scenic Drive & Arrival

We set off from Blackheath and took the scenic Putty Road route. It’s a beautiful drive with plenty of twists and turns, and we broke up the trip with a nature stop and a wander through a small country town.

By the time we arrived at Pokolbin Village Estate after 3 pm, we were ready to check in, unpack, and let the weekend mood settle in. The property’s location meant we could be at wineries, shops, and markets within minutes — without feeling like we were in the middle of the tourist trail.

Couples’ Take: Use your first evening to slow down. Share a glass of wine on the verandah, or go for a walk to watch the sunset over the vineyards. We found a Winery that had wood-fired pizza, and sitting in the wine garden was a great way to start our weekend.

We created a video for the trip. The Putty Road is a fantastic road trip.

Day 2 – Saturday: Markets, Olives & Wine

Saturday mornings are made for markets, so we headed to the Hunter Valley Markets. We browsed stalls of local produce, handmade goods, and tempting snacks, then enjoyed an olive tasting and wine pairing at Andina Wines—the perfect savoury start to the day. From there, we visited the small markets at De Bortoli Wines; we preferred the Hunter Valley Markets.

The afternoon was all about wine, cheese and chocolate. We chose just a couple of wineries to visit so we could take our time with each tasting, ask questions, and enjoy the views. The chocolate shop was lovely, and we brought fudge and chocolates, of course. Want to see if you would visit these places? Check out this Video.

Couples’ Take: Less is more. Pick two or three wineries per day so you’re not rushing and you actually remember what you’ve tasted.

Day 3 – Sunday: Murals, Shopping & Wine Pairing

We started the day with breakfast in Kurri Kurri and then visited the murals, each one telling a different story about the town’s history and culture. The murals were interesting, the breakfast not so much.

Back in Pokolbin, we spent some time browsing the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village and Pepper Creek Village, picking up a few treats to take home and enjoyed a second breakfast.

The afternoon highlight was a wine and cheese pairing at McCaffery’s Estate, followed by a tasting at Calais Estate, which has long been one of our all-time favourite wineries.

We wrapped up the day with dinner at Oishii Restaurant — a Thai spot that came highly recommended by a local. It turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip.

Couples’ Take: Ask locals where they like to eat — you’ll often find gems that don’t make the tourist lists. We also tried to pair at least one tasting a day with an experience.

Want to see if you would visit these places? Check out this Video.

Day 4 – Monday: Winemaking & Farewell

Phil took part in a winemaking class. Watching him get hands-on with the process was a great way to end the trip, and you can see it here — and a reminder that there’s always something new to learn, even in a place you’ve visited before.

We grabbed a final coffee, took one last look over the vineyards, and began the drive home — feeling relaxed, refreshed, and already talking about when we’d be back.

On the way home, we visited the village of Wollombi, a beautiful historic town.

Couples’ Take: Finish your trip with something fun and relaxed rather than cramming in “just one more stop” — it makes the return home much easier.

Where We Stayed

Our base for the weekend was Pokolbin Village Estate, a comfortable and well-located spot for exploring the Hunter. We loved being able to walk to shops and be just minutes from some of the best wineries.

Watch our full Pokolbin Village Estate accommodation tour here.

Other Tips for Couples Visiting the Hunter Valley

Book tastings and restaurants in advance, especially on weekends.

Allow plenty of time between stops — you’ll want to linger.

Pair activities (like markets and wine, or art and food) for a more memorable day.

If you want to add another element of fun, consider hiring a bike or even an e-bike to explore the country roads and surroundings.

Consider visiting another wine region, such as Mudgee, for a different pace and scenery — we have a complete Mudgee series you can explore here.

Related Posts & Videos

Hunter Valley Playlist

Mudgee Wine Region Playlist

Kerryn & Phil
Sapphire Blue Travel
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