The Valley is known for big-name wineries and big-ticket dining, but a crop of up-and-comers is shifting the narrative.
Taste Tyrrell’s Vat 1 semillon in the dirt-floored cellar. Swirl shiraz at Mount Pleasant. So far, so Hunter. Among the heavy-hitters, though, are next-gen winemakers pushing things forward. Pair small-batch wines with snacks at Harkham, or for a view into what’s new, book the tasting menu at Muse Restaurant and add the ‘Young Guns of the Hunter’ wine pairing. EXP. Restaurant pours plenty of interesting drops, too, alongside a thrilling degustation.
Down in the valley, a wine tasting in the courtyard at Margan is a fine way to get to grips with their sustainable credentials, while up high, Bistro Molines does picturesque French dining. Yellow Billy’s fire-driven fare is a match with top-notch drinks service, and Jimmy Joans offers sharp Manhattans and pitch-perfect terrine.
Breakfast? Hit Arthurs in Cessnock for brunch with bottomless batch brew, or Meltdown in Branxton for chilli scrambled eggs. Meanwhile, the dry-aged burgers at Burgers by HMC are some of the best in the state.
Road-tripping? Take a swig of Dr. Jurd’s Jungle Juice at the Wollombi Tavern, try the vanilla slice at Piehole, then pull into charming Trading Post Laguna for a recharge.
Stocking the larder? Do it at Smelly Cheese Shop in Pokolbin or over at Binnorie Dairy. Then, if you’re pushing into the Upper Hunter, Mayne St offers coffee, cut-above breakfasts and a considered collection of preserves and homewares.
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David Matthews is a food writer and editor, and co-editor of The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2025.
