How to plan a celebration with friends in the Hunter Valley

One of Australia’s best wine regions, the Hunter Valley knows how to host a group celebration to remember, no matter what the occasion.

Just two and a half hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley’s rolling green hills, world-class wineries, delectable long lunches and immersive experiences set the scene for incredible group getaways. Whether you’re celebrating a big birthday or anniversary, tying the knot, or just want to reconnect and make new memories with your favourite people, here are some of the best ways to spend a getaway in the Hunter Valley for groups.

Book a large hot air balloon to see the Hunter Valley from above. (Image: DNSW)

Hunter Valley accommodation for groups

From sprawling resorts to tiny homes, the Hunter Valley has a wide selection of accommodation options so you can wake up in that fresh country air.

At the award-winning Rydges Resort Hunter Valley you can choose between resort rooms and villas with up to three bedrooms. As well as housing its own water park and golf course, the resort also has a range of indoor and outdoor venues, along with a dedicated event coordinator to help plan your celebration.

Stay at Italian-style villa, Redleaf Wollombi. (Image: We Are Origami)

Palmers Lane in Pokolbin has two fun ways to stay. New in spring 2023, The Lane Retreat has 60 studios set amongst 50-year-old vines; just four minutes up the road you’ll find Palmers Lane Estate, which has 10 private lodges ranging in size from one to six bedrooms.

Looking for a self-contained luxury retreat? The Hunter Valley has you covered. Redleaf Wollombi is an Italian-style villa that sleeps up to 12 people, and is surrounded by 10 acres of manicured gardens. At Tinonee Vineyard Estate there are two beautiful homes – The Residence and The Cottage – which can be turned into a group booking for 16 guests to sleep in the boutique vineyard. Meanwhile, Tuckers Lane Boutique Accommodation offers the chance to sleep in a recycled shipping container filled with timber furniture custom-made by the owner.

Book one of two homes at Tinonee Vineyard Estate.

Hunter Valley restaurants for groups

The soil that makes great wine also grows a bounty of fresh produce, and Hunter Valley chefs are doing great things as they roll with the seasons.

At the Hamptons-style Muse Kitchen, chef Richmond Rodrigues creates delectable dishes that have earned his restaurant a hat. The changing menu is perfect for sharing and can include Warroo kangaroo with macadamia satay and Malai lamb with tikka sauce.

Dine at hatted Muse Kitchen.

In the Spicers Vineyards Estate, Restaurant Botanica showcases quality Australian ingredients in a fine dining setting, offering an exclusive private dining room for up to 12 guests. Or indulge in contemporary Australian cuisine at Twine Restaurant, known for its sensational dishes and friendly service. Be sure to save room for dessert: the crème brûlée and chocolate nut tart are incredible.

Take home a taste of the Hunter Valley with a visit to Binnorie Dairy, where you can watch their award-winning and locally sourced cow and goat cheese being made before a tasting. Also, drop by Pukara Estate to try locally and sustainably grown olives and olive oil along with handcrafted vinegars.

Sample award-winning and locally sourced cow and goat cheese at Binnorie Dairy.

Hunter Valley wineries for groups

Wine lovers have dozens of cellar doors to choose from in the Hunter Valley, from international names to emerging vintners. For group tastings it’s always best to book ahead to secure your spot; you can also hire a shuttle to avoid drawing straws for the role of designated driver.

The McGuigan Wines cellar door shares more than 100 years of winemaking history, and their etching machine lets you add personal messages to your favourite bottles to remember your group getaway. Peterson House is also a favourite, specialising in premium sparkling wines with over 20 varieties on offer.

Enjoy sunshine and live music at Saddler’s Creek Wines. (Image: DNSW)

On Friday nights you can share a bottle of vino and live music at Saddler’s Creek Wines’ cellar door events. Over at Tulloch Wines the tasting experiences can include vintage wines from their Museum selection, as well as bottles paired with local handmade chocolates.

For more than 20 premium local winemakers under one roof, visit Wine House Hunter Valley, where you can enjoy in-depth wine blending experiences and tastings.

Make a group booking to enjoy wine and food at Tulloch Wines. (Image: DNSW)

Other things to do in the Hunter Valley

While you could easily spend the whole weekend just eating and drinking well, the Hunter Valley has plenty of activities to share with friends and family.

Food lovers can sign up for cooking classes, including learning the art of traditional hand-rolled pasta and seasonal sauces at Our Italian Table. For hands-on classes for Thai street food and low and slow smoking, join the classes at Majors Lane Cooking School.

Learn the art of pasta making at Our Italian Table. (Image: Dom Cherry)

Hot air balloons are a beautiful sight in the Hunter Valley, as guests can float above the vineyards as the sun rises. Up to 24 people can share a flight with Beyond Ballooning and Balloon Aloft, with more intimate baskets available on smaller balloons.

Golfers can take on an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed course at The Vintage Golf Club, and tee off with vineyard and mountain views at Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Clubs’ 18-hole championship course.

Tee off mountain views at Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Clubs. (Image: DNSW)

Or you can simply lie back, relax and get pampered with a group booking at one of Australia’s largest private spas. The Ubika Spa at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley has 17 treatment rooms and a spa sanctuary that can welcome up to 12 people at a time. The Spa at Château Élan Hunter Valley also has 17 treatment rooms, a hydro lounge, and outdoor jacuzzis where you can sip champagne as you soak up the mountain views.

Book the Sanctuary Suite at Ubika Spa.

Explore more ways to celebrate in the Hunter Valley with friends.