The Hunter Valley, Pokolbin and Thistle Hill

 rosé by the fire

Thistle Hill, Reception

... and so we found our way to our lodgings for the next few nights, Thistle Hill, Pokolbin. Our host Carol was delightful and it was soon obvious why Thistle Hill is the #1 rated B&B in the area!

Lazy days and wine tasting tours followed, the promise of a long day and a degustation menu didn't pan out as promised but our tour with James' Hunter Valley Wine and Vineyard Tours was exceptional! Good value, great fun, a small group of 10! Lots of laughter and more wine than is good for you I'm sure!

One winery offered us more than 20 tastings but helped us limp through to lunch with a generous serve of cheese and crackers! Can't imagine why we needed food after a mouth watering home-baked breakfast including (yes honestly!) fresh scones with jam and cream, devoured earlier!

Breakfast Room

We picked out a few favourites along the way, not least a delicious Shiraz liqueur from Ballabourneen tasted and purchased as we listened to the highly amusing chatter of our host and a Chardy from Audrey Wilkinson that really hit the spot!

Our stop at one winery saw us filmed to be featured on a popular TV show, but given it was the last stop after a full day, I won't be seeking out that video!!!

Hidden Gems

We found a few hidden gems, Blaxlands Inn deserved a second visit, you can't go past their deep dish pies, but our favourite find of the winery week was Cockfighter's Ghost and their gold award winning Pinot Gris and their chardy is pretty good too!!  Thank goodness for the Internet, the cellar door is never far away!

Thistle Hill, Guest Lounge

Our wine tour group included a couple of honeymooners who had celebrated their wedding on Segways in Coff's Harbour just the weekend before! Sounded like a blast and different for sure!

Yes, we tasted every one!  And more!

A horse and carriage, outside Blaxlands Inn, Hunter Valley

Outside our room at Thistle Hill

It's been a few years since we last went to the Hunter and it is fair to say, it has improved with age! The people are friendly, the wine is exceptional, the food is mouth watering and the air is fresh! I'll be back and we won't leave it so long next time!