“The Hunter Valley is looking pretty good right now. It’s lush and green and most wineries believe they’ve dodged a vintage bullet after ill-timed rain stopped just in time.

Over the next few weeks, the Hunter will host several concerts; including Rod Stewart. It remains, as ever, Sydney’s playground.

But the vignerons of the Hunter would like you to turn your thoughts towards winter; and an open fire, glass of shiraz in hand on a crisp evening.

Hunter Valley Wine & Food Month is on the horizon and judging from previous years it pays to book in advance or risk missing out on some of the highlights.’’

Read more | Winsor Dobbin Blog