The Hunter Valley quite literally comes alive in Spring! Budburst marks the breaking of winter as the first varieties wake from their long dormant sleep. Over the coming months, vineyards will be awash in seas of green, with lush foliage sheltering the developing grapes of the coming 2019 vintage.
It’s a beautiful time to visit the Hunter Valley. The evenings are still cool, mornings misty and the days are warm and sunny. Start the day with a cup of tea as the morning mist rises to surrounding birdsong; take a wander through the vineyards and see the changes in the grapes, from flowering to the forming of tiny, hard berries; unwind with a picnic by the river and a cool drop of wine in hand; or take in the clear starry skies above before warming up in front of a wood fire.
As this year’s reds sit safely tucked away in barrels, our Chardonnay and sparklings are lining up for bottling. In the vineyard we turn our attention to nurturing and nourishing the vines for the warm summer ahead. Mulching, compost, organic seaweed sprays and of course plenty of water, drive optimum growth across our Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chambourcin, Shiraz and Muscat vineyards. It’s a full time task for our small vineyard team, but the care now will help secure the best quality come harvest in February.
The warm weather also brings lunch gatherings and lazy afternoons in the sun, complete with bubbles, whites and rosé. Stonehurst’s organic wine range has 7 different styles to suit, across our Semillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Chambourcin varieties.
Take a picnic blanket, bottle of wine and cheese platter from our Stonehurst Cedar Creek Cellar Door, and while away the afternoon amongst the poplar grove. Grown on organic principles, we welcome you to taste the difference for yourself!