Wine and food lovers rejoice! Join us on the ultimate luxury wine getaway to the Hunter Valley….offering 5-star accommodation throughout, exclusive tastings, delicious surprises and fabulous dining. With a focus on the incredible female winemakers of the region, we’ll take you behind closed doors and sip with some of Australia’s top women in wine.

• Sally Scarborough from Scarborough Wines
• Kate Sturgess from Brokenwood
• Renee Burton from Wild Wren Wines
• Jodie Belleville from Hart & Hunter
• Liz Jackson from Silkman Wines
• Karin Adcock from Winmark Wines

These phenomenal ladies are so busy, their diaries are crammed but we’ve pinned them down altogether for this weekend only in 2022.   All of them will be in town just for you!

Get ready for personal meet-and-greets and guided tastings by these incredible women of wine at their own cellar door, access to gorgeous wines from their portfolio, plus a few other tasty surprises and more. And between all that wine we’ve got some glorious dining and ‘you’ happening too!

You will also be staying in style at the gorgeous Spicers Guesthouse, with the welcome dinner being hosted by a local Sommelier to ensure you have the best introduction to the wines of the region.

Read the detailed itinerary and book in for some serious fun.  There are 12 spaces only so don’t miss out!  Jane Thomson, Founder and wine lover extraordinaire, from Fabulous Ladies Wine Society is leading this tour so get on board!  If you have any questions please contact Andrea at Travelling Divas (the travel part of all of this gorgeousness) here!

GETTING THERE:

Sydneysiders or those close to the Hunter Valley please make your way to Spicers via private vehicle (all private transport on the tour is provided throughout your stay).   Those coming from afar, there will be a group arrival transfer to Spicers, departing from Newcastle Airport at 4pm on the 15th,  and delivering you back by 2.30pm on the 18th for onward connections home.  Both Qantas and Virgin offer flights.  If you need assistance with flight details we can help you with information!

Tour Price: AUD$2345 per person on a twin share basis. AUD$745  single share per person.

Tour Dates: 15 – 18 September 2022

PRICE INCLUDES:

• Fully escorted  by fabulous lady of wine Jane Thomson
• 3 night’s luxury 5-star accommodation, Spicers Guesthouse
• Breakfast daily
• All meals inclusive of wine (except breakfast….)
• Exclusive welcome dinner with a fabulous sommelier of the region
• Private, invitation only wine experiences, wining & dining with our fabulous Women-in-Wine as detailed in the itinerary.
• All winery fees & extras associated with wine entry
• Private transport throughout including group airport transfers on arrival and departure
• All COVID safe practices throughout

NOT INCLUDED:

Airfares and departure taxes; transfers unless stated in the itinerary; items of a personal nature; phone calls; passport and visas; laundry or tips. Personal transport; excess baggage; security and government taxes; travel insurance. Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary; additional beverages (unless specifically described). Optional excursions or activities that may be offered but are not included in the tour price. Spa treatments and any items not specified. Any changes you choose to make during your holiday.

SEPTEMBER 2022

Thursday 15: Welcome to the Hunter Valley and the start of your wine delight…

Those flying into Newcastle Airport will be collected for a group transfer at 4pm today.  Those making their own way – we will see you there by 5pm!

Arrive at Spicers Guesthouse, settle in, relax, maybe wander nearby.  Then time for your night of delightful welcome dinner hosted by Cathy Gadd, Secretary of the Hunter Valley Sommeliers Association, where you will enjoy a fab (and exclusive) start to your Luxury Wine Getaway and a comprehensive introduction to the region’s exquisite offerings…

Overnight accommodation: Spicers Guesthouse
Meals: Dinner

Friday 16: Wine adventures galore…

After breakfast this morning, you will join your fellow wine lovers and transfer to your first, fabulous wine day in the Hunter.

First stop is Scarborough Wines, where you meet Sally Scarborough, labelled the Chardonnay Queen.  No-one could be in a better position to extol the virtues of the variety as it’s her quest to find Australia’s best.

Then to Brokenwood, where you will meet the incredible Kate Sturgess, chief winemaker and all round gorgeous woman.  You will enjoy a fabulous winery experience including a private lunch with matching wines, that will continue what is an already great day.

Time to head back to Spicers for some relaxation, and to enjoy a little lie down (or lld for short).  The grounds of the hotel are gorgeous, so if you feel like doing more take time to explore your surrounds.

This evening,  we are away to Wild Wren, for a casual night of platters and wine. Hosted by the divine Renee Burton, she will share her stories and educate you in her delightful wines.

Back to the hotel for a great night’s sleep after a gorgeous day and to get ready for tomorrow!!

Overnight accommodation: Spicers Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Wine Tastings

Saturday 17: fabulous wines, gorgeous dining and so much more…

Today more shenanigans as you spend time with more of these incredible women in wine and the magic they create.

Post breakfast depart for a wine tasting at Hart & Hunter,  to meet the gorgeous Jodie Belleville. Enjoy a delicious tasting and the opportunity for some on-on-one time with this knowledgable lady who can tell you everything you need to know.

Next stop is the Winehouse, and a delicious light lunch hosted by Liz Silkman, of Silkman Wines. She is a multi-award winning winemaker and Chief Winemaker for both First Creek and Silkman wines.

It is then time for a divine dinner this evening in top chef-hatted restaurant, Muse. Enjoy a delectable dinner, delicious wines and the time and space to unwind, kick back and relax…

To bed you go and tomorrow our final morning in this beautiful part of the world…

Overnight accommodation: Spicers Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Wine Tastings

Day 4 – Sunday 03: a morning of final fabulous wine and time to go…..

This morning indulge in a light brekky as it is then time to check out, depart and arrive at Winmark for our last fabulous wine experience with Karin Adcock, fabulous woman, founder, co-owner and more – she is a dynamo. A beautiful brunch, tasting and an art & sculpture walk (in one of the most spectacular wine settings) create a perfect end to a great escape.

We will finish here and then transfer directly to Newcastle Airport via Spicers Guesthouse for those heading back to Sydney, arriving by 3 pm at the latest. So flights are safe from 3.45 onwards!

Overnight accommodation: Spicers Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Wine Tastings

Spicers Guesthouse:

Spicers Guesthouse in the Hunter Valley offers a modern elegance where wine & exploration is the talk around the table. A five star hotel located in the heart of the Hunter Valley. You’ll feel a sense of relaxed luxury as soon as you arrive.

The Guesthouse has been an iconic destination within the Hunter Valley for 35 years (circa 1984). Having undergone an 18 month revitalisation the retreat has an inviting, homely feel that envelops guests once inside. The upgrade reflects a fresh contemporary uplift while the welcoming spirit of the original Guest House has been preserved.

Éremo Restaurant with its modern Italian cuisine is a centre piece of the retreat, led by a talented team, and the experience is exceptional.