The Famous Pokolbin Region, in the heart of the Hunter Valley boasts a wonderful variety of vineyards, wineries and cellar doors lying in a beautiful landscape in the shadow of the Brokenback Range, about 150 km north of Sydney. The historic Pokolbin area has been producing fine boutique wines since the mid-1800s, and undertook a huge expansion in the 1970s when the Lower Hunter wines achieved an international reputation. The are has many other attractions and activities for visitors exploring the area over a week-end or a short holiday. These attractions include: # The magnificent beaches along the Hunter coast near Newcastle # Take a hot air balloon ride for a magical drifting flight over the green fields and tapestry of vineyards # enjoy a guided tour of a winery to see how the harvested
grapes are processed into wine # Visit the wineries in an antiques car, by bicycle of by horse drawn carriage. # Enjoy the many restaurants in the area. # The Hunter Valley Harvest Festival March that features music, art displays, street parties, gourmet food and wine tastings. # Jazz in the Vines and Opera in the Vineyards # the Hunter Valley Gardens, that include twelve immaculately maintained themed gardens. # Visit the local heritage towns and villages of Morpeth, Maitland and Wollombi.