From $59 for a Hunter Valley Cooking Masterclass with Lunch, Wine and Vineyard Tour at Hunter Resort

Nestled in the heart of the famous Hunter Valley wine country, Hunter Resort is an elegant country lodge sitting alongside 40-year-old shiraz vineyards. Groupies kick off their food and wine experience with a tour of the vineyards, followed by a tasting of some fine drops with the vineyard’s cellarmaster, before heading to the two-hour masterclass to learn the secrets of creating a gourmet two-course meal.

Choose from Two Options

• $59 for a Hunter Valley cooking masterclass for one person – weekday
  (total value up to $135)
• $79 for a Hunter Valley cooking masterclass for one person – weekend
  (total value up to $135)

Included in all options:

• Vineyard tour
• Wine tasting
• Cooking class
• Two-course lunch
• Two glasses of matched wine
• Cheese tasting
   

The Experience: Hunter Resort

Nestled in the heart of the famous Hunter Valley wine country, Hunter Resort is an elegant country lodge sitting alongside 40-year-old shiraz vineyards. Groupies kick off their food and wine experience with a tour of the vineyards, followed by a tasting of some fine drops with the vineyard’s cellarmaster, before heading to the two-hour masterclass to learn the secrets of creating a gourmet two-course meal.

Led by the hotel’s executive chef Philip Collis, the class takes budding gourmands through explanations of ingredients, how they come together to create a meal, through to a demonstration of cooking the finished feast. Learn how to craft veal tortellini with roasted tomato sauce, basil and grana parmesan, then move on to orange and white chocolate panna cotta with biscotti and toffee shards.

After the demonstration, each student sits down to indulge in the meal, matching the main with a glass of Shiraz and the dessert with a glass of David Hook’s Mosto. Participants also go home with recipe notes for each course and a personalised certificate as proof of their newly-minted gourmand status. As an added bonus, students are treated to entry into the onsite Hunter Wine Theatre, where they put palates through their paces sampling the range of distinctive, local cheeses.
 

Hunter Valley, NSW

One of Australia's premier wine-growing regions, the Hunter Valley is picture-perfect countryside at its best; a landscape where rolling vineyards are surrounded by native bush and vast farmland. It’s a place where kangaroos bound across paddocks, locals enlighten tourists about hidden gems and an abundance of charming cafés and restaurants await hungry travellers.

Hardworking visitors reward themselves by absconding the city and spending long, carefree days vineyard hopping and enjoying sprawling bush scenery. With dozens of wineries located nearby, retreaters embark on a self-guided vino adventure or join a tour to hear from the experts.

Foodies experience fresh food at its finest, dining at one of the many cafés for lunch or quality restaurants in the evening. Cheese and chocolate fans are in their element with numerous factories scattered about, including the famous Smelly Cheese Shop. For something different, try horse riding, hot air ballooning or take a stroll through the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens. There are also a number of golf courses and day spas within easy reach.

By far the best thing here was the Wine Guide and Tasting and the receptionist was excellent too.
Stephanie B, TripAdvisor, Jan 2013

We had such good fun while visiting the Hunter Valley Resort - we were a group of friends there for a birthday lunch - we really enjoyed the paddles of beer and ginger beer and the Rose with our lunch on a warm Sydney day was just delightful.
denaru, TripAdvisor, Oct 2012