Hermitage Lodge / Shiraz vineyard district

Hunter Valley, Australia

Home to Hermitage Lodge's contemporary suites facing picturesque Shiraz vineyards.

Places in Hermitage Lodge / Shiraz vineyard district

Pescara Restaurant, Hermitage Lodge The onsite restaurant at Hermitage Lodge, a foodie favourite.

Best time to visit: March to May (vintage/harvest season) or September to November, avoiding summer heat for the most enjoyable cellar-door touring.
Getting around: The region is best explored by car or organised tour, with cellar doors, restaurants, and accommodation spread across the valley two hours north of Sydney and an hour west of Newcastle.
Currency: Australian Dollar (A$)
Language: English. Aboriginal languages are spoken in some communities.
Timezone: AEST (UTC+10, UTC+11 in summer)
Current trends: The Hunter Valley's status as the 19th-century birthplace of the Australian wine industry continues to anchor its reputation, with over 150 cellar doors and award-winning restaurants like Pescara at Hermitage Lodge drawing weekend escapes from Sydney, while activities like hot air ballooning and the chocolate and cheese trail diversify the region's appeal beyond wine tasting alone.

Pokolbin cellar door district — Home to the highest concentration of the region's over 150 cellar doors.
Spicers Vineyards Estate area — Home to Spicers Vineyards Estate, with its own vineyard, extensive wine cellar, and 12 indulgent guest rooms.