A trot through the vineyards in a horse-drawn carriage might be the quaintest way to experience the Hunter Valley. Meet your guide and trusty steed at the Small Winemakers Centre, before trundling to cellar doors, and getting to know the region’s produce, tasting olives, cheeses and chocolate. You can make it a private experience or join an open group and meet more wine (and horse) enthusiast friends. A full-day tour (10.30am-4pm) plus lunch costs $125 per adult, while a half-day (finishing at 1.30pm) comes in at $80 per adult.
If you've been hankering for a drop of crisp sauvignon blanc straight from the source or you just want to finally know what the hell tannins are, it’s high time you went on a wine tour.
And in NSW, the Hunter Valley is the place to do it. There are more than 150 wineries dotted over the rolling green hills of the region and collectively they’ve accumulated 180 years of experience in growing, smooshing and fermenting grapes to make our favourite reds, whites, rosés.
Wine not your drop? Sydney has some awesome boutique distilleries such as Brix Rum in Surry Hills, Sydney's first Four Pillars outlet and new kid on the block, Hickson House Distilling Co.