{"id":13109,"date":"2012-09-19T07:38:06","date_gmt":"2012-09-18T21:38:06","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=13109"},"modified":"2015-03-19T09:49:46","modified_gmt":"2015-03-18T23:49:46","slug":"tales-of-a-hunter-valley-virgin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/tales-of-a-hunter-valley-virgin\/","title":{"rendered":"Tales of a Hunter Valley virgin"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Looking for a weekend away that\u2019s not too far from Sydney? lastminute lovely Shauna shares the details of her very first visit to NSW wine hotspot, the Hunter Valley. <\/strong><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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We arrive at our lush accommodation, Grand Mercure Apartments Cypress Lakes Resort<\/a> on Friday afternoon and are immediately blown away by the sheer size of the place. It\u2019s huge! There are over two hundred boutique villas, scattered amongst the green expanse of golf course.
\nI personally think that we have the best villa as it\u2019s only a short stroll down the hill to the highly reputed Bodega Restaurant & Bar<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Quite<\/a>

Quite an impressive entrance!<\/p><\/div>\n

I briefly explore the stylish villa and stumble upon some Peter Morrissey toiletries to enjoy during our stay. Things are looking good.<\/p>\n

After we get the fire started and get all toasty, Mr. LML and I head to Bodega for a much needed meal. As we head down into the restaurant, we\u2019re immediately seated and brought a bottle of the resort\u2019s own Brokenwood<\/a> Pinot Noir. If this is a preview of the quality of wine to come, I\u2019m excited!<\/p>\n

\"Thoroughly<\/a>

Thoroughly enjoying my wine!<\/p><\/div>\n

Now, a quick read through the menu and we decide on the Chef d\u2019Hote menu, and we are not let down. These pictures will certainly make your mouth water!<\/p>\n

\"Pan<\/a>

Pan seared scallops wrapped in spanish jamon on pea puree, salmon pearls, and with a sticky balsamic<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Roasted<\/a>

Roasted lamb rump with a mustard and pepita crust, sweet potato, and asparagus<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Vanilla<\/a>

Vanilla bean pannacotta with wild berries, pistachio fairy floss, and cinnamon tulle<\/p><\/div>\n

When I wake on Saturday morning, I realise Mr. LML has disappeared. It\u2019s only after I get ready to head to breakfast that he wanders through the door to inform me that he\u2019s been out exploring the property and making friends with the local wildlife.<\/p>\n

There is an abundance of kangaroos sprawled out on the green and basking in the early morning sun.<\/p>\n

\"That\u2019s<\/a>

That\u2019s the life!<\/p><\/div>\n

Breakfast is a full cooked and continental spread (bonus points for the crumpets). We sit near the window, which overlooks the pool and golf course and indulge in a little bit of everything (we have to make the most of the buffet!) and set about planning the day ahead.<\/p>\n

Mr. LML tells me that you can\u2019t go to the Hunter without riding a bike. Challenging, considering my current broken arm situation<\/a>, but I\u2019m willing to give it a go!
\nSo we hired a bike. One<\/em> bike. That\u2019s right; we hired a tandem bike from Grapemobile<\/a> to ride around from vineyard to vineyard on. And off we go!<\/p>\n

\"On<\/a>

On your bike!<\/p><\/div>\n

First stop Waverly Estate<\/a>, a vineyard whose wines are entirely specific to the Hunter. They are located in a quaint little country-style house with a huge fireplace and fantastic views. These guys tick all the boxes for us and we make a note to return tomorrow, since our basket isn\u2019t strong enough to support many purchases.
\nWe complete a lap of three more vineyards before returning our bike \u2013 it is very windy and Mr. LML and I have tired legs. And besides, it\u2019s just about time for lunch. Hooray!
\nMuse Kitchen<\/a>, an incredible restaurant located in the Keith Tulloch winery<\/a> has been recommended by a few different people so we make our way there and are very lucky because we quickly snap up the last table.<\/p>\n

\"Mr<\/a>

Mr LML enjoying his pinot<\/p><\/div>\n

This place is a winner!<\/p>\n

\"Chocolate,<\/a>

Chocolate, hazelnut and salted caramel tart with vanilla bean ice cream and biscuit crumbs<\/p><\/div>\n

After our delicious lunch, we pop into Scarborough Wine Co.<\/a>, one of the most famous vineyards in the region, to see what all the fuss is about.<\/p>\n

\"Yep,<\/a>

Yep, all those glasses belong to us<\/p><\/div>\n

We are not disappointed, and after tasting one of everything (what did you expect?), Mr. LML and I walk away with a bundle of wine, and a delicious taste in our mouths.
\nMy afternoon spa appointment is nigh so we head back, and after dropping Mr. LML back to our villa, I check in to the Golden Door Spa at Elysia<\/a>, just up the hill.<\/p>\n

\"It<\/a>

It really is a golden door!<\/p><\/div>\n

Due to my broken arm and inability to be covered in massage oil, I sign up for a facial and sink into the deepest kind of relaxation.
\nThe day spa is incredible \u2013 there\u2019s a pool-size spa, a sauna, and relaxing beds to kick back on while you wait or for after your treatment. There are a few Zen ladies roaming around without a care in the world.
\nBy now the afternoon has escaped us and before we know it we\u2019re having our last meal, which is fantastic by the way. We dine at Amanda\u2019s on the Edge<\/a>, another recommendation just down the road from us, and enjoy one last glass of wine.<\/p>\n

\"so<\/a>

so picturesque<\/p><\/div>\n

When Mr. LML and I wake in the morning, we’re greeted by the sun and the sound of morning birds, which is a welcome change to cars beeping and alarms sounding. We wander down to breakfast. And when I say \u2018we wander\u2019, we really do because we have a late check-out of 11am. How indulgent!<\/p>\n

\"Our<\/a>

Our modest *ahem* bounty<\/p><\/div>\n

A luxurious property, Grand Mecure Apartments Cypress Lakes Resort has definitely left a long-lasting impression and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.<\/p>\n

My first time to the Hunter Valley, but I can tell you now, it won\u2019t be the last!<\/h2>\n