With 63 exhibitors featuring the best of the Hunter Valley’s large and boutique wineries, the Hunter Valley Wine Festival will offer wine, beer and cider tastings throughout the day, as well as high-quality local cuisine and entertainment.

Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region renowned for its Semillon, Chardonnay, Riesling and Shiraz, along with emerging wine varieties, as well as organic and biodynamic wines.

All children will receive complimentary entry and can enjoy a variety of activities including a jumping castle, train rides, carousel, mini-car rides and face painting. It also supports the Rural Fire Service through donations and raffles.

There is plenty of onsite parking at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley.   iHop will provide transfers hourly from Cessnock, Rothbury and Pokolbin: Adults $20 per person return, $12pp one way; Children $10pp return,  $6pp one way (bookings on 0455 535 03 or www.ihophuntervalley.com.au).

For visitors from Newcastle, a bus service is available leaving the Novotel Newcastle at 9.45am and Crowne Plaza Newcastle at 10am, and departing the Festival at 5pm to Newcastle.

Tickets are available for $20 return per person. Booking requests need to be made via info@huntervalleywinefestival.com.

If you’d like to stay overnight, the  Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley is  offering a special accommodation deal which includes accommodation, breakfast and two tickets, starting from $289 in a hotel room. Or upgrade your package and indulge with a one-bedroom villa (from $369), two-bedroom villa (from $429) or three-bedroom villa (from $589).

Surrounded by picturesque vineyards and golf course greens and framed by the rugged Brokenback Ranges, Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley epitomises the best in award-winning hospitality and deluxe accommodation.

Presale tickets for the Festival are available online for just $20. Tickets include festival entry, five tasting tickets and a tasting glass. A special group offer of “buy 6 for the price of 5” is also available.

For festival bookings and info visit www.huntervalleywinefestival.com.

For accommodation, contact Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley 02 4991 0970. For live Festival updates, check the Facebook page.