The event, previously known as the Hunter Vintage Festival, featured more than 40 wine exhibitions and tastings of the region’s best wine, food, beer and cider.

Many also took advantage of the warm welcome extended to families at the festival and brought their children along to enjoy face painting, train rides and fun on the jumping castle.

A shiny red fire truck and a few helicopter landing on-site also peaked the kids’ interest.

Those with a passion not only for wine but for wine knowledge were treated to a number of presentations throughout the day, including a session with Rob Geddes, Master of Wine and author of ‘The Gold Book’.

The Hunter’s own McGuigan Wines also hosted a blending demonstration where attendees were asked to create their own award winning blend.

Ballabourneen winemaker Daniel Binet also provided an entertaining overview of the iconic wine varieties of the Hunter Valley.

The festival’s revival is thanks to hotel owner and entrepreneur Dr. Jerry Schwartz, who recently purchased his first vineyard – the former McWilliams Middle Creek vineyard.

The Hunter Vintage Festival was previously held every second year from 1973 to 1983.

Dr. Schwartz said that he was very pleased with how the day unfolded, and that he was “

very excited to see the Hunter Valley community working together to create something really special”.

A raffle was also run for the Pokolbin Rural Fire Service, raising nearly $1000.

The brigade was actually called away to a fire just as the raffle was about to be drawn.

It is hoped that the festival will remain as an annual event, with Saturday, October 11 already locked in as next year’s date.

 ***

View more photos from the festival in our gallery.