Brisbane to Hunter Valley

We left Brisbane on Dec. 27th and headed for the great Hunter Valley, one of Australians prime wine producing areas.  It poured rain for two straight days enroute.  This didn't make for a pleasant drive, but we weren't actually sight-seeing so it was OK.  We arrived in Cessnock and checked into our hotel then had a little drive through some of the vineyard areas.  We were surprised to see that it wasn't miles and miles of vines, but many vineyards with cow pastures in between.  We were to take a wine tasting tour the next morning, so didn't stop at any of the vineyards we passed..  We got up early the next day, had breakie, and put a load of wash on ($6 per wash!!) as we weren't to be picked up till 10am.  At 9, there was a knock at the door and the guide was there...we hadn't adjusted our watches for the fact that Queensland has no daylight savings!  So, took out the wet wash and saddled up.  By "our" 10am we'd already sampled at least 5 types of wine...we don't usually like to start before 11am :=)

 This is what I mean about cow pastures in amongst the vineyards. It's a very green and pretty area.

 These were our drinking buddies, on the tour, Gail and Joe...both Aussies.  We had a good time, but I  can honestly sat we were "sipped out" long before the end. 

 We didn't really tour vineyards, which we'd both kind of expected, but only wine-tasted.  We had at least 5 different samplings at 3 or so vineyards before lunch.  These samples were from whites, reds, sparkling, and port-like wines...maybe a little much, ya think??!!  Again, this was just BEFORE lunch...still at least 2 other wineries after lunch.

 One of Ralph's artistic shots!

 We don't look all that inebriated, do we??  Well, looks are deceiving!

Because it's so warm in this area, these grapes are almost ready for harvesting and summer just started here Dec. 22nd or so.

Next on to Katoomba and the Jenolan caves.