The Hunter Valley is renowned for its world-class wines, but it’s also emerging as an incredible destination for families. Gone are the days when a trip to Wine Country meant leaving the kids at home. Today, the Hunter offers a fantastic array of kid-friendly wineries, restaurants, and attractions that ensure everyone, from the tiniest tots to the teens, has an unforgettable time.
Here at De Iuliis Wines, we believe in sharing the joy of the Hunter Valley with the whole family. While adults can savour our award-winning wines, we encourage you to explore the wider region, and we’ve even got some tips on how to make your family escape seamless and exciting.
Wine Tasting with Little Ones in Tow: It IS Possible!
Many Hunter Valley cellar doors are now wonderfully equipped to welcome families. You’ll find a growing number of wineries offering:
- Outdoor Spaces: Sprawling lawns and gardens are perfect for kids to run, play, and burn off energy. Think giant Jenga, connect four, bocce, and plenty of room for a picnic!
- Kids’ Activities: Some wineries go the extra mile with colouring-in stations, activity packs, or even dedicated “Junior Tasting Experiences” with non-alcoholic drinks paired with snacks.
- Pet-Friendly Policies: If your family includes a furry friend, many cellar doors, including De Iuliis Wines, welcome well-behaved dogs, often providing water bowls and treats.
De Iuliis Wines: A Family Welcome
At De Iuliis, while our in-depth winery tours are best suited for adults (due to the nature of a working winery, enclosed shoes are required, and guests under 18 or pets unfortunately cannot be accommodated on these specific tours), our cellar door is incredibly welcoming to families. Our spacious layout, outdoor deck, and views of manicured gardens and resident kangaroos provide a relaxed setting where adults can enjoy our Premium or Estate Tastings, and children can explore under supervision. We’re happy to set out a water bowl for your doggo if you let us know you’re bringing them along!
Other Family-Friendly Wineries to Explore:
Beyond De Iuliis, several other wineries in the Hunter Valley stand out for their family-friendly offerings:
- Tulloch Wines: Known for their “Junior Tasting Experience” with non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, plus large-scale lawn games.
- Mercer Wines: Features an onsite Ironbark Hill Brewhouse and Bistro with an outdoor dining area overlooking lawns, perfect for kids to play.
- Scarborough Wine Co: Offers flight with juices and cheese plate, along with lawn games.
Dining Out with the Whole Crew: Restaurants with Room to Roam
The Hunter Valley’s culinary scene is vibrant, and many establishments understand the needs of families. Look for places with:
- Casual Atmospheres: Pubs, bistros, and cafes often provide a more relaxed setting.
- Outdoor Seating/Play Areas: Restaurants with large outdoor areas or even dedicated playgrounds are a win for parents.
- Kids’ Menus: Essential for catering to younger palates.
Some family-friendly dining options include:
- Jimmy Joans: A popular choice with a relaxed bistro atmosphere, often featuring live entertainment and suitable for casual family dining.
- NINETEEN at The Vintage: A casual bar and dining venue perfect for both kids and adults, with various events and a laid-back atmosphere.
- The Deck Cafe: Known for its tapas menu, expansive outdoors and also friendly farm animals
- Iron Gate Kitchen: The new kid of the block, with a great outdoor area and a menu to satisfy all types of taste buds
Unleash the Fun with the Hunter Valley Family Fun Pass!
To truly maximise your family’s adventure, consider investing in the Hunter Valley Family Fun Pass. While specific details and inclusions can vary, these passes typically offer discounted entry and special deals to some of the region’s top attractions, making it easier and more affordable to enjoy a wide range of activities.
Popular attractions often featured in such passes (or worth visiting individually) include:
- Hunter Valley Gardens: This extensive garden complex is a must-visit for families. Beyond the stunning themed gardens (don’t miss the Storybook Garden!), you’ll often find amusement rides (like carousels, Ferris wheels, and superslides), Aqua Golf & Putt Putt, and special seasonal events like the Christmas Lights Spectacular or Mega Creatures.
- Hunter Valley Wildlife Park: Get up close with native Australian animals and exotic species. Many parks offer interactive experiences like animal encounters and feeding sessions, delighting children of all ages.
- Go Karts Go: For the thrill-seekers, this is the region’s largest 4-stroke go-kart hire track, promising adrenaline-fueled fun.
- Horse Riding & Segway Tours: Explore the vineyards and bushland in a unique way, with options often available for older children.
- Hunter Valley Chocolate Company & Smelly Cheese Shop: Delicious stops for all ages!
Tips for a Smooth Family Trip:
- Book Ahead: Especially for popular restaurants and cellar door experiences, booking in advance is highly recommended.
- Pack Essentials: Sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and snacks are always a good idea when exploring.
- Check Opening Hours: Verify operating hours, as some venues may have seasonal variations.
- Embrace Flexibility: With kids, things rarely go exactly to plan. Be ready to adapt and enjoy the unexpected moments!
The Hunter Valley truly offers a diverse and enriching experience for families. From the joy of discovering new wines at De Iuliis to the excitement of wildlife encounters and garden explorations, your family is sure to create cherished memories in this beautiful wine region. Start planning your family-friendly Hunter Valley escape today!