Lovedale wears its nickname proudly. Located just east of Pokolbin, this beautiful pocket of the Hunter has long been known as its heart - and once you've spent time here, it's easy to understand why. The name itself blends the memory of an early settler family, the Loves, with the Yorkshire dales of England, and the area's history of winemaking stretches back to those first land grants along Black Creek in the early 1800s.

What makes Lovedale distinct is its character. The cellar doors here are smaller and more intimate, which means you're likely to be poured a tasting by the owner or the winemaker themselves. It's unhurried, personal and genuinely welcoming, a world away from the busier trails. The wine ranges from Hunter classics like Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz to exciting alternatives including Barbera and Tempranillo.

Branxton sits at the northern end of Wine Country Drive and serves as the northern gateway to the Hunter. Steeped in colonial history, it has heritage buildings and friendly local pubs, making it a charming base or stopping point for exploring the wider region. Together, these two areas offer something genuinely different: community, character and a slower pace that invites you to stay just a little longer.