Driving through the Hunter Valley we see nothing but blues skies as the car zips past rows upon rows of vines, their grapes basking in the hot Australian sun. It's early January and 45° as we step out of the car and feel the gravel crunch beneath our feet on the hotel's driveway. We tread quickly towards reception covering our faces from the heat of the day into the crisp air-conditioned building. We have arrived at  Spicers Guesthouse  in Pokolbin, a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sydney and part of one of Australia's oldest and most beautiful wine regions, Hunter Valley.

The restaurant's menu is deeply rooted with Italian inspiration and embodies the culture of long alfresco lunches with close family and friends. This is fused with a modern Australian take as the kitchen sources ingredients from local and highly reputable farms and suppliers. Expect a modest size menu with a range of meat, pasta and smaller sharing plates, my absolute favourite was the delicately fried courgette flower with smoked aioli. I loved the range of dishes available such as roasted pumpkin, sage & chilli ravioli or oven-baked Nduja scallops. Importantly the restaurant is high-end but not fine dining as they want guests to enjoy, relax and leave full and satisfied.

Undoublty one of the most extensive wine lists I have ever seen but no surprise there given the location. Offering the best of the Hunter Valley, as well as plenty of other Australian favourites such as bottles from the Adelaide Hills, Margaret River and the Yarra. If you are in the mood for something from Europe there is also a selection of quality Italian and French wines or a selection of classic cocktails and international beers. A great place to try a bottle of something you wouldn't typically drink.

Breakfast is included in the room rate and is served in a beautiful sun-filled day room. The standard of food preparation and presentation is just as high as éRemo. There is a display of continental items such as freshly baked pastries, fruits and yoghurts and each guest can order an additional item from the menu as well as fresh juices and coffees.

We booked into the queen room on the ground floor which was a lovely size and had direct access to the pool and an outdoor shared porch draped prettily in grape vines. The guest rooms vary in size but all follow a light, bright and neutral scheme with robes and slippers provided for a touch of comfort and luxury. In some spaces, there are custom leather armchairs to bring a small splash of character and warmth but I feel like a larger variety of colours, as seen in the sitting room, could have been used to add a more homely feel thought out the guest rooms. That is not to discredit the high spec and custom joinery and lighting from Furn-Niche which combines functional requirements with mixed finishes to add texture.

Don’t miss my other posts here for what to get up to in Sydney!

Hunter Valley is perfect for a long luxurious weekend break. Spicers' Guesthouse is best for couples or small groups of friends looking for a relaxing break with amazing food and wine. This area caters for more high-end travel and if you are looking to splurge a little more Spicers also own The Tower Lodge and The Vineyard Estate. This is a gorgeous weekend away if you are in Sydney or it is possible by a day trip if you are on a lower budget.

Spicers Guest House: 57 Ekerts Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia

Prices from £200 per night

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