If you’ve been looking for the perfect excuse to escape Newcastle for a weekend without having to travel too far, this is it.

With Early Bird Festival Passes ending 31 July, now’s the time to lock in your spot for just $25.

This gives you access to an entire weekend of boutique wine, incredible food, live music, one-of-a-kind Hunter Valley experiences AND Saturday shuttle bus transport.

This year’s theme of ‘Meet the Makers’ gets you closer to the stories and the personalities behind our outstanding Hunter Valley wine & produce. 

Returning favourites like winery tours, paired tastings and wine matched dinners are back, but 2026 also introduces a stack of fresh experiences you’ll only find Around Hermitage.

Winemaker for a Day

Ever wanted to become a winemaker? At McCaffrey’s Estate, you’ll create your own custom blend during a guided wine-blending masterclass before bottling, labelling and taking your creation home.

Meet a Rescue Wombat

One of the Festival’s most heartwarming experiences comes to Wombat Crossing Vineyard. Meet a rescued wombat from Cedar Creek Wombat Hospital, learn about the incredible conservation work being done, snap a photo with the vineyard’s furry ambassador and help support the rescue and rehabilitation of Australia’s favourite burrowing marsupial.

The Pink Prosecco Garden Party

Grab your friends and head to Hunter Wine Lab for an afternoon of pink perfection. Think Prosecco, cocktails, local beer, smash burgers, gelato, live music and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments in the pink photo booth.

Lawn Party at Thomas Wines

Kick back under the spring sunshine at the Estate Tuscany x Thomas Wines Lawn Party, where pig on the spit, great wine, live music and lawn games create the ultimate Hunter Valley chill session. Bring your mates, and even your dog, for one of the Festival’s most relaxed afternoons.

Explore by E-Bike

Skip the traffic and cruise between cellar doors on an e-bike. Pick up and drop off from Estate Tuscany and discover the Festival at your own pace, stopping wherever the music, wine or food calls you.

When the Sun Goes Down…

D’Vine doesn’t stop at sunset. Friday night kicks off with the Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Winemaker’s Showcase, while Saturday offers everything from Thistle Hill’s laid-back Sundowners to Restaurant Botanica’s elegant The Perfect Match degustation. Prefer something different? Keith Tulloch Wines combines comedy, dinner, gin and wine for an unforgettable night. Finish the weekend watching the sunset with cocktails and share plates at Nibbles at Ned’s.

Live Music Everywhere

Expect live music right across the Festival weekend, with performances at Glandore Wines, McCaffrey’s Estate, Mercer Wines, Latitude 32 Wines, Hunter Resort, Estate Tuscany x Thomas Wines, Pokolbin Markets, Ned’s Café and more.

Bringing the Family?

The dedicated Family Hub at 4 Pines at the Farm is packed with activities including face painting, giant games, D’Vine Adventures, tug-of-war, family feasts and entertainment all weekend long, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the Festival.

Whether you’re planning a couples’ getaway, a weekend with friends or a family escape, D’Vine Festival is your chance to discover the Hunter Valley’s boutique wineries, meet the makers and experience the region like a local.

Early Bird Festival Passes finish 31 July. Grab yours now for just $25 and start planning your perfect spring weekend.  book great accommodation in the thick of it, and enjoy festival specials like pay 2 stay 3. 

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