There’s something about winter that changes people. Suddenly everyone becomes outdoorsy despite spending the entire summer complaining about heat and refusing to leave the air conditioning.

The scarves come out. Fire pits appear everywhere. People start saying things like: “We should do a weekend away.”

And, somehow, red wine becomes less of a drink and more of a personality trait.

I mean proper winter reds.

The kind that somehow make a slow-cooked casserole taste better. The kind that pair perfectly with steak, country pubs, shared plates and that one friend who insists they “don’t usually drink red” before finishing half the bottle.

Because a good red wine in winter does something magical.

And honestly, the Hunter Valley was made for this season.

The vineyards look different. The mornings are crisp. Restaurants feel cosier. The fireplaces are going.

Long lunches are left in the dark and everyone suddenly starts ordering Shiraz like they’ve been drinking it their entire life.

There’s also a very specific confidence people develop after two glasses of red wine by a fire pit. This is usually the point someone says: “We should move to the country.”

They will not move to the country.

But, for one glorious moment after a glass of red and a good meal, it feels entirely possible.

Then there’s the food.

Winter in the Hunter Valley is not salad season.

This is slow-cooked lamb shank season. Steak season. Pasta season. Big bowls of comfort food.

And, the wines come alive with it.

That’s the beauty of the Hunter in winter. It’s not rushed. Nobody is sprinting around trying to tick venues off a list.

And, in a world moving at a million miles an hour, that feels pretty nice.

So, if you’ve been thinking about escaping for a weekend, take this as your sign.

Head to the Hunter Valley this winter.

Book the long lunch. Sit by the fire pit. Order the red. Stay the extra night. Visit the cellar doors. Support regional businesses.

And, while you are here, come and say Hi. I’ll share a glass of red with you!

For more lifestyle stories:

• Matt and Brett: Who’s got festival fever?
• Local football legend Craig Johnston always in pursuit of excellence
• The Hunter’s most haunted ghostly tales

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