Hunter Valley Uncorked Festival at Balmoral

Going to a wine festival with a one year old isn’t most people’s idea of fun. Not mine either, unless of course it’s at Balmoral Beach on a sunny day. But it’s not just the sun and the beach that make this a kid friendly festival. Uncorked is free (not the wine though — there’s no such thing as a free tasting here). The folk/​wedding rock band playing on the rotunda ups the family friendly vibe with kids dancing about on the stage.
But this festival ain’t just about the kids having fun — it’s about the wine. Walking the 2x2m stalls circling the festival is like being on a mini wine tour without the bus or designated driver. The stall owners explain each vintage as they would on the vineyard. Some of the brands making a presence are McWilliam’s Mt Pleasant, Pepper Tree Wines and Petersons Champagne House.
The food is pretty good quality with restaurants like Ridge View (sauvlaki cooked fresh on portable outdoor grills for $ 15), The Verandah (fried squid) and Restaurant Cuvee (crispy chicken salad).
There’s also fresh lemonade, olive oil, ice cream and espresso available.
San Palegreno is available at most stalls.