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Just after boxing day my friends planned a little trip away to the Hunter Valley. They all do the 9 to 5 thing so it was a good chance to relax and unwind. Me, I had other ideas on what I was gonna do while I was there. 

When we arrived at Tranquil Vale I found out they had a pool, gym and tennis court and little did I know the next three days would be the most active my body has been in... well lets just say a long time would not be an understatement.








Tranquil Vale consist of a couple self contained units with a nice open plan feel to them. Wood floors lead you through the house to large open windows that look out onto the active vineyard which they turn into some pretty great wine. The owner is a nice English gentlemen who at the time was spending the Christmas\New Year's Holiday with his family. Very accomodating and friendly, would be a ideal little honeymoon get away or a nice venue for a wedding.



We got there quite late in the afternoon so the first day we just spent around the property which needless to say was still definitely enjoyable. While a few of us chose the lazy option, I managed to gather enough friends to partake it what would have been the worse game of tennis in human history. I definitely will not be hitting the pro tour any time. Tennis, was followed by the gym, which then I decided to follow with a swim, by myself though as the others felt it may have been a bit too cold.




























The second day we spent visiting the various Vineyards and Food producers the Hunter Valley region is known for. Some of the places worth mentioning are Bennorie Dairy, who had a fine selection of some exquisite cheeses which earned them a place in the 2011 Good Food Guide. After visiting McGuigan's, I wished that my fridge looked like their produce shop. I plan to come back and buy it all when I become rich and famous later this year (LOL at myself). Also being a huge chocolate lover we can't go past the Hunter Valley Chocolate shop... If only I could dip the cheese from the Bennorie Dairy in their chocolate fountain, it would be heaven!!!




















On the last day most of my friends decided to head straight back. I stuck with the devote wine lover Irene and her bf, my uni mate, Albert to tour a few more wineries and pick up some wine for her sister. Our first stop was Pepper Tree who had this lovely dessert wine that tasted like maple syrup, perfect as a topping on ice cream or many other desserts. I also made a request to stop at Tempus Two, which is one of the most modern vineyards you'll see in the Hunter Valley and it plays host to some nice looking restaurants too where you can grab a bite to eat while you enjoy their wine. Even though I am not totally big on the wine thing, it was definitely great to catch up with friends and take in the sites of the Hunter Valley. I would definitely do it again.