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About two hours north of Sydney lies Australia's oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley. Just like the Napa and Sonoma Valleys north of San Francisco, this region has become a Mecca for wine enthusiasts and those in search of gourmet meals set in the midst of nature's splendor.

More than 80 wineries spread across the valley in a patchwork quilt of flavors and varietals. Intertwined with these vines are scores of fine restaurants and traditional bed and breakfast guest houses providing a wonderful combination of comfort, wine and food.

The locals like to compare the cycles of the vineyards with the cycles of human life that far too many people forget. Over the years of inviting visitors to enjoy their wines, then have also sought to allow city folk to experience the cycles of nature and hopefully to use their time in this beautiful valley as a time of rebirth and renewal of their spirits and relationships.

The pace is natural, slow and pleasant. Though many start by racing from vineyard to vineyard trying to taste as many wines as possible during their visits, most succumb to the naturally measured rhythm of the valley. Frenetic tastings shift to long afternoons of conversations and the fast food of the cities is traded for lingering over succulent meals.

Hunter Valley is a wide valley with thousands of acres of vineyards stretching across the floor of the valley and along the encircling slopes. Elevation between the valley floor and the rolling hillsides is significant enough to allow for the cultivation of many different varietals requiring different growing conditions.

Winemaking is not a new industry in Australia. These vineyards go back to the beginnings of modern Australia when European immigrants planted the first vine cutting shipped from Europe here along the Hunter River in the early 1800s.

The two most widely grown grapes are Shiraz, Semillon and Chardonnay. The climate is perfect for each of them. Semillons and Shiraz grow especially well in this valley's silty soil. The valley also produces many barrels of Merlot and Cabernet.

During my visit, I visited Rosemount, Lindemans and Tyrrell's tasting rooms. These are three of the biggest exporters to the United States. I also had the opportunity to visit Bimbadgen and Pepper Tree vineyards. These are almost unknown in the U.S. but provided a look into the excellence of the smaller wineries. Both have been producing award-winning wines over the past few seasons. Within Australia Pepper Tree is regarded with awe and Bimbadgen is working hard to create buzz for their wines through an extensive advertising campaign.

Both Bimbadgen and Pepper Tree have wonderful gourmet restaurants. Pepper Tree is the longest established and has a well-earned reputation. It is the site of many weddings and hosts dignitaries from across the globe. Bimbadgen, a newer kid on the block, has partnered with a noted Sydney chef and restaurateur, Mark Armstrong who has brought his reputation and one of his top chefs here to create gourmet excellence.

Turn down virtually any leafy country lane and you'll find a B&B or small guest house tucked away in the middle of a vineyard. There is something for every budget. You can stay at most wineries as well.

A stay here offers far more than only winetastings and dining. There are excellent golf courses, trail riding, bicycling and hot-air ballooning.

The calendar is also packed with events and activities during every time of year from budburst in September to harvest in March and April. In June there is ArtScrawl promoting artists and craftsmen. And every month from October through February there are celebrations of folk music, opera, jazz, rock and blues.

To plan your trip, contact the Australian Tourist Board or check into the Hunter Valley website that links to more than 250 different wine maker sites.

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