Five stops worth making on the drive to Hunter Valley wine country

Everyone makes the drive from Sydney or Newcastle to the Hunter Valley vineyards in roughly the same way: straight through. No stops. Foot down. And they arrive already hungry, already a bit cranky, ready to commit to whatever winery is nearest the car park.

We reckon you can do better. Here are five places worth the ten-minute detour, starting with the one on our doorstep.

1. Pie Hole, 127 Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba. You knew this was coming. If you're rolling up Wine Country Drive, we're on your left — the shop with the proper coffee and the display case of pies that will sort out the whole day. The brisket and jalapeño is not a breakfast pie in any official sense, but who's counting.

2. The Hunter Valley Gardens lookout. A short walk, a proper view, and you'll want your phone charged.

3. Any of the cellar doors on the first turn into Pokolbin. The ones people skip for the famous names often have the better chat.

4. Binnorie Dairy. For the cheese run back to the car.

5. Smelly Cheese Shop. If you didn't stop at Binnorie.

If you're planning a day in the Hunter, pull in on the way out — and again on the way home for a cherry turnover for the drive.