A few weeks ago, we had a last minute group booking that wanted to experience a day trip to the Hunter Valley and include a gourmet lunch. It was a group of 10 so by this time, every venue I rang in the Hunter Valley was either booked out (for that group size) or had an available time that was either really early or super late. However the group had to eat somewhere! ‘Why don’t you organise a picnic lunch at a vineyard?’ my wife suggested. A great idea!

There are a variety of picnic caterers out there that offer packages that can be as simple as a hamper for two, to a huge grazing table for large groups that include the tables, chairs, rugs, cutlery, glasses as well as some very tasty food options. It’s such a great idea as it allows you, either as a couple or as a group to enjoy a delicious lunch at a venue that traditionally doesn’t have food available. Such as a vineyard, park, private property, beach or some other natural landscape.

Miss Mays Picnics

One such picnic caterer is Miss Mays Picnics who works closely with various vineyards in The Hunter Valley! Find them in Instagram and have a look at what they do. It was a last minute booking however they were more than happy to look after us, and the group I was hosting were extremely excited about the idea. The venue I chose was Gemelli Estate. I have worked with Gemelli Estate for a number of years, a vineyard ran by the Boyd family (one of the nicest you’ll meet in the Hunter). It has one of the prettiest cellar doors in the valley and has a huge deck underneath a weeping willow which is where we decided to set up for the picnic lunch.

Miss Mays were amazing, arriving well ahead of us and setting up so that everything was ready just as we arrived. The group decided on the Moroccan Luxe theme and it was so impressive. With rugs imported from Morocco, low tables, providing all plates, cutlery, glassware and tablecloths it was truly an amazingly impressive setup.

Quite The Selection!

The grazing table comprised of every colour, flavour, texture and fragrance imaginable, that gave a healthy proportion for all. The group was a bunch of close friends so an intimate lunch where everything was shared really added to what was a special day. And of course, there was some delicious wine available from Gemelli Estate to accompany the lunch.

So, if any of you are looking to organise something a little bit special, consider a gourmet picnic at a vineyard in the Hunter Valley. Or any location! A quick online search will show various picnic companies servicing the Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains and of course, Sydney. The relaxed vibe in a beautiful setting with good friends is about as good as it gets!

Feel free to contact us if you would like further information.