With its proximity to Sydney, the Hunter Valley presents the perfect place to engage your corporate team outside the workplace, enjoying a well-earned break and harnessing a little inspiration.
From wine stomping to thrills and spills, here are five activities to consider for the ultimate corporate retreat.
Wine making
Whether it’s a quick grape stomp or a full two-hour wine making course, the Hunter Valley Wine School offers a series of hands-on wine experiences to see your team interacting and immersing themselves in the region.
The wine making course features a stroll through the vineyards, a structured tutorial on how wine is made, and a comprehensive tasting. Or, inject a little healthy competition into your wine appreciation, with barrel rolling competitions and grape stomping.
Cooking
From pasta making to Asian cuisine and fine Australian fare, the region boasts a host of cooking schools designed to inspire would-be chefs or bring a group together for a welcome work diversion.
All schools cater to corporate clients, and culminate in a shared feast with accompanying wine.
Meanwhile Hunter Valley Events offers the ultimate culinary team experience courtesy of their “Hands On With a Chef” events. Corporate teams are challenged to create the perfect three-course meal utilising provided ingredients. They then cook up a storm while vying to see whose “restaurant” will rule at the end of the day.
Action
When a little action is required to get the crew motivated there are a bevy of options to choose from. Start the day with a motivational balloon ride over the region, segway or cycle through the wine country, or enjoy further competitive activities like treasure hunts.
Hunter Valley Events specialises in corporate activities including a Hands On treasure hunt that sees teams decipher cryptic clues to find checkpoints and complete challenges like grape stomping. They also offer a Hunter Valley World Cup where teams slog it out over clay pigeon shooting, rock climbing and an inflatable obstacle course.
For a team building exercise with a difference they also organise short film making activities. Participants are encouraged to engage their creative and leadership skills while making a short film, documentary or TV commercial.
Health and relaxation
For a little R&R between activities, there are a wealth of world renowned spas to sooth the corporate stress, and instructors offering yoga or tai chi classes.
The Hunter is also famous for its spectacular golf courses, including the Vintage, and Cypress Lakes. For a spot of miniature fun, the picturesque Hunter Valley Gardens is home to aqua golf and putt putt.
The Longhouse
Nestled within the natural beauty of its own 25-acre vineyard is The Longhouse. This spectacular architectural masterpiece combines the history of a former WA woolshed with luxurious boutique accommodation. The retreat features three, two bedroom units which can accommodate a corporate team. You can learn more about our stunning accommodation here or contact us directly.