Hunter valley and Korean BBQ

Monday 8th July didn't sleep the best probably because I knew I had to be up early in morning so woke up 3 and then got up at 5.15. Also found out that Andy Murray had won the Wimbledon final so became the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years, yippee. Left just after 6am to get train to central and even had time for Krusty Kreme donut before we had to catch our bus. Then time to wait for bus at the bus shelter near central station supposed to depart at 7.10 but arrived at 7.15 and was a few other people waiting. Once bus arrived two girls just pushed on first eventhough there was a queue of people, how rude. After pick up at central we headed to Hornsby station to pick up 3 more people then onroute to Hunter Valley. We stopped at a service station whilst driving up just for 20 minutes where I had chance to get a coffee. First winery was 'Lucy's Run' which is 10 acres of vineyard made up of 3 varieties of grapes verdelho, merlot and shiraz. When driving up was lots of kangaroos jumping around which was nice to see and Lucy's Run is a small vineyard which only makes 800 a year only in Australia. It was then to try the wine and got to try 6 wines 1 bubbly, 1 white, 2 red and 2 rose my favourite was Lucy in the sky bubbly rose and Bejo's blush. Out of the reds we tried a merlot and shiraz and I preferred the shiraz which was awarded a GOLD MEDAL in 2012 Hunter Valley Wine Show. We also got to try the extra virgin oil and delicious home marinated olives which were good as has 750 olive trees. The vineyard is very pretty with a 80 acre mixed farm as also has a few cattal roaming the remaining acres accompained by 3 pet donkeys. It was then to 'Robyn Drayton' which was established in 1853 by William Joseph Drayton and fast forward 156 years to now the 5th generation of winemakers. A trip to the 41 acre estate will showcase Robyn's award wining range of spectacular crisp whites, full bodied reds  and her famous white port. Where we tried 2 whites, 1 red, 1 dessert wine and white port, my favourite wine was the 2013 Liam reserve verdelho which originates from portugal. It offers great views, ok wine and tasty white port which is best served chilled with a wedge of fresh lime.  We also had a look round the interesting family museum stepping back to 1853 and loved all the different maps of the area. Next was time to look round the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese shop which has an impressive selection of delicatessen products from Australia and overseas. As soon as you walk in you see it, smell it and then get to taste it which was lovely especially the Viking Danish Blue a nice soft creamy cheese. Also got to try breads dipped in a variety flavours of extra virgin olive oils the lemon was very subtle but effective. Then to 'Tempus Two' to try more wine which is set in a great location, beautiful tasting area and fabulous wines. Tempus Two's roots are firmly planted in one of Australia's oldest wine regions, the Hunter Valley, and one of Australia best known families, the McGuigan family. Here we got to try a selection of our choice of 6 different wines mainly white and rose I liked the rose sparkling wine and found the dessert wine very sweet like syrup. I ended up buying the Tempus Two Moscato Rosa 2013 which is made using a blend of red and white Frintignac grapes and a small portion of Shiraz adding greater depth of colour. The reult is an irresistably sweet fruity wine with refreshing citrus acidity and finished with a soft fine fizz. It was then time for food and went to 'Harrigan's Irish pub' where I wasn't to hungry so just had the soup of the day pumpkin. I also didn't want to eat to much as eating out tonight with work and we got to sit outside as a lovely day. Onroute to Harrigan's we passed the Hunter Valley Gardens but unfortunately didn't have time to look round but is supposedly very beautiful, will have to go back at some time. Then off to our last winery of the day and fourth one for the day 'Kevin Sobels Winery' which is 23 acres of vineyard and onto 6th generation winemaker. Here we got to try lots of wines was 11, but none that really stood out and made me want to buy, we also had white port but preferred the one by Robyn Drayton. There also had a St Bernard dog 'Archie' who was 3 and half ages old very big and very cute. Then time to head back to the city and fell asleep on the journey back stopping at McDonalds for toilet break. Got back to city just after 6pm after stopping at Hornsby station and a few places on George Street for people to get out. Unfortunately I just missed the 1st train to Campsie so caught train at 6.20pm so was about 15 minutes late for meal. So everyone else from work was already there by the time I arrived was 12 off us for Korean BBQ for my belated birthday meal. Was so much food seriously the best buffet place I have gone to in awhile, the food was delicious and fresh. The BBQ plate was changed every 15 minutes or so which was quite impressive as it was done in a smooth un-awkward way. There is a wide selection of meat and seafood as well as sushi and a dessert bay, the décor is modern and sparkling clean. All the meat was delicious but my favourites was the marinated chicken and the beef was so much that I couldn't even fit in dessert of ice-cream. Michelle had bought her husband and son who was very amusing and everyone was very kind as their paid for me as a belated birthday meal. Didnt want me getting train home so Katrina gave us a lift home with Reena and Muna dropped Muna off first at Strathfield then both me and Reena, got in just after 9.