Hunter valley by car

Last day with Sharon and Ben before back at work and Ellie woke up at 6.30 tried to get her back to sleep for 30 minutes with no success. By time Sharon and Ben got up after 8ish Ellie had bottle and me breakfast. Got moving just after 9.30 as didn't want to waste day since we had car hire decided to hunter valley as was miserable day. On way there kept raining on and off and I sat in front to hopefully help better with directions. Trust Sharon and Ellie to fall asleep on way there but somehow I managed to stay awake which is a novelty for me. Ended up taking longer than Ben expected as took about 2 hours. Hunter valley attracts food and wine lovers from all over the world as has many wineries. Decided to do the Pokolbin trail which is considered the hub of hunter valley region with largest collection of wineries. First stop was to the Tempus two complex and as soon as we got out off the car trust it to start raining, but we did see 4 kangaroos jumping between the vines. Went to smelly cheese first where had chilli feta and Brie which was very creamy unfortunately the cheese is not made here. It was then toilet stop and then to Meera Park but didn't taste any as had to pay taste and plenty to choose from which were free. So next to Tempus two which has a wide range of wines that look as good as they taste. Luckily Ben decided that me and Sharon could sample the wine and he would drive so tried a variety I bought sparkling rose and Sharon got shiraz mourvèdre 2011. Then to McGuigan wines which is supposedly a must visit destination with a range of cellar door only exclusive labels. Was amazed actually found a red wine I like  the black label red as was too harsh, Ben bought 2 bottles. Next door is Hunter Valley cheese had some nice cheese and dips to try the vintage cheese was good but $21 was cheapest, not worth that much. It was then time for food at the cafe had a lovely salmon, cream cheese and capers baguette which was recommended. Had the the small winemakers centre attached but decided against was also $5 to try. Next to Linderman's one of the oldest and most respected wineries in a hunter Valley. Can only try ones which can be bought in Australia had 1 white and 2 red but nine stood out to me so didn't buy any. It was then find the Hunter Valley chocolate factory which we found but was expecting more to try only had small taster of dark, milk and white. Petersons wineries is next door which specialises in sparkling wine had 1 white, 2 rose, I red and cider my favourite was the blush and strange having sparkling red. Then it was time to head back I sat in back of car and had a little nap with Ellie got back 5ish. Chilled for abit then 6.30 me and Sharon went to Coles to get things for tea I made nachos luckily chilli didn't seem as spicy as night before with our black label wine. Ellie wasn't really tired so didn't end up going to bed til 9ish and wasn't much on TV but found body of proof to watch bed 11.30.