Fren family from Travel Guides get back to business in their own backyard

They've travelled the world to some of the most desirable destinations, but the Fren family from Travel Guides say there's no place like home in the Hunter Valley.

It's been a tough start to the year for the wine region — hit by a trifecta of problems including bushfires, drought and now the fallout from coronavirus.

The Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association says the area has suffered a $42 million loss in tourism over the last three months.

So Mark, Cath, Vic and Jonathan spent a day showing off their beautiful backyard — a short drive from their home in Newcastle.

"It is important that Australians do go to Australian tourist attractions," Cathy said.

Getting up at 4am, the Fren family started their day with a hot air balloon ride that took a rocky landing.

Getting back down to earth, the family then visited some of the regions famous vineyards.

Production in the vineyards was down 30 per cent because of the drought, and then another 30 per cent because of the smoke.

Even though the grapes tasted fine to Mark, it turns out that once the grapes exposed to smoke are fermented into wine, they take on a different flavour. And, unfortunately, can't be used.

Luckily, there was still ample wine in storage for the Frens.

Mark and Cathy actually met in the Hunter Valley, so you might think the tour was extra special, but Mark was nonchalant about the significance.

"The only downside about the Hunter Valley!" he laughs.