ok first post, and i'm a Newcastle Girl. Dinner in newcastle itself, either Scratchleys or Paymasters, the two best places for dinner with views to the harbour and great seafood and steak with perfect views. Personally I like Paymasters best, but both will give you outstanding food and service. I find most of my accommodation on wotif.com.au, will give you last minute prices and availability, just type in hunter and you'll find lots of options at various prices. As to the wineries, do Petersens Champagne House with the handmade chocolate shop in front, just divine way to start off, then you will find so many well known ones, just pull in to whatever you find, there are maps all around. If you do McGuigans the Hunter Valley Cheese Co is next door which is always worth a taste and the Hunter Valley Gardens a nice place to wander around as well, the little village attached has lots of craft and food shops to call into as well. Enjoy your time, its a great place to spend some time, I do it regularly. The top resturants in the hunter i'd recommend are Terrioir at Hungerford Hill, it was rated in the Australian Gourmet Traveller in 2005, Esca Bimbadgen open for lunch only I think and at Cypress Lakes Resort which is a great place to stay there is Pipette. I havn't stayed or eaten at the Casurina Country Club but it also rates highly regularly in the area for accommodation and fine dining.
