Filming took place at Hunter Valley Gardens with about 400 people turning out to get a glimpse of the action.

Today hosts Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson, accompanied by Richard Wilkins, Ross Greenwood and Sylvia Jeffreys took time during the breaks in filming to meet with fans for photos and autographs.

The visit was part of the Channel Nine program’s ‘We Love Australia’ tour and was secured by Destination NSW.

The diversity of the region was profiled across the 3.5-hour show.

Hot air ballooning, aqua golf, horse riding and the Hunter Valley Zoo, and of course, food and wine were among the products and experiences that were highlighted on the show.

Muse Restaurant and Muse Kitchen chef/owner Troy Rhoades-Brown gave a cooking demonstration, and Brokenwood Wines winemaker Stuart Hordern oversaw Wilkins and Stefanovic’s grape-stomping efforts.

Roche Group general manager Kyle McKendry said the broadcast was fantastic exposure.

“It’s great for the Gardens and great for the whole region,” he said.

“It showcases what the Hunter Valley has to offer.”

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the broadcast would promote the Hunter Valley as a must-visit destination to 1.3 million viewers around the country.

“We are excited to welcome the Today Show to the Hunter and I am sure the extensive exposure will entice even more people to the region to experience the 150 plus top-class wineries, vineyards and cellar doors and great restaurants,” he said.

“Through Destination NSW, the NSW Government is committed to showcasing our wonderful regions through a variety of platforms that contribute to our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to NSW by 2020, and this special Today Show broadcast is clear evidence of this.”

The We Love Australia tour started in Queensland on Monday, taking in Noosa, Rockhampton and Airlie Beach before arriving in Pokolbin late on Wednesday.

The tour will wrap up on Friday at Hahndorf in South Australia’s Adelaide Hills.