hunter valley boutique wine tours

Boutique Wine & Food Trail

A scrumptious full day tour of 4-5 cellar doors offering a variety of wine styles from sparkling wines to fortifieds and everything in between. Lunch included as well as cheese, olive and chocolate samplings! Subject to Health changes

• Duration: 8 Hours (approx.)

Off the Beaten Track

Based on our Boutique Wine & Gourmet Food Trail tour, we offer private tours for small groups based on your tour needs and taste buds: just you and your friends on a day tailored to you. Call 0419 419931 and allow us to help plan your day

Introducing - Clean Green Tour

Only visit ORGANIC biodynamic and preservative free Vineyards, cellar doors and wineries. We will visit 4 minimum and includes lunch.

Exclusive/Private Wine Tours

A LA CARTE TOUR/LUNCH

Indulge yourself! Yum - At least 3-4 Boutique Wineries and a delicious "A La Carte" lunch at one of our fabulous restaurants. Extremely Filling totally delicious !

Mid Week Half day Trio Tour (Mon - Fri only)

Morning or Afternoon Tours. AM -9.30 am to 1.30 pm OR PM TOURS 12.30- 4.30 pm At least 2 wineries cheese/choc stop or distillery- Subject to availability Due to COVID 19 Please note for health safety they may Not be able to offer "tastings"

• Duration: 4 Hours (approx.)

Corporate Tours

Happy to discuss options and alternatives, everything can be negotiated - no problem, Call or Email. Let us help you; from simple tastings, wine/cheese matches, degustation lunches, winery tours, gardens strolls, wine games ..

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0428 165 519

We’ll Take You To All Of The Best Wineries In The Region

Let us take you on your journey, check out our new horse riding tour, hunter wine journeys.

Travel In Comfort

We have 2 x 11 seater buses for small and large groups, so you can rest assured that no matter the size of your group, you’ll always travel in comfort. 

Tour Transfers

We pick you up and drop you off at your chosen accommodation for concerts, special events, and airport transfers. 

We’re Flexible

Our everyday wine tour accommodates you and your group to choose your own itinerary and what wineries/breweries you want to visit. 

Local Treasures

We explore boutique cellar doors to give you a personal experience, taste a variety of wines, ports, beers, and much more. 

"Lisa is hands down amazing! Do not miss out on experiencing what the Hunter has to offer with Lisa! Lisa picked us up and first stop, Peterson’s! We met her dear friend John the Pom and what a riot these 2 are. Peterson’s has gorgeous wines. Try the petite Verdot and Mad Era! Then we headed over to Hanging Tree where we hung out with their wine dog Vodka and enjoyed the spectacular view. Afterwards, we visited Pokolbin Estates. The whole time we had great conversations with Lisa and just enjoyed the day with her. We then headed over to the stinky cheese shop and afterwards she drove us back to our AirBnB. I’ve done quite a few wine tours but hands down this has been the best experience at the Hunter with Lisa."

Mari Silvestri

"Had a great day out on a full day wine tour. Tony our host/driver was extremely friendly and very informative. We visited some lovely smaller wineries in Pokolbin and had fun wine tasting and taking in the beautiful landscapes. Nothing was a hassle and Tony made us feel relaxed. Definitely recommend this tour operator to anyone who comes to the Hunter Valley. We will definitely be back!"

"tony is a good tour host. provided background on the eclectic mix of wineries we visited and waited patiently while we worked our way through the tastings. we had great day out with pickup and return to our b&b.", "thank you lisa for your wonderful hospitality yesterday. we had an amazing day. loved going to the smaller boutique vineyards and your choice of vineyards was fantastic.", "the funnest wine tour i've been on lisa was so fun and accommodating she went above and beyond for us will definitely use her and tony again".

Nadhisha P.

"Highly recommend Lisa as she is an incredibly informative, friendly, entertaining and highly accommodating host. Recommended her for all group types and ages."

Book a tour, footer form.

Tuesday - Sunday 10 am - 5 pm  Monday CLOSED

0428 165 519 [email protected].

Tour Wine Country Your Way

Experience the best of the hunter valley, private, personalised & picture perfect.

Sip And Savour With The Perfect Package

Time For Two

Whether you’re making memories, planning an engagement or marking a significant milestone, nothing says romance quite like a personalised, private package of fine wines and charming cellar doors.

Gourmet Adventure

We’ll lead the way to foodie heaven with the most perfect culinary pairings the region has to offer; organic wines, artisan cheeses, wood-fired pizzas and the most delicious regional fare.

Leave no-one behind, with one of our fabulous, family-friendly tasting tours! Relax as the kids delight in juice and lolly tastings, treasure hunts and explore some fabulous outdoor spaces.

Events To Remember

Gather friends to mark a big birthday, take the ‘hens’ on a tour through the vineyards, or treat your team to something extra special.

Dog-Friendly Tours

With handmade treats, a dedicated pet-friendly van – complete with doggy seat belt restraints, bowls, towels and a pet first aid kit.

Tour In Comfort

Our fleet boasts a luxurious black 8-seater van, a dedicated pet-friendly van, a modern 12-seater, and a spacious 22-seater. Perfect for groups of 2 to 20!

Got Something Else In Mind?

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Text or call +61403 001154 | [email protected]

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Hunter Valley Wine Tours from Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury, Cessnock, and surrounds, as well as Newcastle and the Central Coast.

Experience our 5-star rated Wine Tours of the Hunter Valley featuring wines, craft beers, and spirits!

At Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours, we offer you a complete snapshot of the boutique wines, local craft beers, unique cheeses and chocolates, and medal-winning vodkas, gins, and liqueurs that make our region a foodies paradise. Our Hunter valley wine tours are customisable to any group’s interests and needs.

Our experienced team is proud Hunter Valley locals who love sharing the stories and uniqueness of our region with friendly smiles. Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours is a Quality Tourism Accredited Business and a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence winner, so when you come on board with us, you know that a fun, friendly, and professional experience awaits you at a great value price.

Hunter Valley Tour Options:

Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour

Great Value, Economical Shared Bus Tour

With craft beer, vodka/schnapps, cheese, and chocolates

Available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

$130pp including wine tasting + spirits tasting fees

Perfect for groups of 2-10 people

A mix of wine, craft beer, vodka, schnapps, and gin

Fun small group atmosphere … multiple groups with an economical per person price – great value for small groups and couples!

Fast and easy set itinerary tour with all venues booked for you

One low upfront price – no hidden booking fees at the checkout!

A Private Hunter Valley Wine Tour

Perfect for groups of 8-24 people!

Custom itinerary – choose your venues, start later/finish earlier, design a beer+spirits tour or a wine-only tour, or a combination!

Available 7 days – Saturdays, Sundays, and Mon – Fri

One of our 13, 20 or 24 seat buses is exclusively reserved for your group

Specialty tours available for hen’s parties and corporate groups

Wine-tasting tours are perfect for birthdays, family celebrations, or an epic day out with friends… done your way!

Shared Bus Wine Tour of the Hunter Valley

Available from your local Hunter Valley accommodation and Newcastle 

Wine tasting

Spirits tasting

Craft beers and ciders

Chocolate & Cheese shop visits

Fun & friendly group atmosphere

All the organisation taken care of!

Leave the bottleshop behind and discover unique wine styles, boutique beers, and gourmet chocolates. With delicious food and wine, spectacular surroundings, and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you will have all the ingredients necessary to create a fabulous and unforgettable trip!

• Visit 3 cellar doors for tasting presentations where you can sample great selections from a mixture of boutique producers and more established vineyards

• Taste up to 8 different wines at each venue, including whites, reds, sparkling varieties, dessert wines, and blends unique to the winemaker

• Spirits tasting … excite your taste buds with vodkas, gins and schnapps at Small Mouth Vodkas (flavoured vodkas and gin with shimmering edible glitter!) or the Hunter Distillery or Kiss of Fire Liqueurs outlet (flavoured butterscotches)

• Sample varieties of  local craft beers and ciders or enjoy a cocktail (optional – at your own expense)

• Visit the Smelly Cheese Shop – a mini cheese tasting

(Standard cheese tasting only …. dairy free/vegan cheese unavailable)

• Stop at the Pokolbin Chocolate Company Shop for treats that are soooo worth the calories!

• Lunch at either 4 Pines at the Farm Brewhouse , Ironbark Hill Brewhouse , The Valley Brewhouse , Nineteen Bar & Bistro ,  Harrigan’s Irish Pub , Huntlee Tavern  (enjoy a selection of both light and hearty meals to suit a variety of tastes and budgets with most meals around $30-$40 (own expense)

• Small minibus group tours – fun and social tours with mixed small groups on a 13 or 20-seat bus

• All tours are personally taken by one of our friendly and knowledgeable local drivers who are committed to ensuring you have the best Hunter valley tour

• Relax in style and comfort, knowing everything is organized for you

Hunter Valley accommodation pickups

$130pp – Available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

Includes wine tasting and spirits tasting fees*

Hunter Valley Wine Tours from Newcastle

$145pp – Available Saturdays

Hunter Valley Tour – Inclusions:

• Door-to-door service from your Hunter Valley or Newcastle accommodation with no additional fees for certain suburbs – check out our list of suburbs below
• A friendly Hunter Valley local as your guide and driver who is dedicated to ensuring your group has the best day possible!
• Air-conditioned minibus – 13-seat or 20-seat bus
• Cellar door, lunch, and table bookings – everything is organised, so you don’t have to worry about the itinerary – just jump onboard ready for a great day!
• *Cellar door and distillery tasting fees (wine tasting and spirits tastings at the venues organised by ourselves for the tour), Cheese and Chocolate shop visits
• All booking and transaction fees are already included in the advertised price – no sneaky fees at the checkout!

Items You’ll Need To Bring (not included):

• Lunch – we always visit venues on this tour where the majority of meals are $30-$40pp. You can bring your own lunch if you wish (please let us know if you intend to do this using the “Special Requirements” box at the checkout so we can update the venues as to numbers). Vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options are usually available. However, they cannot be guaranteed.
• Bottles of wine, food items, gifts or wine/beer/cocktails by the glass

Which cellar doors do we visit on the Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour?

We mix and match the 3 we pick from this list, so every tour is slightly different. We aim for a mix of boutique and mid-sized cellar doors and try to support locally owned and operated venues rather than the large corporates that you see in bottleshops. It’s time to shake it up and taste something different!

Some of the cellar doors that we usually visit include the following:

Ernest Hill wines Ridgeview wines Hunter Wine Lab Briar Ridge wines Blueberry Hill wines Travertine wines The Garden Cellars Tintilla Estate

McLeish Estate Allandale wines Gartelmann wines Kelman Estate Hermitage Road cellars Oakvale wines Harkham wines Saltire Estate

Pickups from your Hunter Valley accommodation:

Available:  Friday, Saturday and Sunday for Full Day tours (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day)

Pickups:   Between approx. 8.30am-9.45am (most central Hunter Valley areas such as Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury, and Cessnock are picked up between 9am-9.45am)

Our Hunter Valley Wine Tours pickup from accommodation venues in:

• Elderslie, Dalwood, Branxton, and surrounding areas

NB: We do not pickup from Wollombi or Laguna on this tour. Quorrobolong pickups are available for bookings of 4 people or more.

Special Note:  Please indicate your exact pickup address/accommodation venue on the booking form. We will advise you by the Wednesday before your tour of your pickup time. Pickups from Hunter Valley venues are timetabled according to the bookings for the day.

Returns and drop off : Approx. 4.45pm-5.30pm 

Ages:  You must be over 18 years old to book this tour. We do not allow pets on this tour.

Pickups from Newcastle:

Available:  Saturdays only

Newcastle Pickups:  Available from most Newcastle hotels, private residences and AirBnbs (if you’d like to check if pickup is available from your location prior to booking please use our contact form below).

Newcastle pickups are between 8am and 8.45am.

Newcastle drop-offs:  Approx. 6pm-7pm

Have a question about our shared bus Wine Tours of the Hunter Valley?

We’d love to meet your group and have you onboard, so please use the form below to ask a question about our Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour. We can usually reply within 2-3 hours (guaranteed reply within 24 hours). All messages come straight through to the mobile phone!

Or send us an sms on 0403 001154

NB> Message is best as safe driving is always a priority!

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Number of Passengers * Please enter a number from 1 to 20 .
• Pickup/Drop-off Point *
• Tour Day (Mon-Fri, Sat or Sun) *
• Tour Date * DD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 MM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 YYYY 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021
• Your message:

What do guests say about our Hunter Valley Wine Tour s?

Firstly and foremost I want to thank you for your help in organising our wine tour. Your communication has been impeccable and I could not thank you enough for all your information about the wineries, options for us to choose, your recommendations and just the ease of booking everything without an ounce of stress on my part. Our tour went without a hitch. All the girls loved it and it was everything we were all hoping for. I will absolutely be recommending your business to everyone that will listen! Our driver Jeff was fantastic so a massive thank you to him as well. I will definitely be booking again in the future, thank you again!

Christie B :

Just wanted to pass on that we had a fabulous time on our tour over the weekend!

Grant was a blast! He was great value, made everyone feel comfortable, and had a wealth of knowledge. The Hunter Valley wineries we visited were lovely (Ernest Hill was our favourite) and a perfect spot for lunch.

Really appreciate the extra service with the Newcastle drop-off and pick-up. We would absolutely come back again and will highly recommend to friends and family

I’m so happy I booked a wine tour with Tastes of the Hunter for my 30th birthday! Thanks to Suzanne, the whole booking process went smoothly, and it was so easy. Things couldn’t have been better on the day. Our driver, Kevin, was very patient and made sure everyone was always fine.

Everyone on the tour agreed that it was an amazing day. We can’t wait to come back and do another tour with Tastes of the Hunter

Looking for the Best Hunter Valley Tours? Check out Tastes of the Hunter …

Enjoy the friendly atmosphere of a mini bus – without the hassle of arranging your tastings or organising venues

Air Conditioning 

Sound system

Friendly and experienced guides

Tour with a Hunter Valley local

Every Tastes Of The Hunter tour is taken by a friendly Hunter Valley wine region local who is passionate about striving to exceed expectations and offering your group a personal experience.

Need a custom pickup time? Travelling from Sydney in the morning? A special surprise for a birthday, anniversary, hen’s day?

Just ask … if we can make it happen, we’ll do it!

At Tastes Of The Hunter Wine Tours, we are big enough to offer you the quality and professionalism you expect and small enough to offer the personal service you deserve. This is why you’ll find the best Hunter Valley wine tour and deals on offer when you book with Tastes of the Hunter.

ATAP accredited  tour operator

5 Star Reviews on Trip Advisor, Facebook and Google

Frequently Asked Questions about our Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Shared bus tours such as our Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour ($130pp for Hunter Valley pickup and $145pp for Newcastle pickup) are the most economical option. The Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour includes: – Cellar door and distillery tasting fees. – Pickup and drop-off to your Hunter Valley accommodation (and all transfers between venues). – The tour organisation (you don’t need to book any venues). Private hunter valley wine tours start at $1145 for a 13-seat bus, which is charged per bus rather than per person. So the more people you have, the cheaper a private tour can be.

Yes! Our Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour price includes 3 cellar door tasting fees (at the cellars we have organised for the tour) and 1 spirits tasting.

No! We pride ourselves on our affordable Hunter Valley wine tours being as economical as possible, and there are no sneaky booking fees or transaction fees applied at the checkout. These are already included in the $130pp price for pickup from your Hunter Valley accommodation and the $145pp price for Newcastle pickup.

Lunch is at your own expense on the day. We always visit casual lunch venues where the majority of meals are available for $30-$40 per person. The lunch venues are usually 4 Pines at the Farm Brewhouse, Ironbark Hill Brewhouse, The Valley Brewhouse, Nineteen Bar and Bistro, Huntlee Tavern, or Harrigan’s Irish pub. All offer a range of pub favourites, including gourmet pizzas, gourmet burgers, steaks, chicken schnitzel, salads, etc.

Vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options are usually available (however, they cannot be guaranteed). Please let us know when you book if you have any special dietary requirements.

The actual tour component is between 10am and 4.30pm (it can run as late as 5pm if we are delayed at any venues). Pickups occur before 10am, drop-offs occur after 4.30pm/5pm and are based on distance from Pokolbin (i.e., we start with outer areas and work our way towards Pokolbin/Rothbury/Lovedale/Cessnock with these pickups usually occurring between 9.15am and 9.45am). We’ll send you an email by the Wed/Thurs morn before the tour with your exact pickup time, venues and driver details.

Our drivers aim to get as close as possible to your Hunter Valley cottage, as many of the properties in Pokolbin, Rothbury, and Lovedale have long driveways. This is usually possible 99% of the time. However, our drivers always put the safety of other passengers first. Therefore, if it isn’t safe for the bus to reach the exact location of your cottage (e.g., steep/rough terrain, slippery gravel road), we’ll give you a call and negotiate a safe place to pick you up as close as possible to your accommodation. Please note: Pickups from Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley are usually from the bus zone outside the main reception area, as the roads to the individual villas are quite narrow and unsuitable for minibuses.

Our Hunter Valley tours from Newcastle pickup directly from residential addresses in Newcastle or from outside of your Newcastle hotel (we may require you to walk around the corner if directly outside of your hotel is a “no stopping” zone). You don’t need to arrange additional transport to meet the bus at a designated meeting point. We come to you!

To keep things simple and affordable, we charge one price for pickups from the Hunter Valley ($130pp) from the suburbs we can pick up from (see above). If you request a pickup from an outer Hunter Valley suburb (e.g., Maitland, Rutherford, Singleton, Elderslie, Dalwood, Quorrobolong, Broke, etc.), your pickup time will be earlier (in the range of 8.30am – 9am). Suppose you have a small number of guests (e.g., 2-4 people). In that case, it is advised that you contact us to check if we can fit you into the existing pickup schedule for a particular date. The pickups we are able to do can depend on the other guests already booked in.

The Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour has a set itinerary, so you don’t need to book any venues. Just hop on board, ready for a fun day and a snapshot of the wines, beers, and spirits the Hunter is famous for! If you need a tour where you can choose your own venues (and you have 8 or more guests), then you can check out our private tours of the Hunter Valley .

Craft beer paddles/schooners of craft beer etc., are available for purchase at 4 Pines at the Farm Brewhouse (around $20 for a paddle of 4 beers) and Ironbark Hill brewhouse (around $18 for a paddle of 4 beers/ciders), The Valley Brewhouse, Huntlee Tavern and Harrigan’s Irish pub. These are optional and come with a guide sheet for a self-guided tasting.  Please note:  The prices above are a guide, and venues can change their prices without notice.

The Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (Saturday only for Newcastle pickups). If you have a group of 8 people or more and would like a private tour (with a similar itinerary or one you can fully customise!) on a weekday (Mon – Thurs), check out our options for private wine tours of the Hunter Valley ).

Copyright 2023 Tastes Of The Hunter Wine Tours | All Rights Reserved

Tastes Of The Hunter Wine Tours | Level 8 / 99 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000 | Newcastle: 41 Naranghi Circuit, Maryland, NSW 2287 | Phone: 0403 001154

• 0456 737 888
• [email protected]
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An Award winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience

“ Thanks for a great day out where our expectations were exceeded. Our tour guide, Julie, was kind generous and extremely knowledgeable about the Hunter Valley and wineries. We were a diverse group coming together to have a fun day out. Would highly recommend this tour of boutique wineries. Particularly grateful to Julie and the warmth of our co-conspirators for making our day. Cheers to Paul at Binet Wines and Jade at Iron Gate vineyard. Also loved Hunter Distillery – try Copperwave Gin – amazing. ”

“ Our family of 10 had an amazing day with Colin. Very hospitable to our requests, informative on different winery’s in the area, places to eat and allowed us to go at our own place. A really great family day. Thank you Colin! ”

“ Wow in this modern era who would believe a business with a heart. Due to a serious diagnosis the day before our tour we were 2 people short on our booking. Although they didnt have to they did not charge us. So kind. As for our driver Chris what a gem nothing was too much trouble we probably should have tipped him so much more. Julie’s itinerary was AMAZING UNIQUE and flexible. Value for money is an understatement. Would l recommend 200%. What fun thankyou so much. Not enough superlatives to do this company justice. Believe me l am a very tough regular reviewer and could not fault our day. ”

“ Julie designed a wonderful tour for my family ranging in age from 52-88 years. She made sure all the venues were accessible and took us to a great range of vineyards, chocolate, cheese, olive tastings as well as a fantastic gin and vodka distillery. Julie shared lots of local knowledge and fun facts and her attention to detail was second to none. ”

“ We traveled from Adelaide met up with our son and his girlfriend who had done a wine tour with Julie before . Julie did not disappoint as she went out of her way to make everybody’s day special . Julie organized for the 4 of us to finish the day at stomp winery which was the highlight of our weekend in the hunter valley. Thankyou Julie ,if you want a great day out book now ”

“ Hubby and i did a full day wine tour for our wedding anniversary and his birthday. With Julie as our tour guide we visited 5 boutique wineries plus the distillery with cheese and chocolate to match. Full of knowledge and very friendly we had a great day.Went back to our hotel pleasantly intoxicated and full of good good food Highly recommended ”

“ The tour was not rushed which was what we requested since we had our mom with a bad knee with us. We also loved that we went to organic wines to accomodate my vegan daughter. The wineries that we went to and the lunch at Baume were just perfect for our group. Thanks to julie for arranging the tour and driving us around. ”

“ Julie was absolutely fantastic and we had a wonderful day arriving back at our hotel with our wines, cheeses, olives and chocolates. ”

“ My friends and I had a wonderful day on our wineries tour, and were so impressed with Julie’s care and professionalism during the day. She is also great company and it was wonderful hearing how she started her business after realising there weren’t any wheelchair accessible vehicles being operated in the Hunter Valley. Our vehicle was spotless, and our day went very smoothly. A fantastic experience and highly recommended! ”

“ We loved all the wineries Brett took us to. Happy to recommend good places around Hunter to eat and see. We really enjoyed the wine tasting experience! Thank you. ”

Hunter Valley

Join the Hunter Region’s 2020 award-winning ‘Outstanding Tourism Services’ wine tasting tour, rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor by travelers just like you. Come with us on a quality boutique wine tasting tour through the fantastic boutique wines region of the Hunter Valley.

You will visit wineries, cellar doors, and vineyards sampling superior boutique wines. You will receive the kind of service that you would expect when touring with a long-established, reputable tour company.

Transfers, tastings and lunch are included in one per-person price.

Your Tour Includes

• Tastings at premium, boutique winery cellar doors
• Tastings at a Hunter Distillery
• Fresh, delicious, lunch *not all dietary needs are catered to
• A visit to an artisan cheese outlet
• A visit to a chocolate store famous for its large selection of handmade chocolate & fudge
• Modern, clean & comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
• An experienced, local tour guide providing insightful and entertaining commentary
• Free, chilled water to keep you hydrated
• Wildlife spotting! See kangaroos and other Australian native animals in the wild
• Accessibility

Why Travel with Hunter Valley Tours

• Personalised, friendly service
• Unrushed tours – take your time and enjoy
• Suitable for wine enthusiasts of all ages
• Our guides are well-respected, presentable, professional, polite, and energetic
• Winner of Hunter Regions ‘Outstanding Tourism Services’ Award
• Finalist ‘Hunter Local Business Awards’ 2021 and 2023
• Nominee and Finalist in the Hunter Tour Operator of the year 2022 and 2023
• Finalist in the Australian Small Business Awards 2023
• Finalist in the Australian Women in Small Business Awards 2022 and 2023
• 5 star trip advisor rating
• 5 star Google rating

IMPORTANT:  Please contact Hunter Valley Tours on 0456 737 888 if you are booking within 12 hours of your tour as pickup may not be available.

Pickup Times

Pickup times are FROM 9am. You will be notified usually the night before your tour date by either text, email, or phone call what time to expect to be picked up for the start of your tour. This time will be before 10 am as there will be a number of people to be collected prior to the first cellar door at 10 am. Please ensure you check your phone or email for pickup time. I f you are unsure or not received your pick-up time please call 0456 737 888 the night before if you’ve not heard before 7 pm.

  Pickup Radius

12km radius of Pokolbin (Hunter Valley Gardens) is the local area pickup, other locations may be subjected to pickup surcharges. Newcastle, Maitland, Singleton, and surrounding areas incur per booking one-off charge. 

Wheelchair and Mobility Accessibility

This is subject to availability. You must inform us at the time of booking if you require this service. 

Hen’s & Bucks Parties

This tour is not suitable for hen’s and buck’s parties. Non-disclosure  WILL  incur extra charges of $50pp payable before the tour commences or the tour will be voided.

Use promo code Wine24 and pay only $195!

We are a COVID safe Business

Got Questions about your Hunter Valley Wine Tour

We have a wealth of knowledge about the local wine region, boutique wineries and artisan producers, here in the Hunter Valley. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your own requirements and how we can make the best wine tour imaginable for you!

HV Tours is your local, experienced provider of affordable and boutique Hunter Valley wine tasting tours.

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Business Hours

Monday – Sunday: 9am – 5pm

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Terms and Conditions

Tasting Fees

There has been much conjecture and emotion over this issue. The Hunter has finally introduced TASTING FEES at all/most places usually 5.00pp-10.00pp . Some of the bigger places offer specific tastings such as Museum tasting or premium tasting etc 15.00pp up to 25.00pp depending upon which tasting you select TOUR OPERATORS have been put in the middle of this argument as it seems the public have always assumed that the fee you pay the TOUR OPERATOR is to drink other peoples wines! It has never been the case at all we DID NOT charge you to drink other peoples wines!!!! Wines are not ours and NEVER have been.

The TOUR Operator fees Are for the TOUR!  The 8-9 hours you have the vehicle /the seat on bus the driver/the petrol/ the organisation of the tour /the knowledge /intimate knowledge on wines/places etc NEVER were you ever paying US to drink their wine!! UNTIL NOW HOWEVER; We are being hit with tasting fees as we do our job which is to book up an itinerary for you( A professional TOUR OPERATORS JOB !) We are being charged fees;  EVERY TIME  we ring up to book especially on line  this can be 350.00 before you get in the vehicle HENCE we have had to alter prices to cover this WE are NOT and never have been on any retainers or commissions from the cellar doors for us to take you to particular places!

I hope this has cleared up some misconceptions that have been around lately

As a proud Hunterite ! And a Wine enthusiast Things are changing and in fact HUNTER has finally caught up with the rest of the WINE REGIONS in Australia and in fact the world!

Thanks for your time

I look forward to having you aboard a fully accredited! fully licenced! wine qualified PROUD LOCAL TOUR OPERATOR

Check our some of the unique wineries & vineyards we can travel to!

Ballabourneen

Nightingate

Krinklewood

Janes Estate

Macquariedale

Lucy’s Run

Saddlers Creek

Hanging Tree

Ernest Hill

Keith Tulloch

Thirsty Pallet

Blueberry Hill

Hunter Dream

Black Creek Farm

Hope Estate

Roch Estate

Twine Restaurant

Epicure Cafe

and much more..

Grape Experience

Wine tours hunter valley, • wedding transfer specialists • large group specialists •.

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Grape Experience Tours is a wine tour company operating in the Hunter Valley. We’re equipped to handle groups as small as two and as large as 30 people on its tours of the best Hunter Valley has to offer. Our drivers are all experienced wine lovers who know what makes each vineyard and winemaker special. They will share their knowledge and passion for the area and help you discover your new favourite winery or lunch spot.

Hunter Valley’s Finest

The Grape Experience

You’ve always wanted to try wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, but don’t know where to start? Grape Experience Tours is here to change that. Take a tour with us and leave all the organising up to us. We pick you up from your accommodation, drive you to the wineries and look after you from morning ’til night. From your pick-up at your front door, to being dropped back off at your accommodation, our tours maximise your time discovering the region’s best wine. Enjoy multiple wineries, a visit to a local brewery and a distillery tour along the way. The perfect day out.

Transport Experts

Wedding Transport Specialists

As much as we love giving our customers the best wine tasting experiences, we also class ourselves as a wedding transport company. The hunter is renowned for hosting amazing events year round and wether its weddings, festivals or even concert transport, we’re able to pick you up from your airbnb/accomodation and drop you back once the night is over.

EXPERIENCE THE GRAPE DIFFERENCE

All Inclusive Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Full Day Wine Tours

Full day tours to the Hunter Valley wineries will be one for your diary, your personal tour guide and driver will take you to visit some of the best and most renowned vineyards. You’ll travel in our air-conditioned buses and visit four different wineries along the way – taking in the sights and tasting the wines. We stop for lunch before returning to your wine tour. Fully inclusive in your packaged and our most popular choice to get the most out of the hunter valley.

• All wine tasting fees covered (Premium tastings will be additional)

• Lunch at pub/brewery/winery provided (on selected tours/selected locations only)

• Door to door pick up and drop offs

• Wineries, breweries & distilleries.

Half Day Wine Tour

Half day tours are a great solution to experience the hunter when on a time constraint, although we always recommend the full day tour to get the best out of the hunter, having the option for a half day tour allows you to still get a taste of the hunter. We’ll pick your group up form your door and drop you off at the end fo the day. We normally have time for 3 wineries within our half day packages.

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Includes: • All wine tasting fees covered (most wineries, some will be additional)

• Half day hunter valley wine tour.

• Wineries & breweries & distilleries.

Private Tour

Are you looking for something a bit more private and luxurious? We offer private, secluded tours for individuals really wanting to experience the hunter on their own terms. Our private tours are completely customisable. We’ll offer you the luxury of collection from your front door in our Land Rover Discovery and be chauffeured around the hunter to the best spots.

Customisable packages:

• Choose your timeframe

• Wineries, breweries & distilleries

• Full days or half days

Half Day Tour

Visit 3 Boutique Vineyards

Includes Tasting Fee

• Door To Door Pick Up

Full Day Tour

Visit 4 Boutique Vineyards & Distilleries

Includes Tasting Fee (Most wineries)

• Cheese Tasting

Premium Full Day Tour

Includes Tasting Fee (Most Wineries)

• Lunch Included

Do you have questions?

Frequently Asked

Do you host for hens/bucks weekends.

Most definitely! Although we like to ensure all patrons have a safe & enjoyable time on the hunter, we cater for all events.

Is lunch included on the full day tours?

Yes! On our $195 packages we include lunch. This will often be at a local restaurant/pub.

How long will we spend at each winery?

It all depends! To be safe, we normally say 1 hour. Although we’ll be accomodating through the whole trip!

Can You Pick Me Up From Newcastle?

Our tours pick you up from your front door and drop you back at the end of the day, enjoy a full day out in the hunter knowing your transport to and from is covered.

Can I bring My Dog?

Yes! Although your fur babies can’t drink wine, it doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the serene beauty of the hunter. Bring them along to experience the best wineries and breweries.

Are there any winery tasting fees?

All our tours are fully inclusive. All wineries fees and lunch costs are packaged in your price. The only additional cost you will incur is if you wish to purchase bottles of wine from the selected wineries.

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Breweries & Distilleries

Pet friendly.

Although your fur babies can’t drink wine, it doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the serene beauty of the hunter. Bring them along!

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Have some favourite wineries in mind? Let us help you plan your next tour in the Hunter Valley. Drop us a message and we’ll help you plan your dream tour.

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Gourmet wine tour

Hunter Valley boutique wine tours at their best.  The carefully designed itinerary provides a quality wine and food tasting experience. The focus is ‘the best the Hunter Valley has to offer’. As a part of our wine tour, you will enjoy unique wine tastings in a relaxed and friendly environment.

• full day (7 hour) wine tour
• gourmet lunch with wine or beer
• wine tastings at 4-5 boutique cellar doors
• ‘behind the scenes’ winery tour
• cheese and chocolate tastings
• pick up and return to your accommodation or address

Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic journey through the Hunter Valley wine country. Passing famous vineyards and points of interest, our informative commentary covers some fascinating Hunter Valley history, and explains unique wine styles and  wine tasting techniques , to ensure you get the most out of your day.

Travel in our modern tour vehicle featuring lap/sash seat belts, dual air conditioning, tinted windows, fridge, head rests and comfortable seating.  Because we carry a maximum of 11 passengers, you’ll get to experience places larger groups don’t.

The itinerary

Pick up from Pokolbin or the surrounding area.  Our Hunter Valley boutique wine tours pick up within the Lower Hunter region (Pokolbin, Lovedale, Mt View, Rothbury, Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Quorrobolong) and also run up from the Central Coast

Wine tasting at Gundog Estate – Named ‘Best Small Cellar Door’ in the Lower Hunter by Gourmet Traveller twice!. Try their great wines and then wander through the ‘gourmet pantry’.  Excellent examples of Hunter Valley Shiraz and Semillon.

‘Behind the scenes’ winery tour – Learn the basics of wine production from grape to bottle.  A little wine making knowledge in the morning (while still attentive) can increase your wine appreciation and knowledge.

Wine tasting at Vinden Estate – A young winemaker balancing tradition and innovation. James Halliday’s ‘2018 Dark Horse’ – winery to watch.  Always something new and exciting around the corner.

Lunch at Emerson’s Restaurant – Quality included lunch with a glass of Hunter Valley wine or beer. Breads and dips to begin followed by your choice of 7 main meals options.  

Hunter Valley Chocolate Co. – Visit the chocolate shop next to Peterson House and sample fudge, chocolate coffee beans, chilli chocolate and more.  If you have room, purchase some Belgium milk chocolate covered strawberries.

Wine tasting at  Ernest Hill – Lovely people and lovely wines that include a very popular sparkling dessert wine.  Often voted the favourite of the day, this boutique producer sits on top of a hill with views over the vineyards and beyond.

Hunter Belle – Taste a broad range of locally made, artisan cheese products.  Stunning cheeses made from the milk of their Swiss Brown cows.  It’s next door to the Hunter Olive Co where you’ll have time for a quick taste of olive products.

Wine tasting at de Iulius – A broad selection of great wines from this iconic Hunter Valley producer.  A regular trophy winner at the Hunter Valley and Hunter Valley Boutique wine shows.

Time for a siesta – return home.

treat yourself to a diVine day out ...

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Wine Tours and Experiences

Here at Unwind, we are proud to be able to showcase our favourite wine tasting operators and in-house accommodation wine experience hosts. Our operators take in some of the best wineries and cellar doors in the region.  Let us introduce you to the delights of Hunter Valley wine, food and produce.  You won't have to worry about a thing; all the necessary arrangements will be made for you to ensure you have a fantastic day touring the Hunter Valley in NSW, Australia’s oldest wine growing region.

Relax & Unwind

When choosing a tour, an experienced guide will meet you at your accommodation, accompany you to each of the destinations along the way and return you safe and sound at the end of the day. So, forget about driving and enjoy a truly relaxing day where you can participate fully in the tastings at each cellar door your visit. Or, stay home at your Hunter Valley accommodation and let the wine experience come to you.

Something a Little Different

Even the most enthusiastic of oenophiles sometimes needs a break from their favourite pastime and with this selection of tours you can choose from a range of options when you fancy doing something a little different. Combine one of our Hunter Valley wine tours with a visit to the organic distillery, located in Pokolbin, where premium organic vodka, schnapps, liqueurs and other quality spirits are produced.  This, along with a sparkling wine tasting is a good choice for a fun day out or the inclusion of a local brewery tour or chocolate tasting on the itinerary is sure to go down well. 

Stay n' Sip offers fun, approachable and educational private wine experiences. Available to host your group in the comfort of your accommodation, any day of the week and even after hours. Everyone can be involved with alcohol-free options suitable for minors and pregnant guests. Check their website to learn more. WINE TASTING. REIMAGINED.

Looking for great value small (or large) group wine tours of the Hunter Valley? Check us out for a complete snapshot of the wines, craft beers and spirits that the valley is famous for.

Enjoy the freedom and flexibility of a private tour with Hunter Valley Day Tours including the exclusive Icons of the Hunter and Signature Experience Tours. 

Tour the vineyards on horseback with Murchesssons Equine Wine and Dine.  With a range of tour and tasting options available for riders of all levels, you're sure to find an experience that's just right!

Award winning, boutique wine tasting tours to suit wine lovers of all ages. Hunter Valley Tours offer full day, half day and accessible tours so you're sure to find a tour that's just right for you.

Enjoy three relaxed wine tastings of reds and whites with local wine experts. You have free time to unwind over lunch with a glass of wine. During the day taste delicious cheeses, chocolates, and distilled spirits with local, friendly faces and make a new friend or two along the way.

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Come chill with us and your mates and taste what the oldest wine making region of Australia has to offer.

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We provide day tours & private charters from Sydney to surrounding destinations.

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We operate Boutique Wine Tours, travelling daily to the boutique wineries of the Hunter Valley; Uncharted Blue Mountains to the stunning, less-travelled areas of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains; and our Wildlife in the Wild tour, which takes small groups into the bushlands of the Southern Highlands to search for iconic Australian wildlife in its natural setting.

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Hunter Valley Wineries

Estimated reading time: 17 minutes

You can visit Hunter Valley the biggest and oldest wine region of Australia by taking a two-hour drive from Sydney. Here you can find the greatest number of cellar doors than any other wine region in the country. So, it’s common that tasting the wine to meet its flavour and character is a privilege sought by visitors here. The story of Hunter Valley wineries dates back to the early 1820s and over 150 wineries stand there today. This article will guide you to find the best of the best Hunter Valley wineries among that vast collection. So, you could get the best experience of a Hunter Valley wine tour .   

This article on the best Hunter Valley wineries will first introduce you to the Hunter Valley and will provide a Hunter Valley wineries list by LGAs. Then, it will look at the famous grape varieties you can find in the Hunter region. Following that will be the section where will discuss wineries. However, the word ‘BEST’ is subjective to the reader and a good winery for me not good for you. Therefore, we have decided to provide a criterion for the ‘BEST’.

James Halliday Wine Companion’s best Hunter Valley wineries

Best hunter valley winery with outdoor wine tasting.

• Best kids-friendly Hunter Valley winery
• Hunter Valley wineries with the best eco-friendly practices
• Hunter Valley wineries with restaurants  
• Single Vineyard Hunter Valley Wineries 

Table of Contents

History of Hunter Valley Wineries

The beginning.

The 1800s mark the beginning of a spectacular moment in wine history. A glorious reputation precedes the Hunter Valley region in Australia, which houses many wineries. The boom in popularity dates back to the 18th century when Lieutenant John Shortland of the British Empire discovered the Hunter River, then a flourishing site for timber and coal. Vast acres of grapevines started crowding the adjoining areas by 1823, with names like George Wyndham, James King, and William Keldham slowly gaining currency among the public. However, it is sometimes a hassle to investigate who planted the first vineyard, the name of James Busby, without much strain on the nerves, surfaces in our minds.

James Busby’s return to Hunter Valley

Busby’s return to the Australian countryside is celebrated even now, for it marks the monumental entry of Semillon, France, and Spain’s famous grapes. Hunter Valley expanded in size down the lane as 500 acres of registered vineyard started to grow under strenuous labour. In 1850, Dr. Henry Lindemann, a connoisseur of fine wine, earned the laurel for the exceptional quality of the wine. As a benefactor, Lindemann supervised and celebrated the development of the wine industry at its infancy stage back in the day. Lindeman paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps with Semillon, Verdelho, and Shiraz. Audrey Wilkinson, Maurice O’Shea, Murray Tyrrell, and other well-known Australian winemakers, along with Drayton and Tulloch, have revolutionized the practice of winemaking. All of their products in Hunter Valley are delectable in taste.

Tyrell’s HVD Vineyards and history

In 1908, Tyrell’s HVD vineyards introduced the oldest vineyards dabbling in top-notch Chardonnay in the world. Following his footsteps, Maurice o Shea of Mount Pleasant introduced new wine styles. His ever-growing penchant for Semillon acted as the catalyst for the setup of the infamous Lovedale vineyard. The Hunter Valley’s wine industry was booming by the end of the century, and the area became well known for superb Semillon, which Master of Wine Jancis Robinson referred to as “Australia’s gift to the world.” In the present times, alternative varietals like Tempranillo, Fiano, and Barbera have graced the stage while still maintaining the age-old charm of Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Semillon.

Climate, Soil, and Viticulture of Hunter Valley NSW

The Hunter Valley is about 160 kilometres north of Sydney, New South Wales’ capital. It exists in the foothills of the Brokenback Range, which is part of the magnificent Great Dividing Range. The region enjoys spells of hot, sultry days and cold nights in summer and winter. The Hunter Valley is lucky with a medium amount of rainfall in terms of rainfall, with the Lower Hunter region getting more than the Upper Hunter. Summer showers are a common occurrence, along with thunderstorms both of which are bad news to the local folks as it causes property damage or destruction of crops. However, it does mitigate the effects of high temperatures. Winemakers capitalize on the warm climate for maximum productivity.

The region is not plain or homogenous in terms of soil texture and quality. The soils in the Lower Hunter Valley vary from sandy alluvial plains and dense loam to friable red duplex soils. The rivers and creeks in the Upper Hunter contribute to the area’s black, silty loam soils, which mostly overlay on top of alkaline clay loam. Shiraz thrives in friable red duplex and loam soils, while Semillon favours sandy alluvial flats.

Flanked by 2,300 hectares of vines, the Hunter Valley produces a small percentage of Australia’s overall annual grape crush. It prioritizes quality over quantity and thus has only ever produced wines of supreme quality. It boasts a massive number of 100 vineyards and 150 wineries and contributes to Australia’s winemaking reputation and wine tourism. Semillon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz are the region’s signature varieties, accounting for slightly more than half of the wine produced.

Full list of Hunter Valley Wineries

The region of the Hunter Valley will be identified by local government areas (LGA) and districts bisected for categorizing the wineries. Broke, Lovedale, Mt View, Pokolbin (which means ‘A Very Hot Place’ according to Aboriginal people), and Rothbury are the areas where you will find most of the cellar doors located.

Wineries and Growers based in Hunter Valley Local Government Area (LGA)

Broke wineries

Lovedale wineries, mt view wineries, pokolbin wineries, rothbury wineries, what grape varieties you can taste in hunter valley wineries .

Let’s talk about the wine and the grape varieties they come from before we move to Hunter Valley wineries. Below are four classic grape varieties of Hunter Valley you must have a slip in your wine tour .

Semillon {she-mee-yon}

This wine is with qualities unseen in any other wine in the world. So, Hunter Valley prides itself on it. However, the Semillon grape came to Australia in the early 1800s from the South West of France. But now this white grape from Bordeaux has made a home in Australia. This rich, creamy, lemon-flavoured wine wonderfully pairs with rich seafood like fish pies and tuna carpaccio.

Chardonnay {shar-duh-nay}

Wine verities produced through this versatile grape under different styles can match any food. So, this grape is among the most planted white varieties in Australia. Chardonnay also came to Australia from France. It came in 1832 with the James Busby collection. The flavours of this wine range from apple and lemon to papaya and pineapple.  

Shiraz   {sheer-as}

This dark-skinned grape is from the Rhone wine-growing areas of France. But today it is the most celebrated red grape in Australia while representing 40% of red grapes in the country. This also came to Australia in 1832 with the James Busby collection. This is with a peppery, minty, or spicy flavour. So, it is better when paired with spicy Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. Read Best Hunter Valley Shiraz here.

Verdelho {ver-dell-oh}

This grape is from the Portuguese island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. It came to Australia around 1820. But now it thrives in the warm climate of Hunter Valley. This wine is with flavours ranging from tropical fruits such as guava, pineapple, and paw. This wine is better when paired with salads or spicy Thai foods for its rich texture.

What are the best Hunter Valley wineries?

Below are four of the best Hunter Valley wineries based on Halliday Wine Companion to visit on a wine trip . If you are not familiar with the wine rating guideline, please read here . Each and every one of them has a history and a story of its own.

McGuigan Wines

McGuigan Wines are famous as one of the top Hunter Valley wineries today. It started in 1880 with Owen McGuigan who made Hunter Valley his home. McGuigan Wines became the Australian Producer of the Year once. It also became the International Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2009. The winemakers of McGuigan Wines celebrate the traditional production methods everyone loves. So, their collection of labels is in high demand too.

Opening hours;     Open 7 days from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. 

Address;                Corner of Broke & McDonalds Roads, Pokolbin NSW 2320

T.P.;                      +61 (0)2 4998 4111

Email;                   [email protected]

Halliday Winery ratings of Mcguigan wines

Excellent winery producing very high-quality wines and scoring 4.5 stars in the latest rankings. A winery with 4.5 stars usually has wines that score 90 to 95 or above.

Brokenwood wines

Brokenwood Wine is mostly famous for its Chardonnay, and this fame dates back to its very opening in 1970. This is also listed as a 5-star winery among the Hunter Valley wineries. The tasting room of Brokenwood wines offers its visitors a casual or private wine tour as per the demand. You can also join in on the tour, which lets you explore the varieties of the Winery if you wish. 

Opening hours; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday to Friday) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday)

Address;                401-427 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin, NSW 2320

T.P.;                      (02) 4998 7559

Email;                   [email protected]

James Halliday Winery ratings of Brokenwood wines Hunter Valley

5 Red Stars winery shows its exemplary quality and typicity of wines. To reach this level, at least 2 wines are required to reach 95 or above in the wine ratings. The 2018 Brokenwood Graveyard Shiraz is at the top of the list and won the ‘Wine of the Year 2021’ award too. Find the below video where James Halliday (Judge) and Iain Riggs (winemaker) explain the story behind this award-winning wine.

Tyrrell’s Wines

English immigrant Edward Tyrrell added this winery to Hunter Valley wineries in 1858. Now, this winery is in the hands of his fourth-generation family member Bruce Tyrrell. Tyrrell’s is also the home of Australia’s most-awarded wines. Tyrrell’s has been awarded over 5,600 trophies and medals Since 1971. In 2010 it also became the “Winery of the Year” in James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion. Tyrrell’s hopes continue its philosophy of producing high-quality wine that people love to drink for many more generations too.

Opening hours;     Open 7 days from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. 

Address;                1838 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

T.P.;                      (02) 4993 7028

Email;                   [email protected]

Halliday Winery ratings of Tyrrell’s Wines Hunter Valley

Undoubtedly Tyrrell’s is one of the most successful wineries in the Hunter Valley which shows by their 5 Red Star rating from the wine companion ratings. Tyrrell’s are well-known for their single vineyard Semillons and Vat 1 Semillon is a winner of a number of wine competitions around the world.

Thomas wines  

Relatively young Thomas wine entered the Hunter Valley wineries in 1997. But it currently pioneers the two signature varieties of the Hunter Valley, Semillon, and Shiraz with other giants. It also became the Hunter Winemaker of the Year in 2008 and 2014. Thomas also became the Most Successful Exhibitor in 2011 and Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year in 2017. Apart from them, Thomas wines have also got nearly 500 trophies and awards since 1997. You can get a tasting experience at Thomas Wines under two main branches. So, ask for “The Discovery” or “The Journey” when you book it. 

Address;                28 Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin NSW 2320

T.P.;                      (02) 4998 7134

Email;                   [email protected]  

Halliday Winery ratings of Thomas wines Hunter Valley

Andrew Thomas, a well-known name in the wine industry has deep routes to McLaren Vale, then with Tyrrell’s wines. The 5 Red Star winery shouldn’t miss a tour to Hunter Valley if you are a serious wine drinker. Try Kiss Shiraz and Braemore Semillon which are the benchmark wines of Thomas Winery.

Recently we have done another write-up on the Halliday 5 star wineries of Hunter Valley and can read from the link.

We know that even though there are over 130 plus wineries in Hunter Valley, only a few of them has perfect outdoor settings. That’s why we have chosen Gartelmann wines from Lovedale. This Hunter Valley winery offers both an outdoor deck and indoor air-conditioned sitting for wine tasters. Having a glass of wine in your hand, sitting on the outdoor deck gives you the perfect unobstructed near 360 views of the countryside overlooking a very small lake. What else do you expect!!!

You can contact them via their Facebook page here – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gartelmann-Wines/652800601559819

The best kids-friendly Hunter Valley cellar door

Even though mom and dad love to have a date away from kids, it is not always possible if you have an extended family. So, you would like to find out what are the ‘ kid-friendly wineries in the Hunter Valley ’. We have already covered this topic extensively in one of our articles. However, the best of the family-friendly winery in the Hunter Valley is Tulloch Cellar Door located at 638 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin. They are one of the only wineries that offer Junior Tasting Sessions that combine with Kombucha.

Best organic and biodynamic winery in Hunter Valley

Organic food is a concept appearing around the world rapidly and it is not a strange word for people who love sustainable crops. Winegrowers also started using organic practices in their cultivation and production practices as the trend of biodynamic wines started to get popular. Hunter Valley is not a strange place for Organic wines and there are many renowned biodynamic wineries such as Krinklewood, Macquariedale, and Tamburlaine you can find for a wine-tasting session. However, our pick is Tamburlaine wines led by chief winemaker Mark Davidson. Give a try on the 2019 Reserve Hunter Syrah which gives a character of candied cherries and raspberries or the 2017 single vineyard Malbec with the spiced plum palate. The Reserve Aged Liqueur Muscat is a perfect add-on for your Christmas plum pudding as well.

Hunter Valley wineries with restaurants    

If you are looking to visit the best cellar door in Hunter Valley with an award-winning restaurant , you cannot miss Margan Wines at 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke. Located on the tranquil side of the Hunter Valley, this restaurant offers dining experiences for the most important life occasions. The Indulge Valentine’s Day menu is our favourite that begins with a refreshing Bramble Spritz Cocktail.

Margan’s restaurant is certified by Green Table Australia for their best environmentally sustainable practices and gained ISO14000.

Tips when doing wine tasting 

Tasting wine is something more than just having a slip of wine with your friends. It’s an occasion one lives and an art one loves. It’s always important that you dress for the event and avoid wearing fragrances. This is because the smell is a big part of the testing. So, you don’t want to ruin that with the aroma of perfumes. However, you will not be able to enjoy the occasion at all if you get drunk quickly. So, remember to take a break to eat and drink water in between tastings. 

How to hold a glass professionally if you visit Hunter Valley Wineries

Did you know there is a right way and a wrong way to hold a wine glass too? Always hold the glass by its stem. So, the heat of your hand will not warm the liquid quickly.

How to taste  

The tasting procedure has four steps in it.

• Look; The appearance gives a variety of clues about a wine. So, spend 5 seconds observing the wine.
• Smell; The smell can tell you a lot from the ingredients, and winemaking practices to the aging process. 
• Taste; Feel the taste, texture, and length of time that taste stays with you.
• Think; Think about the uniqueness of the slip you took and find the facts that impressed you.

Don’t forget to have fun in between all of this too and enjoy the moment with your friends. After all, that’s what matters most.

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Tour duration – 6 to 8 hours depending on the pick-up location

Pick up and drop off – Sydney CBD OR Hunter Valley (Pokolbin/ Cessnok) – 15 km radius

Departure – 7.30 am from Sydney OR 9.30 am from Pokolbin

Return – 5.30 pm to Sydney OR 3.30 pm to Pokolbin

Inclusions – Wine tasting from 2 small boutique Hunter Valley wineries , paired with cheese or chocolate, visit to distilery, and bottled water

Exclusions – Lunch

Tour price – A$ 190.00 per person. (max 11 passenger private small group tours, the tour starts $1000+), prices may go higher for high-demand months/weeks.

Tour itinerary – Visit a trio of small boutique Hunter Valley wineries and pair wine with cheese or chocolate, stop over for lunch to taste local produce, and visit the Hunter distillery at the end of the tour to taste spirits and liqueurs .

What to wear – Jacket in the cooler months, comfortable footwear, comfortable walking trousers/shorts, camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

*** Inside winery visit – It’s a must to wear covered shoes due to WHS regulations.

Contact details – (+61) 0498507873 or [email protected]

Cancellation policy – 2 weeks’ notice; full refund. 7 to 14 days of departure – 50% cancellation fee. Less than 7 days, loss of full fee. Tasting fees and online transaction fees will not be refunded in any circumstance.

Tour duration  – 9 hours

Pick up and drop off  – Sydney CBD

Departure from Sydney  – 8.00 am

Return to Sydney  – 5.00 pm

Inclusions – Wine tasting, Expert guide, Luxury people mover, USB charging on-board, bottled water, hotel pick-up, and drop-off

Exclusions – Wildlife park entry, lunch, and cheese-tasting

Tour price – A$ 150 pp (max 11 passengers or tour starts $900+), prices may go higher for high-demand months/weeks.

Tour itinerary – Stop at Walkabout Wildlife Park , visit boutique Hunter Valley winery for tasting, and lunch, visit a chocolate shop, either visit 2 nd  winery, cheese shop, or distillery

What to wear  – Jacket in the cooler months, comfortable footwear, comfortable walking trousers/shorts, camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

Additional information –

Wine tasting – We recommend Gartelmann wines at Lovedale Road due to its beautiful cosy atmosphere with outdoor seating. Other recommended wineries include Oakval, Ernest Hill & Capercaillie. 

Lunch options – Hunter Valley offers a vast variety of restaurant styles such as casual dining (Goldfish Restaurant at Roche Estate), Pub style dining (Harrigan’s Hunter Valley), or Bistro Molines for perfection. Let the guide know which restaurant you prefer for lunch.

Cheese tasting – There are 3 famous artisan cheese shops (Hunter Valley Cheese co, Hunter Belle Cheese, and Smelly Cheese Shop).

Beer tasting – The Mighty (formally Potters & Foghorn Brewery), Iron Bark Hill, Hope Valley, and Matilda Brewhouse are your options for beer paddle tasting.

Organic gin and vodka tasting – $5 per person at Hunter Distillery.

Walkabout Park entry – $30 per adult, and $15 for 3 to 15 aged

COVID-19- update for Hunter Valley Wine Tours – booking is essential for all of these venues.

Contact details  – (+61) 0498507873 or  [email protected]

Pick up and drop off – Sydney CBD OR Hunter Valley (Pokolbin/Cessnock) / 15 km radius

Departure – 7.30 am from Sydney OR 9.30 am from Pokolbin/Cessnock

Return – 6.00 pm to Sydney OR 4.30 pm to Pokolbin/Cessnock

Inclusions –

Tasting from 3 to 4 pre-selected cellar doors (wines, spirits, or beer), expert guide, luxury people mover, USB charging on-board, pick-up and drop off from accommodation and bottled water

Exclusions – Lunch, chocolate tasting, & cheese tasting

Tour Itinerary –

A usual Hunter Valley wine tour itinerary is picking up at a time suitable for the first tasting at 10 am from pre-selected Hunter Valley wineries , 2 nd tasting at 11 am, and 12.30 pm – 3 rd the tasting or lunch stop, depending on the timings for the lunch, 3 rd and 4 th tasting could be around 3 pm and 4 pm. We usually end the tour tasting spirits and liqueurs from Distilery.

Tour price – A$ 150 per person (maximum of 11 per group, $980++ tour starting price is you have a smaller group), prices may go higher for high-demand months/weeks.

*** If you need to customize the tour and want to do an inside winery visit, it’s a must to wear covered shoes due to WHS regulations. Usually, inside winery tours are available at 10.30 am or 12.30 pm (not included in the tour price)

Wineries  we visit – Our recommended wineries for this tour are Gartelmann wines Lovedale , Oakvale Estate , Capercaillie wines, and Ernest Hill vineyard.

Lunch options (excluded in tour price) – Twine Restaurant for a modern Australian Twist, Muse Restaurant at Broke Road, Goldfish Bar & Kitchen for a casual lunch, or Harrigans for a pub meal.

Cheese tasting – Cheese tasting at the Hunter Valley Cheese Co usually costs $7.95 for a Five Cheese Platter PP.

Beer Paddles – can choose beer tasting from Iron Bark Hill Brewhouse or Mighty Hunter Valley.

Hunter Distillery – This certified Organic distillery offers unique ‘test-tube’ tasting sessions for Gin, Vodka, Liqueurs, and Schnapps.

Cancellation policy – 2 weeks’ notice; full refund. 7 to 14 days of departure – 50% cancellation fee. Less than 7 days, loss of full fee. Tasting fees and online transaction fees will not refund in any circumstance.