hunter valley vineyard tours

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Hunter Valley Wine Tours

We help you to explore the ever expanding vineyard areas of our wonderful and exciting Hunter Valley region including Pokolbin, Lovedale and Cessnock.

Join Our New Tour Today!

Half day wine tasting tour with lunch.

Day Tour with Lunch only runs Thursday to Sunday.

Hunter Valley

The best hunter valley wine tasting tours.

The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s best known wine regions. The region has played a pivotal role in the history of Australian wine as one of the first wine regions planted in the early 19th century.

There are more than 150 wineries dotted over the rolling green hills of the region, and collectively they’ve accumulated over 180 years of experience in growing and fermenting grapes to make our favourite reds and whites.

Our boutique wine tasting tours are suited to wine enthusiasts of all ages and knowledge. You will get that personalised feeling of being welcomed and treated as our special guests with our full day, half day and private wine tour offerings.

If your favourite wine is a drop of crisp semillon or you want to finally know what tannins are, it’s time to go on a wine tour of the best wineries in the Hunter Valley, and with HV Tours you can do it and experience the best that the Hunter Valley wine region has to offer.

Hunter Valley Tours

Hunter Valley Tours is a small group tour service specialising in uniquely personalised wine tasting tours in the Hunter Valley, Lovedale and Pokolbin wine regions. We believe the best wine tasting tours are about you. We focus on you, your time in the Hunter Valley and aim to make your time with us as relaxing, pleasant and enjoyable as we can.

We are a small, friendly, well-presented, professional, polite, and energetic team of tour guides that focus on giving you the very best Hunter Valley local touring service and make your Hunter Valley wineries experience one to remember. We aim to share some of our hidden smaller 5-star boutique cellar doors with you, give you an opportunity to meet some friendly local wine makers and vineyard owners, sample our amazing local wines, taste local artisan produce and hear a story or two of the local history and some of our entertaining experiences over the several years we have been providing tours.

Hunter Valley Tours operates accessible tours for those with mobility requirements, restrictions or use mobility aides such as scooters or wheelchairs.

The Hunter Valley Tours team makes spending time in the Hunter Valley a pleasure. Come and join us on the best Hunter Valley wine tour, you’ll love spending your day with us.

Accessible Wine Tours Hunter Valley

Accessible tours and transport.

Looking for accessible winery tour options in the Hunter Valley?

Hunter Valley Tours has a luxury mini bus with a hydraulic lifter and an automatic slide out step and rails for ease of entrance and disembarking. Our seating pattern is spacious with room to place your items in a storage area away from your seat, reducing your space.

Hunter Valley Tours invests the time and attention to ensure all venues we visit are accessible for all throughout the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin and Lovedale regions.

Our team are trained in risk management, manual handling, and transporting people with disabilities to ensure safety, dignity and comfort is maintained at all times during your Hunter Valley wine tour.

Client Reviews

At HV Tours, we are proud to be the leading provider of Hunter Valley winery tours, visiting boutique wineries, artisan producers and unique distilleries. Our positive energy and experiences are reflected in the feedback and reviews that we receive from our past wine tour enthusiasts. Check out what they have to say, and once you’re convinced, get in touch with the HV Tours team about a wine tasting tour to suit your requirements.

“ 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. ”

Follow our Socials

Spending some time at the Wine House in the Hunter Valley vineyards @winehousehuntervalley @huntervalleytours

Some days, the winter weather is so beautiful when you`re at Thirsty Palette Wines in Lovedale, New South Wales Hunter Valley Tours - A unique valley experience #visitregionalnsw #accessibletravelnews #visitnswaustralia #hunterlocalbusinessawards #huntervalley #huntervalleytours #lovedalehv #visitnsw #lovedalehuntervalley #visithuntervalleynsw #huntervalleytoursforyou #lovedale #hvtoursforyou #lovedalebrewery #visithuntervalley #lovedalelonglunch #huntervalleytoursbyjulie #hvtours #vineyardsfordays #huntervalleytourism #vìsitnsw #funtimeswithfriends #huntervalleytoursbyjulie #huntervalleyvineyards #hunterregionbusinesshub

Feeling that country feeling sharing a love for wine at Hanging Tree Wines @huntervalleytours @hangingtreewines

Loving the vibe, visiting family run vineyards like Thirsty Palette Wines in Lovedale @huntervalleytours @thirstypalettewines

Sharing the ❤️ on a full day day wine tasting tour visiting family owned and run cellar doors. Visit Horner Wines like we did.

Spirits galore at The Garden Cellar @gardencellars

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Tell us, a half day wine tasting tour with lunch ... can you get better ! Thirsty Palette Wines Hunter Valley Tours - A unique valley experience #visitregionalnsw #accessibletravelnews #visitnswaustralia #hunterlocalbusinessawards #huntervalley #huntervalleytours #lovedalehv #visitnsw #lovedalehuntervalley #visithuntervalleynsw #huntervalleytoursforyou #lovedale #hvtoursforyou #lovedalebrewery #visithuntervalley #lovedalelonglunch #huntervalleytoursbyjulie #hvtours

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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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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
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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

• 0437 149 612

Hunter Valley Wine Tours & Vineyards

Pickups and Dropoffs from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland for Hunter Valley Wine Tour Vineyards

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Explore the delights of the beautiful Hunter Valley Wine Tours, from award-winning wineries and acclaimed restaurants to tasty festivals and fresh local produce. A lovely escape only two hours drive north of Sydney, Australia’s oldest wine region is surrounded by magnificent natural beauty.

Ultimate Hunter Valley Wine Tour Tasting Experience

Since 2001, we’ve specialized in guiding small group wine tours through the Hunter Valley. We’re family owned and operated and are passionate about showcasing the beautiful Hunter Valley region and its wines, providing our guest with the ultimate wine tasting experience.

Whether it’s for a corporate or social event, our Hunter Valley wine tasting tours are the perfect way to experience what the famous wine region has to offer. Running both weekends and weekdays, our tours cater for private groups of up to 24 passengers. Hunter Valley Wine Tours from Sunday to Friday require a minimum of 4 guests, Saturday bookings have no minimum. Our tours are designed with our guest in mind, keeping it simple so that all you need to do is enjoy the day.

Pickups and Dropoffs available from your accommodation in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and the Hunter Valley Wine Tour Vineyard areas.

Indulge and Explore the Hunter Valley with our Wine Tasting Tours

Discover the picturesque Hunter Valley Wine Tours Vineyard Region with one of our wine tasting tours, available both weekdays and weekends. Please note that all tours running from Sunday to Friday require a minimum of 4 guests.

A winery staff member is assigned to our group, making your wine tasting experience personalised and educational.

$70.00 per person

Half Day morning wine tasting tour from Cessnock and Pokolbin, Vineyard area. Experience private sit down tastings at 2 awarded boutique wineries/cellar doors, a stand up tasting at The Hunter distillery.

Pick-Up Time:  9.30am – 9.45am Drop-Off Time:  1.30pm – 1.45pm

$130.00 per person

Full day wine tasting tour from Cessnock, Pokolbin, Vineyard area. Experience private sit down tastings at 4 awarded wineries/cellar doors, a stand up tasting at The Hunter Distillery, lunch at your expense at a local Café, a visit to the Cheese and Chocolate Shops .

Pick-Up Time: 9.30am – 9.45am Drop-Off Time: 4.30pm – 4.45pm

$140.00 per person

Full day wine tasting tour from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Broke. Experience private sit down tastings at 4 awarded wineries/cellar doors, a stand up tasting at The Hunter Distillery, lunch at your expense at a local Café, a visit to the Cheese and Chocolate Shops. 

Pick-Up Time: 8.15 am (Lake Macquarie), 8.45am (Newcastle), and 9.15am (Maitland) Drop-Off Time: 5.15pm (Maitland), 5.45pm (Newcastle), 6.15pm (Lake Macquarie)

Starting from $770

Enjoy the beautiful Hunter Valley Wine Country and tasting some of the best wines that the Hunter has to offer.

13 seat bus and driver for 7 hours. Winery bookings and fees not included.

Price depends on the location of the pick ups.

Open for all ages!

What our groups say about HUnter Wineyard Tours

Don’t just take our word for it, hear it from our clients.

Would definitely recommend this tour to all wine lovers!

“ I had the most pleasant time with a small group of friends (5) and two other passengers in a full day mini bus tour with charming Bruce. The tour was very well organised, a mix of 4 boutique, family and large wineries and stops at a bistro and the fromagerie. ”

“ I organised this tour for my sister's hens party, and all of us girls absolutely loved it! We had Dave as our tour guide and couldn't have asked for a better tour guide! He was laid back, funny and got along with everyone really well! ”

“ We chose Best Tour because of their door to door service and their choice of smaller boutique wineries. The full day tour was excellent and restaurant lunch was amazing. Our guide was Tony - he was very friendly and had some great stories. I would definitely recommend Best Tour. ”

“ Would absolutely highly recommend this wine tour! Bruce our driver was fantastic! What a brilliant day! ”

Ask About Vineyard Tours

For any enquiries or questions about Hunter Valley Vineyard Wine Tour Locations and Bus Hire for Groups, Parties and Hens Parties, please fill out this form.

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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.

Enquire Today.

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.

Expert Choice

Other transport specialists, door to door, weddings transport.

We’re Wedding Transport Specialist! We cater for 50+ wedding transports a year so we know the importance of getting your guests on time.

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!

FROM HOUSE TO WINE

Book Your Winery Tour

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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Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Our hunter valley wine tours are running again.

Looking for a great Hunter wine tour? Look no further.

Check dates here: Tour availability

Looking for a Fantastic Day Out on one of the Best Hunter Valley Wine Tours? We Got This!

The Hunter Valley, located near Newcastle in New South Wales, is known for its picturesque landscapes and world-class wineries. Spanning over 30,000 square kilometres, this region is a haven for wine enthusiasts, with over 150 vineyards producing exquisite wines.

If you want to experience this valley wine region, a day wine tour is an ideal choice. At Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tours , we offer various tour options for you to enjoy.

Award winning wines are yours to savour and experience on one of our popular Hunter Valley wine tours. Enjoy a small group experience on one of our daily Hunter Valley tours from Sydney , or if you’re staying in the Hunter, choose from either a full day or half day tour, or join us from Newcastle on weekends. We also offer customised private group tours for all occasions, including hen’s day, birthdays, family celebrations and team events, with tours departing from Sydney , the Hunter Valley and Newcastle .

Full Day Local Tour | Departs Daily

• Visit 4 wineries in the Hunter Valley / cellar doors
• All wine tasting fees are included in the tour price!
• Wine and cheese pairing included
• Pick up in most areas of the Hunter Valley

From $120 per person

Half Day Hunter Wine tour

Half day morning or afternoon tour | departs daily.

• Visit 3 Hunter Valley wineries
• All wine tasting fees included in the tour price!
• Pokolbin or Cessnock pick up included
• Morning and afternooon tours available

From $80 per person

Half Day Hunter Delights Tour

Half day morning or afternoon | available saturdays.

• Visit 3 top Hunter venues incl. a distillery
• Wine tastings and spirit tastings included
• Cheese & Wine – AM Tour  $90pp
• Wine & Gourmet Chocolates – PM tour $105pp

From $90 per person

Hunter Valley Wine Tours from Sydney

Small tour group | departs every day.

• Visit 4 Hunter Valley wineries / cellar doors
• All wineries now charge wine tasting fees. These fees are included in the quoted tour price.
• Cafe lunch option or buy your own from the menu

From $150 per person

From $150 pp.

Hunter Private Group Tours

Create a personalised group tour. minimum 10.

• All wineries now charge  wine tasting fees. These fees are included in the quoted tour price.
• Sydney, Central Coast, Hunter Valley and Newcastle pickups
• Vast range of restaurants and wineries
• Note: private tours can be more expensive.

Hunter Wine Tours from Newcastle

Full day wine tour | departs saturdays.

• All wineries now charge  wine tasting fees. These fees are included in the tour price.
• Pickup from numerous Newcastle locations
• Visit 4 wineries/cellar doors

$125 per person

Hen’s Hunter Valley Winery Tours

Create an unforgettable hen’s day.

• All wine tasting fees hcarged by wineries are included in the quoted tour price.
• Numerous options available to make your day memorable
• An unforgettable experience for your Hen’s day
• Ask for a no obligation quote

Explore Award-Winning Vineyards on our popular Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Our Hunter Valley wine tours provide a sensory journey through one of Australia’s oldest and most renowned wine regions, beloved for its picturesque landscapes and award-winning vineyards. Amidst rolling hills and valleys, and sprawling vineyards, visitors to this wine region can indulge in a rich tapestry of flavours, from robust reds to distinctive whites.

Beyond the delectable wines, our Hunter Valley wine tours offer a cultural experience providing insights into the art of winemaking and history of the region. The cellar doors you’ll visit will offer you a warm welcome allowing you to discover and experience great wine tastings from the region. Whether you wish to experience the region on a full day or half day tour or enjoy a private group tour , our Hunter wine tours can accommodate your preferences.

Why Choose Us for Wine Tours of the Hunter Valley?

At  Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tours , we specialise in small group personal Hunter Valley wine tours. We operate a daily wine tour from Sydney as well as local wine tours in the Hunter Valley and regular departures from Newcastle.

When you join us for a day tour of the wineries of the Hunter, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned mini-coach, sample wine tastings at a great selection of four Hunter wineries/cellar doors, enjoy a cafe lunch, partake in cheese, and liquor sampling, and even get to visit one of the local chocolate shops. Whether you travel on our day tour from Sydney or stay overnight or for a weekend in the Hunter Valley and join our local tour, our wine tours of the Hunter Valley are a great way to experience this region and discover what it has to offer.

Book with us today to secure your spot on one of our Hunter Valley wine tours!

MORE INFORMATION

1800 400 008 International +61 2 9550 2100

[email protected]

108 Mitchell Avenue Kurri Kurri NSW 2327

#twofatblokes

Your Hunter Valley Food & Wine Tasting Adventures Start Here...

Join the highest reviewed wine tasting tour company in the Hunter Valley

Creating amazing experiences since 2008. But don’t take our word for it, look at our reviews, over 2,000 5-star TripAdvisor reviews.

Great beverages were paired with some tasty food.

Julz was simply amazing and the best tour guide anyone can ever have.

We were taken to a number of boutique winery many 3rd generation family run and all passionate about their wine.

We enjoyed the addition of chocolate, cheese and beer to a standard wine tour.

Everyone should do this tour. Fantastic. Such a good fun stint.

Really well organised tour! We had a great host, was very funny.

Don’t be surprised if you do leave this restaurant a little heavier than when you arrived

Hope your hungry, this place will fill you up.

Great hidden breakfast spot

Was so nice to sit outside with a band playing, drinking good wine and eating a divine antipasto plate.

Food was fresh, service was friendly, will definitely be back.

There are lots of good options, including the vegetarian options (real meals, not just a token salad).

The flavour in every single bite was to die for and the servings where huge.

A must experience, for cheese lovers, to share with friends and family.

The atmosphere was casual, comfortable and were eyeing off the day bed under the trees.

This is one stop you must go if you’re getting peckish and anywhere in the area.

Extremely child friendly with a lovely out look.

The food was delicious and the service was amazing. Can’t wait to come back!

Beautiful setting, yummy food and lovely staff.

Go there hungry as you will fill your stomach with yummy food.

Fantastic day. Great host, interesting pairings, particularly with the chocolate.

Delicious food, great wine and wonderful people.

Devine food, amazing staff and ohhh those bubbles.

The rain made no difference to our tour – the Hunter Valley is beautiful in any weather!

Once you go Fat, you never go Back.

A highlight of the tour was the “Cheese & Wine Matching”… So interesting!!

A trip to the local beer brewery was both informative and a welcome break from all the wine!

We laughed the whole time and enjoyed the wineries we visited.

Consistently fabulous over the years and we always learn or taste something new.

Don’t look beyond this one.

Experience the ultimate luxurious escape in the heart of the Hunter Valley with the Two Fat Blokes Glamping Tents. Each of the three tents boasts a unique and carefully crafted theme, designed to transport you to a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Indulge in the Moroccan-inspired tent, the African Safari-inspired tent, or the Outback Adventure-inspired tent, all complete with a comfortable four-poster queen bed, separate shower and bath, and a variety of kitchen appliances powered by off-grid solar.

Wake up to breathtaking views of The Hunter Valley and let the cooling summer breeze transport you to a place of tranquility. With a maximum capacity of two adults, the tents offer the perfect romantic getaway for you and your loved one. Book your stay now and enjoy the world-acclaimed wines and gourmet foods of The Hunter Valley, all conveniently located on site at the Two Fat Blokes Wine Tours, Gourmet Kitchen, Café, and Delicatessen. 

Fancy a Gift Card?

Full day private tour: see the hunter in style.

Explore the Region With Our Organised Wine Tasting Tours.

Enjoy a lazy brunch with our casual dining..

Our rustic cellar door is open Saturday and Sunday 8.30am – 3.00pm

Grab a Packed Meal From Our Delicatessen.

Order gourmet gifts delivered to your door..

TWO FAT BLOKES

Gourmet tours & kitchen.

• 691 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320 Australia.
• Ph (Tours) 0414 316 859
• Ph (Kitchen) 0428 141 408
• [email protected]
• Copyright © 2024 Two Fat Blokes.
• Site Managed by Kaptol Media

Browse gourmet gifts for you or someone special.

To Book: Add this to your cart during the checkout process.

Group Information

What is the minimum number of people you will pick up, do you take parties like a 40th or 50th, what size groups can you cater too, transfer locations.

• For the 'Hunter Valley Wine Tours'
• we offer pick-up and drop-off to your accommodation at the following locations only:
• Cedar Creek
• Kurri Kurri
• Lovedale (up to Wilderness Rd)
• Quorrobolong
• Rothbury (Not inc North Rothbury)

Sydney Transfers

• SYDNEY direct transfers  are not available.
• To arrive from Sydney  customers can catch the train between ‘Sydney-Newcastle-Maitland’ and request a Two Fat Blokes pick-up/drop-off at ‘Maitland’.

Transfer Fee Information

• Flat rate  is a single price for pick-up/drop-off at that location whether it’s two people or a full group of people.
• Minimum 2 person pickup  is required to operate the pickup service to fee based locations.
• Fees are in addition  to your tour booking and will be collected by your guide at time of pick-up. Please pay these fees by cash, ATM’s will be available on the tour.

Visit Wineries

Discover up to 3 great wineries handpicked for you.

How long will we spend at each winery?

How do you determine which wineries are best for my group, which wineries do we visit.

• (02) 4998 6961

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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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].

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Best hunter valley wine tours & day trips.

Hunter Valley Wine Tour $195

Nestled only a couple hours from the bustling city of Sydney, Hunter Valley is renowned for being the oldest wine region in Australia. A sprawling countryside region, perfect for a wine and food lovers’ journey. Our Hunter Valley Wine Tours offer a diverse itinerary, allowing you to taste some of the regions most delicious produce. All this, set in the rolling green hills of the Hunter Valley. Experience this beautiful region of New South Wales with us. Book your Hunter Valley Tour with us today!

Hunter Valley Winery Tour from Hunter Valley $130

A wine lover’s picture-perfect paradise, Hunter Valley is home to some of the best and oldest wines Australia has to offer. Located two hours north of Sydney, the region is surrounded by stunning towns and villages, rolling vineyards and olive groves, as well as breathtaking national parks. Here at the Hunter Valley, you will be treated to a variety of the worlds best wines, as well as a range of vodka tastings including Chilli, Lime, and even Chocolate! Our Hunter Valley Winery Tour from Hunter Valley follows an itinerary which enables both wine tastings at three boutique wineries, as well as creamy brie, sumptuous fettas, and other homemade produce tastings at the Smelly Cheese Shop. Join us, and experience the stunning region of New South Wales, whilst enjoying some of the worlds finest wines. Book your Hunter Valley Winery Tour from Hunter Valley today!

Hunter Valley Wine and Foodie Experience $225

Enjoy a little bit of everything Hunter Valley has to offer on our Hunter Valley Wine and Foodie experience! This premium exploration will take you to the rugged valleys of the Hunter Valley to taste some of the world-class wines at three cellar doors. Tingle your taste buds with cheese and chocolate tastings paired with local wines. Tuck into a delicious restaurant lunch and sample the weird and wonderful flavours of the liqueurs at the Hunter Valley Distillery. Experience this beautiful region of New South Wales with us. Book your Hunter Valley Wine and Foodie experience with us today!

Private Group Hunter Valley Tours

Trying to find an exciting and unique activity for your group of friends or work colleagues? Look no further for our Private Hunter Valley Wine Tour can easily be used for this exact purpose. Whether it is a girl’s day, birthday celebration, or end of year Christmas Party, you can make it a day to remember! By organising your groups very own Hunter Valley Wine Tour you will be provided with a host of options that suit all budgets and interests. So whether your group is made up of swirling, slurping wine experts or just a bunch of friends looking for a day out, our Hunter Valley Wine Tours are for you.

Sydney City Tours

Sydney is an exquisite blend of vibrant blue harborfront, iconic landmarks, and a breathtaking cityscape. With its stunning harbor, famous Harbour Bridge, and globally acclaimed Opera House, Sydney boasts a wealth of top tourist attractions. Our comprehensive range of Sydney city tours and tours of the surrounding areas, lookout points, and beaches offer visitors a glimpse into Sydney's unique way of life while delivering exceptional service at unbeatable prices. Our packages, such as the spectacular Sydney Harbour Luncheon Cruises, provide fully inclusive tours suitable for all ages and preferences. Explore our website today to discover our diverse selection of Sydney Tours and begin booking your dream vacation now!

Blue Mountains Tours

Escape from the bustling city centre of Sydney and immerse yourself in a mystical world of lush greenery, natural rock formations, and awe-inspiring views at the world-renowned Blue Mountains. Famous for the incredible Three Sisters rock formation, this spiritual destination is a must-visit for anyone in Sydney. We offer a variety of Blue Mountains Tours, ranging from one to three-day tours, ensuring there's something for everyone. Enjoy tranquil walking trails that meander through pristine Australian rainforests, observe native Australian animals in their natural habitats, and marvel at magnificent waterfalls. For the more adventurous travellers, we offer tours that venture into the heart of the mountains and explore Australia's most spectacular underground limestone caves, the Jenolan Caves. Starting at just $89, a trip to the Blue Mountains is a wondrous experience that offers excellent value for money.

Hunter Valley Tours for Two

Your Private Hunter Valley Tour Guide  

Hunter Valley Tours for Two specialises in tours just for couples and aims to offer a more personalised and luxurious tour service in the Hunter Valley.  With over 150 vineyards to choose from we want you to discover the most awarded, unique and picturesque cellar doors, so that you can experience the very best the Hunter Valley has to offer.

With a relaxed yet informative tour style, Hunter Valley Tours for Two plans each tour personally tailoring every experience to suit. Enjoy the flexibility of customising your itinerary and planning your own adventure or if you don't know where to start, we can assist in creating the perfect day, incorporating all your desired destinations. 

Half day and full day tour options available. 

Sit back and relax in our beautiful Mercedes Benz GLE350 perfectly  suited for all road conditions across the Hunter. Features include full leather interior, huge sun roof, dual air conditioning options, heated leather seats. 

Local pick up from Pokolbin, Lovedale, Cessnock, Rothbury, 

* Mount View, Wollombi, Broke, Huntlee  - surcharge applies ​  

D I S C O V E R  T H E  H U N T E R  V A L L E Y

Sample wines from some of Australia's oldest vineyards or indulge in the gastronomic delights of chefs hatted restaurants, gourmet food kitchens, dessert bars, cheese shops & various chocolate & fudge stores. The Hunter is also home to boutique breweries & distilleries so craft beer tasting is available along with Vodka, Gin and an array of delicious flavoured liquors.

We can let you in on some of the local secrets like great scenic locations for amazing photo opportunities, private picnic spots

amongst the vines or we can take you off the beaten track to explore the historic Wollombi Village or visit the beautiful boutique vineyards in Broke and Mount View.

B R E W E R Y

W I N E R Y

G O U R M E T

D I S T I L L E R Y

City to valley, p r i v a t e  t o u r s, half day - 4hrs, full day - 6hrs, c o n t a c t   u s.

Welcome to Lucky's Hunter Valley Tours

Family run and owned since 2017

What’s on and Deals

Glandore burning of the barrel, paranormal historic tour, paranormal historic tours.

As the sun goes down over Q Station, many of our shadowy buildings have stories to tell; 150 years of misfortune and untimely deaths; stories of pain, loss and suffering. This is our most popular ghost tour. ​ Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this 2.5 hour tour will keep you entertained as you walk our site, discovering the intriguing stories of Q Station’s history and the spirits who linger today.  Grab a lantern and join our guide!

Available for 15 years and over. Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Moderate mobility and fitness required as well as comfortable walking shoes.

Tours available 7 days a week 

Hunter valley Tours

Half day tour, hunter valley sample tour.

Experience some of the best boutique winery's the hunter has to off. We will stop at 2 Cellar doors, one at which we will do a cheese and wine pairing with an option to try some locally crafted beers.If you’re not already full you will be after this, we will try some locally made cheese, chocolate and olives . 

Tour is fully inclusive of all tasting fees. 

Morning Tours 

Time- 915am to 115pm

Cost -$95pp

Afternoon Tours

Time- 2pm to 6pm

Cost -$105pp

  Prices based on pick up in Pokolbin. Cessnock. Outside these areas additonal travel costs may apply 

 Experience the best of the Hunter Valley . Explore 3 Family Winery's , Try some locally made Hunter Valley Gins & vodkas followed by a Grazing Lunch . If  you’re not already full then we have some cheese chocolate and olives for you to try. Tour is fully inclusive of all meals and tasting fees. Group tours start at $160pp

Private Vehicles also available, please see prices below. 

1-2 ppl- $500 Total

3-7ppl - $200pp

8+ ppl - $180pp 

  Prices based on pick up in Pokolbin. Cessnock, Singleton, Broke & Branxton areas. Outside these areas additonal travel costs may apply.

Twilight Tours

Brewery and distillery tour.

     Get your Friends together for an amazing afternoon and evening around the Hunter Valley. Starting from 2pm we will visit 2 Small Family Winery's. We will try some amazing Locally made Gins, Vodkas and liquors, followed by a selection beers to quench your thirst.Ending the night with a tapas style dinner and cocktail at Goldfish. 

1-2ppl - $550

3-7 ppl- $220pp

8 + ppl - $200pp 

  Prices based on pick up in Pokolbin. Cessnock, Singleton, Broke & Branxton areas. Outside these areas additonal travel costs may apply. 

Not much a wine drinker? Don't worry we have you covered. Explore 3 Locally owned and operated Distillery's showcasing a range of Vodkas, Gins and Liqueur. We will also stop at 2 brewery's where we will have lunch at one of them. Finishing off with a cheese olive and chocolate  tasting. 

1-2ppl - $500

3-7ppl- $220pp

8+ ppl- $200pp

  Prices based on pick up in Pokolbin. Cessnock, Singleton, Broke & Branxton areas. Outside these areas additonal travel costs may apply.  

Airport and Cruise Transfers

Sit back, relax and unwind . Let us take care of you the minute you leave your front door. Door to door Private airport and cruise transfers .

Prices From- 

Sydney Airport and Cruise Terminals 

1-4 Passangers- $350 Each Way

5-11 Passangers - $550 Each Way

12+ Please message for Quote

10% discount for booking return 

Newcastle Airport

1-4 Passangers- $220 Each Way

5-11 Passangers - $440 Each Way 

These are private services. All prices include all tolls and taxes. 

Prices based on pick up from Nelson Bay, Singleton, Maitland,Cessnock, Central Newcaslte and surrounding suburbs . Outside these areas prices may vary. Call or message for More details.

Let us take care of you and your guests on your special day. We have access to a range of buses, limousines and even coaches. No event to big or to small. From 1 to 300ppl, let us plan your special day. Give us a call on 0458079232 and let us arrange your special day for you.

Design Your own tour

Design your own itinerary and go where you want. Hire our bus and driver for the day for your own charter or tour. 

Tour Hire-  (8hrs Hire 930am- 530pm)

6 seat van  - $550

11 Seat Van- $770

12 + ask for Quote 

We also offer charters for Race days, Corporate events, Anything you need a vehicle for. So send us a message to plan your next adventure.

Recommended Accommodation

Cabins in the clouds - vacy.

 Cabins in the Clouds is your ultimate romantic retreat for two. Our private cabins, all with outdoor hot tubs, will provide you with a cozy getaway to soothe your soul and relax your mind with fantastic views, abundant wildlife, the sounds of nature, and fresh mountain air. All 5 cabins have their own personality so there is something for everyone! We can customize your stay with special inclusions for your loved one to be in the cabin on arrival, ready to impress for that memorable occasion. 

Hunter River Retreat

 If you can imagine relaxing and unwinding on the deck of your own private rustic cottage, taking in stunning views, sitting back and enjoying the peace and tranquility of a bush setting or perhaps sipping a glass of fine Hunter Valley wine and doing nothing but soaking up the peace and serenity. Then a visit to Hunter River Retreat is a must! 

Palmers Lane Estate

 Palmers Lane Estate is a family-owned and family-run accommodation located in the iconic Hunter Valley wine region. We have 10 beautifully appointed lodges set across 50 acres, ranging from 3 to 6 bedrooms, and in a rural location that is peaceful and serene by design just an hour from Newcastle 

Suttons Estate

 Sutton Estate is set on 27 acres of beautiful nature walks and arguably as close to the wineries and concerts as you could get. Central in the Hunter Valley, the property offers the best spot to get to concerts, wineries, restaurants and the Food and Wine Trail. Want your whole holiday covered? We offer accommodation, electric bike hire for wine tours and Wine Escape Room. We are in central Pokolbin and rated 5 stars on location! 

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Hunter Valley Prestige wine tours

We provide personalised wine tours in the Hunter Valley, Lovedale, Pokolbin & surrounds. Explore the wineries, vineyards and distilleries. Enjoy wine, beer, cheese and chocolate tastings

Visit boutique wineries around the hunter valley vineyards..

Distilleries

Try a range of top shelf spirits, including Gin, Vodkas, Liqueurs, Schnapps

Beer & Cider

Explore the ever changing types of beers and ciders throughout the hunter

Cheese & Chocolate

taste extraordinary local made cheese and chocolate, made by industry experts

Why take a Wine Tour with us

Our Hunter Valley wine tours are available and affordable, every day of the week, so why not join us on either an individual, couple, small or large group tour.  It’s a fun, relaxing, friendly, reliable and informative way to see the crown jewel of the Hunter.

We offer personalized half and full day wine tours for groups from 2 to 10 at a time, larger groups can be catered for with some notice. We can accommodate requests for specific venues and after tour transfer to restaurants.

What you can experience on one of our Wine Tours in the Hunter Valley

We offer full and half day wine tours taking in the three regions of the Lower Hunter Valley Wine Industry namely, (Pokolbin, Lovedale and Mount View). You can create your own itinerary, or we can take care of that for you and include specific things like horse riding, local spectacular lookouts, cheese and chocolate tastings including as many vineyards as possible on the day. We can do as much or as little as you wish. Our personalised tours cater for up to 10 people or as little as one or 2 and bigger groups can also be arranged with some notice. We care about the experience you have and showcase the vineyards with a personalised tour and an experienced tour operator

Interested in booking a tour?

Bespoke Private Hunter Valley Wine Tours.

Let’s   plan the perfect vineyard escape tour for you.

WHY CHOOSE A VINEYARD ESCAPE TOUR?

A vineyard escape wine tasting tour example..

A VINEYARD ESCAPE TOUR (A Full-day Tour Example)

Our full-day wine tour of the Hunter Valley will take you to some of the region’s best vineyards, where you’ll taste a variety of wines and learn about the winemaking process. The tour will begin at your door for pickup between 9 and 10 am and we’ll be travelling in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus that seats up to 10 people. (Larger groups of up to 24 can be accommodated).

The first stop on our tour will be at [Vineyard 1], where you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of their award-winning wines and learn about the history of the vineyard and the winemaking techniques used.

Next, we’ll head to [Vineyard 2], where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the vineyard and winery, followed by a wine tasting. This vineyard is known for its unique terroir and wine-making style.

After that, we’ll head to [Vineyard 3] for a leisurely lunch at the on-site restaurant. You’ll be able to enjoy a delicious, locally-sourced meal while taking in the beautiful views of the vineyard.

Finally, we’ll make our way to [Vineyard 4] for a final wine tasting and a chance to relax and kick back. You can purchase any bottles that you particularly enjoyed along the way and your tour guide will keep them safe and secure in the vehicle. The tour will end between 5 and 6 pm back, safe at your door.

Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and sparkling wines. The tour guide will be on hand to answer any questions and provide information about the wines, the vineyards, and the region.

The tour price includes everything except lunch. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions and we will make sure to accommodate them.

WINE TOURS - ITINERARIES

Vineyard escape tours - itineraries.

VINEYARD ESCAPE BESPOKE WINE TASTING TOURS

(full day private tour), sydney, central coast, pokolbin/cessnock or newcastle pickup.

Vineyard Escape Tours is proud to offer private, bespoke wine tours tailored specific.....

From AUD contact for quote

VINEYARD ESCAPE HALF DAY WINE TOURS

(half day private tour) 4 hours, local pickup. door to door service..

Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour for Half a Day   Vineyard Escape Tours will .....

From AUD $540.00 (Up to 6 persons) ADD $31 p.p. above 6 persons: up to 11.

THE PREMIUM VINEYARD ESCAPE WINE TOUR

Private premium experience, price is for local pickup. door to door service..

This is NOT your ordinary wine tasting. If you love your wine and want to truly exper.....

From AUD $900.00 (up to 6 persons) ADD $85 p.p. above 6 persons: up to 11.

LATEST BLOG

16 January 2023

Vineyard escape tips on tasting wines.

Here are a few tips for wine-tasting that will help you make the most of your tour: .....

The Best Breakfast In The Hunter Valley

I really should preface this information about the best breakfast in the Hunter Valle.....

20 January 2023

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

• Vineyard Wine Tasting Tours: Join us for a journey through the region's finest wineries and vineyards. Sample the local wines, take a stroll through the vineyards and learn about the history of the region, and the different grape varieties that are grown, and learn about the winemaking process from our knowledgeable guides.
• Bespoke Tours: Create your own tour experience with our bespoke tour option. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or just a fun day out, we can tailor a tour to suit your needs.
• Pet-Friendly Tours: Bring your furry friend along for the ride and explore the region together.
• Vegan-Friendly Tours: Enjoy a day out without compromising your lifestyle choices. We offer vegan-friendly tours that include delicious plant-based meals and snacks and of course Vegan Wine.
• At Vineyard Escape Tours, we understand that not everyone is a wine lover. That's why we've created a beer and spirits-tasting experience that will delight your taste buds. This can be combined with wine-tastings as well to cater for those that want it all! Or even have some members of the group taste beers, spirits or wine at the same venue, at the same time; it's all up to what YOU want out of YOUR tour!
• Our beer tastings will take you on a journey through the trending brewing culture of the Hunter Valley region. You'll have the opportunity to sample a variety of locally brewed beers and learn about the brewing process and ingredients used. From crisp lagers to rich stouts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a beer connoisseur or just looking for something new, our beer tastings are perfect for those who want to explore the Hunter Valley region's brewing culture.
• Our spirits tastings, on the other hand, will take you on a journey through the world of distilled spirits. You'll have the opportunity to sample a variety of spirits such as whiskey, gin, and rum and learn about the distillation process, ingredients and how to pair them with food.

VINEYARD ESCAPE TOURS INQUIRY FORM

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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.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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