The Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest and most renowned wine region, boasts a rich viticultural history dating back to the early 19th century. It features all things wine lovers could ask for – from sprawling vineyards, award-winning wineries, gourmet food, to accommodations that range from quaint B&Bs to homesteads and luxury vineyard estates.
Exploring the Vineyards
Visiting Hunter Valley means indulging in an unforgettable wine-tasting experience. Some of the best vineyards offer guided tours through their sprawling estates where you can learn about different grape varieties and winemaking processes. You can sample premium wines made from the finest hand-picked grapes and even join a blending class to create your own unique blend.
You can choose to go on a self-guided tour, hire a bike, or hop on board one of the many wine tours available. But whichever way you choose to explore, be sure to visit some of these must-see wineries:
Tyrrell's Wines
Founded in 1858, this winery is one of the oldest in the region and is known for its iconic Vat 1 Semillon. Take home a bottle as a souvenir or enjoy it on-site with a cheese platter.
Brokenwood Wines
This family-owned winery has been producing award-winning wines since 1970, with their signature being the Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, a Langton’s 1st Classified wine.
Drayton’s Family Wines
As the oldest winery in Pokolbin, Drayton’s combines over 170 years of winemaking experience to produce a range of delicious wines.
Among its iconic wines are the Joseph Shiraz, William Shiraz, and Susanne Semillon, which are all vintage-dated and limited in production.
Hanging Tree Wines
A hidden gem in Pokolbin, this 40-acre boutique vineyard offers a unique wine experience with its daily puppy cuddles event and homestead accommodation. Be sure to try their famous sparkling Chardonnay or Shiraz during your visit.
Hungerford Hill
With an in-house restaurant serving up delectable dishes paired perfectly with their award-winning wines, Hungerford Hill is a must-visit for food and wine lovers. Don’t miss their famous Muse Restaurant and outdoor Sculpture Courtyard.
Flavours of Hunter Valley
Apart from its world-renowned wines, the Hunter is also known for its gourmet food experiences. From fresh local produce to internationally inspired cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every taste palate. Some of the must-try dishes include:
Cocoa Nib
Cocoa Nib’s handcrafted artisan delights are great partners to your favourite wine. The complexity of our double-coated dark chocolate rocky road teases out the depth in your Pinot Noir, full bodied or a bit lighter, depending on your preferences. You’ll find their handcrafted and hand-painted bonbons and bars at their boutique chocolate factory on Hermitage Road.
Hunter Valley Cheese Company
This cherished family-run business is renowned for its artisanal cheeses, meticulously crafted on-site with traditional techniques and locally sourced milk. Their award-winning signature cheese, the Hunter Gold Washed Rind, boasts a creamy interior and a distinct, earthy flavour that pairs beautifully with a glass of whites, like the Semillon. Many cheese lovers enjoy pairing it with fig jam or honey.
Lovedale Smokehouse Gourmet Pantry
Experience the rich, robust flavours on the Hunter at Lovedale Smokehouse, where a lover of the grape and grain can relish over curated charcuterie platters. Nestled in a thriving 100-acre vineyard, this artisan smokehouse offers breakfast and lunch delights, as well as a range of hand-crafted, smoked and cured delicacies paired perfectly with unique cheeses and chutneys.
Plan Your Trip to Hunter Valley
With so much to see and do, it’s recommended to plan your trip to Hunter Valley well in advance. Wine Party Tours offers various packages ranging from half-day tours to full-day excursions, which can be tailored to suit your preferences.
Have something to celebrate? We’ll be happy to arrange a private wine tour for you and your crew, so can just sit back, relax and enjoy the wines.