Wine-tasting events are more than just an excuse to sip different wines; they’re an experience that immerses you in the world of viticulture. Known for its big city charm, the Hunter Valley region is a breath of fresh air and has become one of the must-visit destinations for wine enthusiasts.
With over 150 wineries dotted throughout the picturesque landscape and the perfect climate for wine production, it’s no surprise that the Hunter has gained a reputation as one of Australia’s premier wine regions. Across the valley, you’ll find boutique vineyards producing exquisite wines alongside larger wineries that have been around for generations.
Our most popular, value packed tour! Everything you need for a fantastic & memorable day out.
- Tastings at 3 boutique wineries
- Vodka / gin tasting
- Lunch + drink
- Stop at the cheese &/or chocolate shop
- Plus many more customisable options!
From: $139pp
Premium tasting experiences & local produce. Perfect for classy parties and corporate events.
- Tastings at 2 boutique wineries
- Vodka / gin tasting
- Artisan chocolate tasting
- Gourmet cheese tasting
- Plus many more premium customisable options!
From $99pp
Start with wine, finish with beer and have lunch in between
- Tastings at two boutique wineries
- Tastings at two breweries
- Lunch + drink
- Stop at the cheese &/or Chocolate shop
- Plus many more customisable options
From $139
Hire a van and one of our fantastic drivers for the day.
- Plan your own tour
- You choose the venues
- 7hrs hire
- Perfect for groups of up to 11 people
From $750
Award winning tour where you’ll indulge in premium wine and food.
- Tastings at boutique cellar doors.
- Tasting at a distillery
- Fresh, local food
- Stop at artisan cheese & chocolate shops
- Plus much more
Price: $199pp
Winetasting events in Hunter Valley are often sophisticated but relaxed affairs. No need to go full black tie, but you don’t want to show up in flip-flops and board shorts either. A smart casual outfit is usually appropriate – think sundresses or chinos paired with a collared shirt.
Don’t forget to also consider the weather; it can get quite hot during the summer months so light and breathable fabrics are your best bet. During winter, find a balance between warmth and style by layering up with a jacket or sweater.
Wine tasting can be intimidating to those who are new to it, but it doesn’t have to be. When offered a taste, accept it with grace. Hold your glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine with your hand. This lets you appreciate the wine’s true character.
When it comes to actually tasting the wine, there are five key steps to follow:
- See: Assess the wine’s colour and opacity. Tilt the glass slightly against a white background to see its true shade. The colour can tell you a lot about the wine, from its age to its grape variety.
- Swirl: Swirling your glass allows oxygen to interact with the wine, releasing its aromas and flavours. This makes the wine more expressive and easier to smell.
- Smell: Take a few short sniffs of the wine, then a longer one, to help you pick up on different scents like fruits, flowers, herbs, or spices. Depending on the wine, you may smell fruity and floral aromas – that’s common in whites or reds, for example. In more aged wines, expect earthier notes like oak.
- Sip and Savour: Take a small sip of the drink, enough to coat your mouth. Roll the wine around your tongue to fully appreciate its flavours and textures. Then swallow or spit it out (spitting is common in professional tastings) and take note of the aftertaste or finish. How long does the flavour last? Is it pleasant? Is it balanced?
Wine-tasting events can get bustling with people. If you’re in the Hunter, especially during peak season, it’s likely that you’ll be sharing the event with other visitors.
Everyone is there to enjoy the experience, so be respectful of others’ space and presence. Don’t monopolise a station—make your tasting, take notes, and move on to let others have their turn. And always remember to never drink too much; it can ruin your experience as well as those around you.
Sampling numerous wines can cause you to lose track of just how much alcohol you’ve consumed. While it’s perfectly fine to take sips, keep in mind that the main purpose of wine-tasting events is to appreciate and learn about different wines, not to get drunk.
- It’s perfectly acceptable to spit out the wine after tasting it, especially if you plan to try many different varieties.
- Spittoons and dump buckets are usually provided for this purpose, but if there aren’t any, just go ahead and ask.
- Snack on crackers or bread between tastings.
- Stay hydrated with water.
- Our tours are deliberately paced to give you enough time to savour each wine while still allowing you to visit multiple wineries in a day.
- We do not recommend cramming too much into your itinerary; three to four wineries per day is about right. This will give you enough time to explore the vineyards, talk to the winemakers, and soak up the atmosphere without feeling rushed.
To track your wine-tasting journey, bring a notebook and pen to jot down details about each wine you taste. You can also use your phone or a tasting app if you prefer.
Here are some things to note:
- The name of the wine
- The type of grape(s) used
- The vintage (the year the grapes were harvested)
- Any comments or descriptions of the wine’s appearance, smell, taste, and finish.
Taking notes will help you remember your favourites, compare and contrast different wines, and even discover new preferences. Over time, you’ll be able to build a personalised wine library that reflects your evolving palate.
With its diverse range of wineries, the Hunter Valley offers something for every palate. Here are a few must-try wines to add to your tasting list:
- Semillon – Known as the region’s signature variety, this white wine is light and crisp with hints of citrus and grass.
- Chardonnay – A popular choice among wine lovers, Hunter Valley chardonnays are characterised by their complexity and balance of fruit and oak flavours. When aged in oak barrels, flavours of vanilla and spices linger on the palate.
- Shiraz – The bold, full-bodied red wine that the Hunter Valley is famous for. Expect rich, ripe fruit flavours with a hint of pepper and spice.
We believe that wine is best enjoyed together, and our mission is to make your wine-tasting tour fun, memorable, and uniquely yours.
With our “Your Tour, Your Way” philosophy, you simply tell us what you’re looking to do, and we’ll help you create a perfect experience tailored to your preferences, maxing out your fun and enjoyment. Book your very own tour today!
Come join us on the best day out you’ve had in ages and one you’ll remember for a long time! Over the years I’ve sampled everything I could, hand picked the best venues and listened to customer feedback. The result is a selection of tours with loads of options so that you can have ‘your tour, your way’. We can’t wait to help you plan your perfect day out. Let’s do it!
Chat soon,
Brendan
The Best Wine Tours
in Australia
in Australia