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Best Hunter Valley Wineries

Must-Visit Wineries in Hunter Valley

Estimated reading time: 14 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 their flavor 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 to 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 best Hunter Valley wineries
  • Best Hunter Valley Winery with outdoor wine tasting
  • Best kids friendly Hunter Valley winery
  • Hunter Valley wineries with best ecofriendly practices
  • Hunter Valley wineries with restaurants   

Table of Contents

  • Full list of Hunter Valley Wineries
    • Wineries and Growers based on 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? 
    • Semillon {she-mee-yon}
    • Chardonnay {shar-duh-nay}
    • Shiraz {sheer-as}
    • Verdelho {ver-dell-oh}
  • What are the best Hunter Valley wineries?
    • James Halliday Wine Companion best Hunter Valley wineries
      • McGuigan Wines
        • Halliday Winery ratings of Mcguigan wines
      • Brokenwood wines
        • James Halliday Winery ratings of Brokenwood wines Hunter Valley
      • Tyrrell’s Wines
        • Halliday Winery ratings of Tyrrell’s Wines Hunter Valley
      • Thomas wines 
        • Halliday Winery ratings of Thomas wines Hunter Valley
    • Best Hunter Valley Winery with outdoor wine tasting
    • The best kids friendly Hunter Valley cellar door
    • Best organic and biodynamic winery in Hunter Valley
    • Hunter Valley wineries with restaurants    
  • Tips when doing wine tasting 
    • How to hold a glass professionally if you visit Hunter Valley wineries
    • How to taste  

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 (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 on Hunter Valley Local Government Area (LGA)

LGANumber of GrowersHectares (Ha)
Cessnock1251,545
Dungog211
Singleton58855
Muswellbrook231,375
Upper Hunter7186
Hunter Valley Wineries Map
Hunter Valley Wineries Map. Provided by Wine Australia

Broke wineries

Name of the wineryContact details
Mount Broke wines130 Adams Peak Road, Broke
Margan Winery1238 Milbrodale Road
Mount Eyre1325 Broke Road, Broke
The Little Wine company824 Milbrodale Road, Broke
Whispering Brook165 Hill Street, Broke
Broke’s Promise725 Milbrodale Road, Broke
Glenguin Estate997 Milbrodale Road, Broke

Lovedale wineries

Name of the wineryContact details
Adina Vineyard492 Lovedale, Hunter Valley NSW 2325
Capercaillie4 Londons Rd
Midnight’s Promise300 Talga Road, Lovedale, NSW 2320
Wirral Grange168 Lomas Lane, Lovedale, NSW 2325
Tatler477 Lovedale Rd
Swish Wines247 Wilderness Rd
Emma’s Cottage vineyard438 Wilderness Road
Gartelmann701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale NSW 2320

Mt View wineries

Name of the wineryContact details
Briar Ridge593 Mt View Road, Mt View, NSW 2325
Savannah EstateLot 211 Mount View, NSW 2325
Jackson’s HillMount View Road
Montvalley150 Mitchells Road, Mt View, NSW 2325
Mount View EstateMount View Road, NSW 2325

Pokolbin wineries

Name of the wineryContact details
Audrey WilkinsonDe Beyers Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Calais EstateLot 2 Palmers Lane
Constable & Hershon205 Gillards Road
De Iuliis1616 Broke Road
Ghost Riders535 Hermitage Road
Hope Estate2213 Broke Road
Hart and Hunter463 Deaseys Road
Ivanhoe525 Marrowbone Road
Keith TullochHunter Ridge Hermitage Road
Kelman Vineyard2 Oakey Creek Road
Kevin Sobels5 Halls Road
Kurrajong614 Hermitage Road
Mckelvey Estate422 Deasys Road
McLeish462 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin
McGuigan Wines447 McDonalds Road Corner of, Broke Rd
Meera Park2198 Broke Road
Mistletoe Vineyard771 Hermitage Road
Misty Glen293 Deasys Road
Peacock Hill29 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Pokolbin Estate298 McDonalds Road
Polin & Polin138 Mistletoe Lane
Poole’s Rock576 De Beyers Road
Scarborough179 Gillards Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Thomas winesCorner Hermitage Road and Mistletoe Lane
TinklerPokolbin Mountains Road
Tintilla Estate725 Hermitage Rd
Tyrrell’s1838 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Travertine78 Old North Rd, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Vinden Estate138 Gillards Road
Wombat Crossing530 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Ballabourneen Wines2347 Broke Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
BenwarinLot 132 Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Bimbadeen Estate790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
DenMar Estate479 Hermitage Road
Drayton’s Family wines555 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2321
Eagles Rest534 Oakey Creek Road
Eclectic Wines687 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Evans Family97 Palmers Lane
First Creek600 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Hanging Tree294 O’Connors Road
Harkham Wine266 Debeyers Road
Honeytree Estate16 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Iron Gate EstateOakey Creek Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
KulkunbullaLot 101 Broke Road
Leogate Estate1693 Broke Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Moorebank Private Vineyard Estate150 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Mount Pleasant401 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320

Rothbury wineries

Name of the wineryContact details
Macquariedale170 Sweetwater Road, Rothbury, NSW 2335
Blueberry Hill999 McDonalds Rd, Rothbury NSW 2320
Molly Morgan Vineyard496 Talga Road, Rothbury, NSW 2320

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 pride itself on it. However, 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-flavored wine wonderfully pairs with rich seafood like fish pies and tuna carpaccio.

Chardonnay {shar-duh-nay}

Wine verities produce through this versatile grape under different styles can match with 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 flavors of this wine range from apple and lemon to papaya and pineapple.  

Chardonnay grape
Chardonnay grape

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 flavor. So, it is better when pairing with spicy Indian and Middle Eastern dishes.

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 flavors ranging from tropical fruits such as guava, pineapple, and paw paw. This wine is better when paired with salads or spicy Thai foods for its rich texture.

What are the best Hunter Valley wineries?

James Halliday Wine Companion 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 their own.

McGuigan Wines

Listen to Neil McGuigan (Chief Wine Maker) from Hunter Valley

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 every one loves. So, their collection of labels are 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 scored 4.5 stars in the latest rankings. A winery with 4.5 stars usually have wines that scores 90 to 95 or above.

Best Hunter Valley wineries
Image credits Tagg

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 causal or private tasting experience as for the demand. You can also join in on the tour, which lets you explore the varieties of the Winery if you wish. 

Opening hours;     11a.m. to 5p.m. (Monday to Friday) and 10a.m. to 5p.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 required to reached 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 on the below video where James Halliday (Judge) and Iain Riggs (winemaker) explains the story behind this award-winning wine.

Video courtesy to wine companion

Tyrrell’s Wines

Tyrrell’s Wines Hunter Valley NSW
Photo from 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 2011and Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year 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. 

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

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-know name to wine industry having deep routes to McLaren Vale, then with Tyrrell’s wines. The 5 Red star winery shouldn’t miss on 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.

Best Hunter Valley wine tours
Image – VisitNSW

Best Hunter Valley Winery with outdoor wine tasting

We know that even 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 at the outdoor deck gives you the perfect unobstructed near 360 views of the countryside overlooking a very small lake. What else you expect!!!

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

Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tours
Gartelmann wines. Pic by Lovedale Hunter Web

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 be 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 combines with Kombucha.

Best kid-friendly wineries in the Hunter Valley
Tulloch Wines. Image credits to Destination NSW

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 2019 Reserve Hunter Syrah which gives a character of candied cherries and raspberries or 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.

best Organic wineries Hunter Valley
Image – Tamburlaine wines

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 at a 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 favorite that begins with a refreshing Bramble Spritz Cocktail.

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

Margan Restaurant, Broke
Margan Restaurant

Tips when doing wine tasting 

Testing 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 fragrance. 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 hold a wine glass
Pic from Winefolly

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 to observe the wine.
  • Smell; The smell can tell you a lot from the ingredients, 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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Hunter Valley Wine Tours
NSW accredited point to point tour operator licenses BSP- 414473 and ABN 74109033933
Copyright ©2020 All rights reserved | Owned by Sydney Top Tours

Tour duration – 10 hours

Pick up and drop off – Sydney CBD

Departure from Sydney – 7.30 am

Return to Sydney – 5.30 pm

Inclusions – Wine tasting from 3 premium wineries, chocolate tasting, and bottled water

Exclusions – Lunch, cheese tasting, and distillery visit

Tour itinerary – Visit Tyrell’s wines for tasting and inside winery tour, lunch, visit a chocolate shop, visit McGuigan, and Audrey Wilkinson wineries after lunch. If time permits can visit the cheese shop or Hunter distillery at your own cost.

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 – 48 hours before departure full refund

Book Now

Tour duration – 9 hours

Pick up and drop off – Sydney CBD

Departure from Sydney – 8.00 am

Return to Sydney – 5.00 pm

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

Exclusions – Wildlife park entry, wine tasting fees, lunch, cheese tasting, and distillery visit

Tour itinerary – Stop at Walkabout Wildlife Park, visit boutique Hunter Valley winery for tasting, lunch, visit a chocolate shop, either visit 2nd 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 fees – $5 to $10 per person is an average tasting fee for most Hunter Valley wineries. We recommend Gartelmann wines at Lovedale road due to its beautiful cozy atmosphere with outdoor sitting. Other recommended wineries include Kelman Vineyard, Tintila Estate, Hanging Tree Wines, and Pepper Tree winery.

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 style (Bistro Molines) suits for your palate and budget. Let the guide knows 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 above these venues.

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

Cancellation policy – 48 hours before departure full refund

Book Now

 

Tour duration – 9 hours

Pick up and drop off – Sydney CBD or Hunter Valley

Departure from Sydney – 7.30 am or 10.00 am from Hunter Valley 

Return to Sydney – 5.00 pm or drop off Hunter Valley accommodation at 3.30 pm

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

Exclusions – Lunch, wine tasting fees, cheese tasting, and distillery visit

Tour itinerary – Visit two boutique Hunter Valley wineries, Lunch, visit a chocolate shop, either visit 3rd winery, cheese shop, or distillery

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

*** 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 available at 10.30 am or 12.30 pm (not included in the tour price)

Additional information –

Wine tasting fees – usually, it is $5 to $10 per person in most of the Hunter Valley wineries excluding the premium tasting. The tasting fee will be refunded on a purchase. Our recommended wineries for this tour are Gartelmann wines Lovedale, Tintilla Estate Wines Pokolbin, Kelman Vineyard, Briar Ridge Vineyard, Hanging Tree wines in Mount View, Hanging Tree wines Pokolbin, and Savannah Estate from Mount View. However, you can choose your winery for Hunter Valley wine tasting, and tasting prices may vary.

Lunch options – Twine Restaurant for a modern Australian Twist, Muse Restaurant at Broke Road, Goldfish Bar & Kitchen for a casual lunch, or Blaxland Inn for a pub meal.

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

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

Hunter Distillery – This certified Organic distillery offers a unique ‘test-tube’ tasting sessions Gin, Vodka, Liqueurs, and Schnapps for $5 per person.

Bookings are essential under the COVID conditions imposed by the government.

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

Cancellation policy – 48 hours before departure full refund

Book Now