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.
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.
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?
Below are four of the best Hunter Valley wineries one visit on their wine trip. Each and every one of them has a history and a story of their 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 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]
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]
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]
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]
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 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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