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
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)
| LGA | Number of Growers | Hectares (Ha) |
| Cessnock | 125 | 1,545 |
| Dungog | 2 | 11 |
| Singleton | 58 | 855 |
| Muswellbrook | 23 | 1,375 |
| Upper Hunter | 7 | 186 |
Broke wineries
| Name of the winery | Contact details |
| Mount Broke wines | 130 Adams Peak Road, Broke |
| Margan Winery | 1238 Milbrodale Road |
| Mount Eyre | 1325 Broke Road, Broke |
| The Little Wine company | 824 Milbrodale Road, Broke |
| Whispering Brook | 165 Hill Street, Broke |
| Broke’s Promise | 725 Milbrodale Road, Broke |
| Glenguin Estate | 997 Milbrodale Road, Broke |
Lovedale wineries
| Name of the winery | Contact details |
| Adina Vineyard | 492 Lovedale, Hunter Valley NSW 2325 |
| Capercaillie | 4 Londons Rd |
| Midnight’s Promise | 300 Talga Road, Lovedale, NSW 2320 |
| Wirral Grange | 168 Lomas Lane, Lovedale, NSW 2325 |
| Tatler | 477 Lovedale Rd |
| Swish Wines | 247 Wilderness Rd |
| Emma’s Cottage vineyard | 438 Wilderness Road |
| Gartelmann | 701 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale NSW 2320 |
Mt View wineries
| Name of the winery | Contact details |
| Briar Ridge | 593 Mt View Road, Mt View, NSW 2325 |
| Savannah Estate | Lot 211 Mount View, NSW 2325 |
| Jackson’s Hill | Mount View Road |
| Montvalley | 150 Mitchells Road, Mt View, NSW 2325 |
| Mount View Estate | Mount View Road, NSW 2325 |
Pokolbin wineries
| Name of the winery | Contact details |
| Audrey Wilkinson | De Beyers Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 |
| Calais Estate | Lot 2 Palmers Lane |
| Constable & Hershon | 205 Gillards Road |
| De Iuliis | 1616 Broke Road |
| Ghost Riders | 535 Hermitage Road |
| Hope Estate | 2213 Broke Road |
| Hart and Hunter | 463 Deaseys Road |
| Ivanhoe | 525 Marrowbone Road |
| Keith Tulloch | Hunter Ridge Hermitage Road |
| Kelman Vineyard | 2 Oakey Creek Road |
| Kevin Sobels | 5 Halls Road |
| Kurrajong | 614 Hermitage Road |
| Mckelvey Estate | 422 Deasys Road |
| McLeish | 462 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin |
| McGuigan Wines | 447 McDonalds Road Corner of, Broke Rd |
| Meera Park | 2198 Broke Road |
| Mistletoe Vineyard | 771 Hermitage Road |
| Misty Glen | 293 Deasys Road |
| Peacock Hill | 29 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 |
| Pokolbin Estate | 298 McDonalds Road |
| Polin & Polin | 138 Mistletoe Lane |
| Poole’s Rock | 576 De Beyers Road |
| Scarborough | 179 Gillards Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 |
| Thomas wines | Corner Hermitage Road and Mistletoe Lane |
| Tinkler | Pokolbin Mountains Road |
| Tintilla Estate | 725 Hermitage Rd |
| Tyrrell’s | 1838 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320 |
| Travertine | 78 Old North Rd, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 |
| Vinden Estate | 138 Gillards Road |
| Wombat Crossing | 530 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 |
| Ballabourneen Wines | 2347 Broke Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 |
| Benwarin | Lot 132 Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 |
| Bimbadeen Estate | 790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320 |
| DenMar Estate | 479 Hermitage Road |
| Drayton’s Family wines | 555 Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2321 |
| Eagles Rest | 534 Oakey Creek Road |
| Eclectic Wines | 687 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 |
| Evans Family | 97 Palmers Lane |
| First Creek | 600 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 |
| Hanging Tree | 294 O’Connors Road |
| Harkham Wine | 266 Debeyers Road |
| Honeytree Estate | 16 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320 |
| Iron Gate Estate | Oakey Creek Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 |
| Kulkunbulla | Lot 101 Broke Road |
| Leogate Estate | 1693 Broke Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 |
| Moorebank Private Vineyard Estate | 150 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 |
| Mount Pleasant | 401 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin, NSW 2320 |
Rothbury wineries
| Name of the winery | Contact details |
| Macquariedale | 170 Sweetwater Road, Rothbury, NSW 2335 |
| Blueberry Hill | 999 McDonalds Rd, Rothbury NSW 2320 |
| Molly Morgan Vineyard | 496 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.
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
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.
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.
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 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
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 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.
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.
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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