The
Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine growing region and only a short
2 hour drive from Sydney or one hour from Newcastle.
With over 100 wineries to choose
from there is something to suit everyone. The Hunter Valley
is renowned for its Semillon, which has been described as "Australia's
unique gift to the world". There are also Shiraz, Chardonnays, Verdelhos and a host of other
varieties. Why not experience the Hunter Valley region yourself
through our guided Wine and Cheese
Tasting Day Tour.
Here is a
sample listing of wineries in the Hunter Valley. There are a
great many more
wineries and it is easy to explore the Hunter Valley to find your
favorite.
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard -
First planted in 1866, this site is widely
regarded at the first wine vineyard in the Pokolbin area. Boasting
spectacular views across the Hunter Valley, the Vineyard's
reconstruction was completed in 1999. Wines are styled on tradition and
enhanced by the characters of the Oakdale vineyards.
Bimbadgen Estate
- Architecturally unique, Bimbadgen Estate has a modern cellar door and excellent restaurant. The
bell tower at Bimbadgen Estate is something of a landmark in the Hunter
region. Bimbadgen Estate has state of the art methods and produces
traditional Hunter Valley wines such as Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and
Cabernets.
Brokenwood Wines – Established in 1970, this famous winery has
developed over the years and now produces multiple award winning Shiraz
and Semillons.
Drayton's Family Wines - A family-owned and run winery established 140
years ago. The winery is named Bellevue after its historic homestead,
the winery also includes an outside barbecue are and a playground for
children.
Ernest Hill Wines – A boutique winery that grows its grapes
and names its wines after areas on the vineyard and members of the
family. Production commenced making the Cyril Semillon and the Alexander
Chardonnay in 2002, and added a verdelho, gewurztraminer and shiraz to
the range in 2003. In the 2004 vintage a late picked Semillon was added
and has also been expanded to include two Merlots a reserve Shiraz and a
Moscato style dessert wine.
Iron Gate Estate – A boutique winery which exudes the ambience
of southern Spain or Tuscany, and fascinating tours of the wine
production facilities. The winery incorporates the latest technology in
wine making and produces a mix of wines produced from grapes grown in
its own vineyard and picked by hand including classic Hunter Semillon,
Verdelho, Unwooded and Wooded Chardonnay, Shiraz AO and the sweet
Shiraz.
McGuigan Cellars - McGuigan's is the home of McGuigan Fine Wines, Hunter
Valley Cheese Company and Chocolate and Fudge Shop. Part of the Hunter
wine industry for over 50 years, McGuigans offers an extensive winery
and cellar door.
McWilliams Mount Pleasant Estate
- McWilliams is the largest wholly Australian
owned family wine company in Australia. Mount Pleasant was founded in
1921 by Maurice O'Shea, who was regarded as one of the great winemakers
of Australia. The winery has a tasting room, bar and lounge overlooking
the vineyards. Elizabeth's Café serves meals during the day.
Pepper Tree Wines
- Nestled in the heart of wine country at the center of the Pepper Tree
wine complex. One of the most awarded small wineries, the cellar door
adjoins the winery and the beautiful grounds and gardens of Pepper Tree.
Roberts Restaurant is also adjoins the Pepper Tree Winery.
Pokolbin Estate - One of the smallest old wineries in the Hunter, this estate
has a tasting room in a 114-year-old sandstone cottage. As one of the
smallest producers of hand made boutique wines all grown on the Pokolbin
Estate vineyards, wines are not available in shops, restaurants or
overseas.
Tempus Two Winery – The winery complex incorporates a state of
the art boutique winery, world class Cellar Door and tasting rooms with
a sophisticated Espresso Lounge. Over recent years the winery has played
host to some of the world’s leading performing artists with spectacular
outdoor concerts.
Tower Estate Wines - The Hunter Valley's newest
boutique winery. The philosophy of this winery is to product outstanding
wines of classic style. Created by Len Evans, this winery produces
Semillon, Verdelho, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Riesling, Sauvignon
Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wyndham Estate - Established in 1828 and
is the only vineyard situated on the banks of the Hunter River. The
winery boasts of limited release Show Reserve Wines and Bin Range Wines.
Wyndham has a licensed restaurant open 12 noon to 3pm daily, and a
barbecue area for visitors by the Hunter River. Wyndham Estate hosts
popular events such as Seasonal Lunches, Opera in the Vineyards and
Vintage Jazz Festival.
[Please note, the wineries listed above are for informational
purposes only, our day tours do not visit all of the wineries in the
Hunter Valley]