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  • The Best Hunter Valley Wineries to Swill & Sip Away the Afternoon

The Best Hunter Valley Wineries to Swill & Sip Away the Afternoon

From cellar doors to wine-paired long lunches, these are the best Hunter Valley wineries to add to your weekend hit list.

Mount Pleasant Wines
Mount Pleasant Wines

In the heart of New South Wales, the Hunter Valley proudly stands as Australia's oldest wine region, boasting a history that spans centuries. This destination beckons to those in search of gourmet pleasures, offering a celebration of exceptional grapes, boutique breweries, stylish cellar doors, sprawling vineyards, and culinary treasures.

A day tour through the Hunter Valley is an expedition into pleasure and indulgence, so to enhance your weekend getaway, we've thoughtfully curated a list of our favourites among the abundant wineries in the region. These aren't just some of the best Hunter Valley wineries; they're experiences waiting to be savoured, each with its unique story to tell. You're welcome!

Boydell's Vineyard
Boydell's Vineyard

Boydell's Vineyard

Boydell's Vineyard, discreetly nestled in the picturesque Hunter Valley, is a treasure trove for wine and food enthusiasts. Their collection of award-winning wines—from the vibrant verdelho to the elegant chardonnay and robust shiraz—beautifully encapsulates the essence of the region. Tucked away in the historic town of Morpeth, their cellar door, housed in a charming old slab hut, offers a taste of Hunter Valley's best wineries.

But it's not just about the vino. Boydell's restaurant, under the guidance of Chef Sheldon Black, delivers the region's finest cuisine, all while soaking up the rustic ambience. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients take centre stage in every dish, creating a delectable match for their wines. Easily escape the tourist throngs and relish the wine and gourmet dining at one of Hunter Valley's best-kept secrets—it's high time you explored it. 

2 Green Street, Morpeth

Briar Ridge Vineyard
Briar Ridge Vineyard

Briar Ridge Vineyard

Situated in the serene Mount View region of Hunter Valley, Briar Ridge Vineyard offers an exciting wine adventure. Guided by the skilled hand of award-winning winemaker Alex Beckett, they beautifully fuse tradition with innovation, giving birth to exceptional wines like the 2022 Single Vineyard Dairy Hill Semillon and the 2022 Limited Release Albariño.

Their inviting Cellar Door welcomes you to sip some vino and explore their charming Wine Deck or stay cosy indoors. With hosts who possess a wealth of knowledge and a down-to-earth approach, your wine tasting journey becomes an enlightening experience. For those seeking an exclusive encounter, the Radica experience showcases Briar Ridge's crème de la crème. While a more laid-back day beckons, their Picnic packages offer a perfect escape in the tranquil wine garden.

593 Mount View Road, Mount View

Wild Ren Wines
Wild Ren Wines

Wild Ren Wines

Among the best Hunter Valley wineries, Wild Ren Wines is a revelation. Founded by Renee Burton, a seasoned pro in the wine and tourism industry with over two decades of experience, it's a testament to her transformation into a trailblazing creator of her own wine venture.

In the heart of Peppers Creek Village, the Wild Ren Wines tasting room offers an opportunity to savour Ren's delectable wines. Whether you're exploring classic Hunter Valley wine styles or daring newcomers, you'll discover wines that capture Ren's passion for the craft. Wild Ren Wines isn't just a winery visit; it's an experience that pairs strength with flavour. Nearby attractions like Cafe Enzo and Fetch Gifts make it an essential stop in Hunter Valley for those who appreciate exceptional wines and the stories that accompany them.

1946 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Vinden Wines

It’s a new chapter at Vinden, one of the Hunter Valley’s best wineries, as second-gen winemaker and viticulturist Angus Vinden takes the reigns. Where tradition and innovation collide, the estate offers some of the truest expressions of the region's varieties both in its established and offshoot labels. With plenty for you to sip and see, make your way to the sun-soaked cellar door for a tasting - all their award-winning drops are handcrafted on the estate, with minimal intervention on-site, from hand-picked grapes. For those looking to spend a night amongst the vines, book a night at the stunning homestead with views of the Brokenback Ranges and surrounding Hunter Valley vineyards.

138 Gillards Rd, Pokolbin

Pepper Tree Wines

Situated right in the heart of Pokolbin, the cellar door of Pepper Tree Wines named, The Vault, is designed to offer the quintessential Hunter Valley wine experience. Specialising in single vineyard wines, you can enjoy up to six wines of your choosing, paired with cheese and olives, all while enjoying the cellar’s leafy surrounds.

86 Halls Road, Pokolbin

Audrey Wilkinson Wines

If it's 360 degrees of views you'd like accompanying your next drop then pop into Audrey Wilkinson. One of the oldest vineyards in The Hunter, they offer loads of tastings starting from a standard $10 flight to a heritage cellar experience and even a picnic amongst the vines. Sample a bit of everything from shiraz produced from 50 year old vines to their very drinkable light rosé. 

750 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin 

Margan Cellar Door
Margan Cellar Door

Margan Wines & Restaurant

Is it a food and wine experience you’re looking for? You’d be hard-pressed to go past Margan, who are offering a range of limited-release wines from 100 hectares of sustainably farmed Margan vineyards. They boast a range of casual grazing options, paired with wine flights, seven days a week. Or you can dine in their acclaimed one-hat restaurant, Friday through to Sunday. 

1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke

Tyrrell's Wines

Steeped in history, Tyrrell's provides a beautiful winery experience. Well worth the visit, this oasis-like setting offers a cellar door, relaxed winery tours, barrel tastings, and masterclasses. Be sure to check out the winemaker's wall for a veritable who's who of Aussie viticulture, and to ensure you taste the best of the best, opt for a glass or two of their chardonnay. 

1838 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Winmark Wines
Winmark Wines

Winmark Wines

For chardonnay served with a side of culture, make your way to Winmark Wines. The Chardonnay is next-level, as is the firepit which overlooks the property's beautifully landscaped grounds. There's also a majestic steel sculpture perched above the vines by sculptor David Ball. Owner Karin Adcock commissioned the piece just before he won the 2017 Bondi Sculpture by the Sea.

229 Wollombi Road, Broke 

Mount Pleasant Wines

Set against the beautiful backdrop of the rolling vineyards and the Brokenback Range, Mount Pleasant Wines needs to be added to the top of your winery hitlist. You can book in for one of their four wine tasting experiences at the cellar door, where you'll sip your way through a wine flight made up of their signature drops. After sampling some of the region's best wines, we can almost guarantee that you won't leave empty-handed.

401 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin

Brokenwood Wines

At Brokenwood Wines the options are just as fancy as their new cellar door. With tastings ranging from $25 to $110, depending on where your budget and palate are at, there are plenty of different experiences to choose from. 

401-427 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Wandin Cafe
Wandin Cafe

Wandin Valley Estate

Set amongst rolling vineyards and natural bushland, Wandin sets an example of a winery serving up exceptional meals, created from only the finest local produce. Offering a range of tastings, as well as two, three, and four-course lunch options, complete with wine pairings, only means one thing — a long, lazy lunch here is a must when in Lovedale.

12 Wilderness Road, Lovedale 

Krinklewood

The Hunter Valley meets the French countryside at the whimsical boutique cellar door, Krinklewood Vineyard. Set amongst a Provencal-style garden, with oversized urns and French metal garden chairs dotted about, this ivy-covered venue serves organic wines, grown and produced in a biodynamic and sustainable way. Covering a range of wines from Semillon to Shiraz, a visit to Krinklewood promises not only a dreamy setting but also a wine tasting experience with a holistic difference.

712 Wollombi Road, Broke 

Usher Tinkler Wines

Set within the original Pokolbin Church, Usher Tinkler Wines’ cellar door is a welcoming space where you can match your wine or whiskey with freshly-diced cured meat. Choose from their collection of reds, whites and whiskeys, while you soak up the stunning view of the Brokenback Range from outside the venue’s soaring glass panorama window.

97 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin 

Keith Tulloch Wine
Keith Tulloch Wine

Tulloch Wines

For a family-friendly tasting experience, the 125-year-old institution Tulloch Wines has created a full spectrum of tastings from Wine & Chocolate ($30) through to their premium Aged Wine & Cheese experience ($100). In addition, there’s a special kids tasting of three soft drinks matched with three kids' snacks for just $10. There’s even a Kombucha tasting for the designated driver! 

638 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin

Bimbadgen
Bimbadgen

Bimbadgen

Taste the full range of Hunter varietals at beautiful, Bimbadgen. Take in the view and sip away the afternoon with their full Signature Experience for just $20.

790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Scarborough Wine Co
Scarborough Wine Co

Scarborough Wine Co

For a cheese and wine experience that is family-friendly, you can’t go past Scarborough Wine Co on Gillards Road. With eight levels of bookable tastings ranging from $20-$60, there’s something for everyone. You’ll be seated and served by your own private host while you taste through individually portioned small bottles. If you don’t have the full hour that’s recommended to enjoy these experiences, they’ve cleverly created the Sip on Inn experience which showcases six wines chosen by your host for just $20 per person.

179 Gillards Road, Pokolbin

Tamburlaine Organic Wines
Tamburlaine Organic Wines

Tamburlaine Organic Wines

Located in the heart of Pokolbin, Tamburlaine is Australia's largest producer of organic wines, with the winery itself dating back to 1966. Today, the entrance to the cellar door sets the scene, with a whimsical arch draped with grapevines leading the way. Visit for casual tastings at the bar or book a structured tasting session in one of their many private rooms.

358 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Thomas Wines

Is it an in-depth experience of Hunter’s two signature varieties you’re after? If so, make a bee-line to Thomas Wines on Hermitage Road. You won't find a better Semillon and shiraz-only experience that encompasses soils, vineyards and a tasting of up to 17 single vineyard varietals anywhere else.

Hermitage Road & Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin

Loved our list of the best Hunter Valley wineries? Make sure to check out our favourite places to stay amongst the vines, and the local, hidden secrets you may have missed otherwise.

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