Heading to the Hunter soon? Instead of just hitting up the usual suspects, here is a comprehensive list of our favourite wineries, cellar doors and tasting tours in the Hunter that you may not have heard of before! Each guarantees its own charm, so get ready for a real treat!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab the crew, because It's time to stop and smell the rosé, and take yourselves to cloud wine!
1. Red Door Collective
Red Door Collective Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
With their Pinot Noir winemaker named Winemaker of the Year (Gourmet Traveller Wine) and their viticulture adviser also winning best in class, this quirky cellar door should definably be on your list.
It is owned by a lovely couple who escaped the city life for a tree change. Set on 25 acres in the heart of wine country, enter through a signature red door, and be wowed by breathtaking views of the Brokenback Ranges! Enjoy their collection of single vineyard premium wines, venture over their iconic barn with your wine in tow or get your afternoon perk up at the onsite coffee lounge!
Address: 479 Hermitage Road Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: Saturday-Sunday: 9am-3pm
Known For: the owners once lived the high-flying life in London but settled for a tree change and now make a splendid Pinot Noir (their most popular drop)
2. Briar Ridge Vineyard
Briar Ridge Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
There's a wine for everybody at Briar Ridge! This dog-friendly winery offers pooch platters so you can bring your furry friend along. This laidback spot is the perfect place to laze the afternoon away - we recommend kicking back in the wine garden where you can lounge on jute rugs and bean bags whilst sipping on some wine.
Address: 593 Mount View Rd, Mount View NSW 2325
Opening Hours: 10am–5pm
Known For: being one of the most pet-friendly spots in the Hunter, where they even offer a pooch hydration station and platters
To make your trip to the Hunter one to remember, you should definitely check out this Hunter Valley Hot Air Balloonto get the best views of the picturesque wine regions of Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury, and Broke. Following your flight, you'll also enjoy a delicious gourmet breakfast and champagne celebration!
3. Iron Gate Winery
Iron Gate Estate Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
Inspired by the world’s great winemaking traditions, Iron Gate Estate is a boutique, family-run winery located in the heart of Pokolbin where you can sample unique, handcrafted wines! There's no rush at Iron Gate - you'll have a full hour journey through a flight of some of their best Hunter Valley wine!
Address: The corner of Inglis Lane and Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 10am-4pm
Known For: transporting you straight to Tuscany with its Spanish roof tiles, warm hues and sweeping marble benchtop that adorn the tasting bar
4. Comyns & Co Wines
Comyns & Co Wine Tasting Experience
Scotty and Missy Comyns are the epic husband and wife dream team behind the bold and edgy Comyns & Co in the Hunter Valley. This family-friendly duo is offering the perfect cellar door experience for the entire family with a kids corner and also a dog friendly policy. During your tasting tour you'll make your way through 8 of Scotty's wines including Semillion, Pinot, Rosé, Shiraz and don't forget to try their sparkling wine 'Popsy', named after their two daughters - adorable!
Address: 1946 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 10am–4pm
Known For: offering a cellar door experience for the whole family!
If you're heading to the Hunter Valley, a visit to Hunter Valley Gardens is a must! Built over a four year period, Hunter Valley Gardens now boasts eight kilometers of walking paths winding through 10 gardens including the Rose Garden, Storybook Garden, Indian Garden, Chinese Garden, Italian Grotto, Sunken Garden, Lakes Walk, Oriental Garden, Formal Garden and the Border Garden.
5. Oakvale
Wine Tasting at Oakvale Wines in Hunter Valley
If you're after organic and vegan-friendly wines, look no further than Oakvale Wines! The wine tours at Oakvale will take you on a journey through a flight of seven certified organic and vegan-friendly wines. On top of that, you can also feel good about your tasting knowing that all proceeds from the general tasting go towards the production of wine for Meals on Wheels. To date Oakvale Wines have donated over 45,000 piccolo bottles in the Hunter Valley! If you still need convincing, Oakvale also welcomes furry companions, so you can have pup in one hand, vino in the other, what a dream!
Address: 1596 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 10am–5pm
Known For: organic and vegan-friendly wines
6. Savannah Estate
Savannah Estate Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
Savannah Estate, a quaint cellar door delivers on the best local Hunter vibes! The youngest daughter in the renowned Petersons Family, Savannah has quickly become a name in the region. You can enjoy a guided tasting of Savannah Estate's wide range of luscious Hunter Valley wine and bold blends out on the grass on a warm day too.
Address: 312 Mount View Rd, Cessnock NSW 2325, Australia
Opening Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 9am–5pm
Sunday: 10am–5pm
Known For: Savannah is known for being one of the youngest, most talented cellar door managers in the Hunter with her father being Mr Peterson himself
Staying the night in the Hunter? There's nothing like a tiny house stay! Where you'll have everything you need in one tiny home:
7. Tintilla Estate Wines
Tintilla Estate Cellar Door Wine Tasting Experience
Known for their fine wines and fresh produce, Tintialla Estate is one of the Hunter Valley’s best kept secrets. Here, you can pick between the standard tasting of four or eight tastings or opt for the VIP tasting where you'll do eight tastings paired with cheese, olives and condiments! Olives are also their specialty - so make sure to try some while you're there!
Address: 725 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 10.30am-6pm
Known For: laidback vibes and lots of yummy fresh olives
8. Tulloch Wines
Tulloch Wines Wine and Paired Chocolate Tasting in Hunter Valley
The best of both worlds await you at this wine and paired chocolate tasting - who can resist wine AND chocolate?! This 45-minute tasting will give you a taste of five Tulloch Wines and five handmade decadent chocolates. If kids and non-drinkers want in too, Tulloch caters for a Junior Tasting and/or Kombucha Tasting Experience as an alcohol-free option, so everyone's welcome!
Address: 638 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm
Known For: crafting wines for over 125 years, across four generations
Want to make this trip to the Hunter extra special? Why not try out horse riding through the vines?! Take in spectacular views of the Brokenback Range as your ride at a leisurely pace:
9. Wombat Crossing Vineyard
Wombat Crossing Vineyard Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
Wombat Crossing is a little gem in the Hunter, where you'll be greeted by the smells of jasmine and citrus right when you enter. Get a taste of their limited edition range wines - this winery houses some unique and distinct Hunter varietal wines and spend a relaxed afternoon taking in the beautiful views over the vineyard and the distant Barrington Tops National Park. Plus, another reason to visit - they work closely with Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue to support them with their mission to rescuing not just orphaned joey wombats but adults that are in need of medical care.
Address: 530 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 11am-3.30pm
Friday-Saturday: 11am-4.30pm
Known For: beautiful green surrounds and their work with Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue
10. Audrey Wilkinson
Audrey Wilkinson Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
Perched atop a foot hill of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges, Audrey Wilkinson is a must-see vineyard in the Hunter Valley with stunning 360 degree views! The wine tasting experience at Audrey Wilkinson will have you tasting seven of their museum release and aged wines. You can spend the afternoon here exploring their in-house museum as well.
Address: 750 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 10am–5pm
Known For: one of the best views in the Hunter
If you're visiting the Hunter with a loved one, wow them with a 10-minute scenic flight at an affordable $95! Go sky high - a professional pilot will point out some of Hunter Valley's most popular vineyards and other hot spots along the way.
11. Harkham Wines
Image credits @harkhamwines
Family-owned Harkham Wines offers just about everything you could dream of wanting when visiting a Hunter Valley winery! Join Richie Harkham owner & winemaker for a tasting and to talk through his selection of wines, bespoke chocolate liqueur and Meade which is made with 24-carat gold flakes.
Address: 266 Debeyers Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: Friday 12pm – 5pm/ Saturday – Sunday 10am – 5pm
Known For: their vineyards are farmed sustainably without the use of fungicides and pesticides, and they handpick their fruits!
12. Capercaillie Wines
Capercaillie Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
Capercaillie Wines are winners of over 950 wine show awards since 1996, and even rated as a 5-star winery in the 2021 Halliday Wine Companion, so you know you'll be tasting only the best! This 45-minute experience will have you tasting your way through a premium selection of Capercaillie Wines.
Address: 4 Londons Rd, Lovedale NSW 2325
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10am-4.30pm
Known For: knowledgable and charismatic staff
If you're planning a trip to the Hunter with colleagues, we've got the perfect team bonding activity - grape stomping! Jump right in to big oak barrels of grapes and stomp away - there is nothing like the feeling of grapes between your toes:
13. Hungerford Hill Wines
Hungerford Hill Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
With its unique barrel-shaped tasting room and underground working cellar door, Hungerford Hill is a landmark of the Hunter Valley region! Step outside and witness spectacular views across the vineyards to the Brokenback Ranges, all whilst sipping on a Chardonnay! Sound good?
Address: 2450 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 10am-5pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am-6pm
Known For: its unique barrel-shaped tasting room
14. Hunter's Dream Estate
Hunter’s Dream Estate Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
Owners of Hunter's Dream Estate - Jina and Alex are also founders of 'Nature's Care', one of Australia’s largest supplement and skin care companies. They fell in love with the natural beauty of the Hunter and subsequently had a dream to rejuvenate and bring new beauty and wonder to the landscape, and hence, the opening of Hunter's Dream Estate!- Delight in these wine tours with the view of surrounding vineyard, the beautiful oriental display garden and lavender field. You'll also get $5 back with any wine purchase at the cellar door!
Address: 149 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours:
Sunday: 11am-4pm
Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
Known For: views for days featuring the beautiful oriental garden and lavender field
15. Brokenwood Wines
Brokenwood Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
Brokenwood is undoubtedly one of Australia's most reputable premium wine labels and a must-visit in the Hunter Valley! Consistently listed as a 5 star winery, you'll need to check Brokenwood out as well as their tasting held in one of their unique circular tasting 'pods'.
Address: 401-427 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 11am–5pm
Known For: being home to the famous Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, the highly acclaimed ILR Reserve Semillon, and the popular Cricket Pitch Range
16. Krinklewood
Krinklewood Vineyard Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
One of the most beautiful vineyard estates in NSW, Krinklewood is a French inspired boutique winery, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Brokenback Range. Taste the difference with Krinklewood's biodynamic and organic winemaking using sustainable methods for a healthier and higher quality wine, yum! Here, you'll sample a selection of Krinklewood's classics such as Semillon, Verdelho, Chardonnay and Shiraz, dry French-style Rosé, Basket Press Wines and Sparkling Shiraz, just to name a few.
Address: 712 Wollombi Road Broke NSW 2330
Opening Hours: Thursday-Monday: 10am-4.30pm
Known For: being a French inspired boutique winery
17. Margan Wines & Restaurant
Wine Tasting at Margan Wines in Hunter Valley
Margan Wines is a stunning earth cellar door where you can sample new release, and aged wines which were estate grown and estate made from the Margan's old vine vineyards. This 45-minute experience will have you tasting your way through a flight of six wines from their premium white label and aged release wines. Pre-bookings are essential to avoid disappointment - get in early and secure a spot for yourself, family, friends, and fellow wine lovers!
Address: 1238 Milbrodale Rd, Broke NSW 2330
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10am-5pm
Known For: their environmental sustainability initiatives
18. Meerea Park Wines
Meerea Park Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
A sophisticated winery with a modern setting, Meerea Park is located in the Roche Estate, next to the Hunter Valley Gardens and has established a reputation as one of the leading wine producers in the Hunter Valley. Indulge your tastebuds in their tasting tours, with a tasting of seven wines from their classic or premium menu, including a wide selection of Meerea Park Wines' Semillon and Shiraz. Here's a perk - you'll get $5 back with any wine purchase at the cellar door!
Address: 2144 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10am-5pm
Known For: its great location right by Hunter Valley Gardens
19. Misty Glen Wines
Misty Glen Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly winery to bring your pooch to, don’t miss out on a visit to Misty Glen Winery! Enjoy tasting tours in the intimate setting of the cellar door, seated at unique tables made from old oak barrels or perhaps in the rose garden overlooking the vineyard - it's entirely up to you! There's even a KIDS Zone for the children! Misty Glen Winery is the perfect spot for the whole family.
Address: 293 Deasys Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10am-5pm
Known For: welcoming the entire family including kids and also pets!
20. Peter Drayton
Peter Drayton Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
Experience a guided tasting hosted by the friendly Cellar Door staff, with years of experience and knowledge to make your visit something to remember. Choose and taste a selection of wine from the grape varieties for which the Hunter is famous, including Shiraz, Semillon and Chardonnay. Redeem your $5 tasting fee towards any wine purchase at the cellar door!
Address: 694 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia
Opening Hours:
Sunday-Monday: 11am-4pm
Tuesday-Wednesday: 10am-4pm
Thursday/Saturday: 10am-5pm
Friday: 10am-9pm
Known For: being right next to Ironbark Hill Brewhouse for the best beer
21. Pokolbin Estate Vineyard
Pokolbin Estate Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
Learn about the rich history from the 1880s on how this estate turned from a simple cottage to producing wine in the 1980s. A quaint sandstone cellar door with beautiful green vines adorn this estate and make it perfect for tasting tours! Pst, they also have The Hunter Olive Centre on-site for you to check out at Pokolbin Estate!
Address: 298 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2321
Opening Hours: 10am-4pm
Known For: being a quaint sandstone cellar door with beautiful green vines
22. Theleme Wines at Black Creek Farm
Theleme Wines at Black Creek Farm Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley
Theleme Wines at Black Creek Farm is a family owned vineyard, owned by French owners Jean and Nadine, located in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Here, you can take in views of the vineyard from a rustic ‘farmhouse’. Taste a premium selection of single vineyard red and white wines including Semillon, Chardonnay, Rose, Cabernet Merlot and Shiraz.
Address: 803 Old N Rd, Rothbury NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 10am-4pm
Known For: the vineyard lookout from a rustic ‘farmhouse’
23. Wine House Hunter Valley
Wine Tasting at Wine House in Hunter Valley
Wine House Hunter Valley showcases an incredible range of wines from only the best Hunter Valley winemakers. Here, you can opt for a personalised wine tasting that can be catered to your preferences and pick up some tasting tips from your friendly cellar door host along the way! Their cellar ambiance and impeccable service has been constantly raved about, so we know you won't be disappointed.
Address: 426 McDonalds Road Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 10am-4pm
Known For: top notch cellar ambiance and impeccable service
24. Thomas Wines
Thomas Wines is known for their iconic Hunter Valley signature wine varieties, single-vineyard Semillon and Shiraz. Guided by an expert cellar door host, you'll get to try four Semillon and four Shiraz wines including a couple of premium single vineyard wines on their 'The Discovery Tasting Experience'. As for the ambiance, expect a well-lit and modern-looking cellar door!
Address: 28 Mistletoe Lane, (In Estate Tuscany, Corner Hermitage Rd & Mistletoe Lane) Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm
Known For: the option to upgrade to the The Journey Tasting experience and choose from a range of up to 17 of their finest wines to taste
25. Saddler's Creek
If you like your full-bodied reds, then you mustn't miss a visit to this boutique family-owned winery. If you'd rather stay outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Hunter Valley weather and the gorgeous scenery, this is the place to go. Plus, you'll get to taste wines from Saddler's iconic Bluegrass range, limited release Alessandro Reserve, Saddler's Collection and Ryan's Reserve Collections!
Bonus: You'll get a complimentary Saddler's Creek souvenir wine glass to take home after your tasting!
Address: 15 Marrowbone Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm
Known For: specialising in outstanding full bodied red wines
26. Talits Estate
Located in the Broke Fordwich region of the Hunter Valley, Talits Estate is a unique boutique French-inspired cellar door overlooking a lake. Sounds amazing, doesn't it? The look and feel of the space very luxurious, and you can definitely expect the same from their tastings, where you'll get a premium selection of wines from the Talits Estate range including their popular Rosé, Blanc de Blancs, Arneis, Sangiovese Merlot, Estate Merlot and Pinot Syrah.
Address: 722 Milbrodale Rd, Fordwich NSW 2330
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm
Known For: serving beer on tap in their in-house brew, Broke Brewing
27. Hanging Trees
Aside from Hanging Tree Wines' delicious wine selection including Chardonnay, Semillon, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, this winery is also best known for its suitability for families and pets! With vast open spaces and outdoor games including giant chess, you can expect a fun-filled day with the whole gang.
Address: 294 O’Connors Road, Pokolbin, Hunter Valley NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm
Known For: wide open spaces and outdoor games including giant chess
28. Horner Wines
Horner Wines is a boutique winery best known for its authentic, small-batch but very high-quality wines sampled directly from the oak barrels wines. Winemakers Ash and his wife Lauren, the team behind their boutique family cellar door, are very passionate wine-enthusiasts who grew up in the Hunter Valley surrounded by wineries and grapevines- so you can expect to learn a lot from these experts!
Address: 188 Palmers Ln, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 11am-5pm
Known For: crafting authentic, small batch organic wines
29. Tempus Two (Located in Roche Estate)
Visit the popular Tempus Two on your next visit to the Hunter Valley, located conveniently within Roche Estate close by the Smelly Cheese Shop. Known to produce distinctively bold, elegant wines with an edgy attitude, a tasting experience with Tempus Two will showcase just how delicious Australian wine can be! Choose between a private tasting in a private area or grab a few friends for a tasting in the cellar door - you won't be dissapointed
Address: Broke Rd &, McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm
Known For: warm hospitality, extraordinary wines and inviting architectural atmosphere
30. McGuigan Wines
Immerse yourself in the flavors of the Hunter on the exquisite Wine, Cheese and Chocolate tasting at McGuigan Wines! Relax in a private tasting area and enjoy a personally dedicated wine expert who will help you explore some of McGuigans exceptional wine, while you also indulge in a selection of the seasonal best hand-crafted cheeses from the artisans at Hunter Valley Cheese Factory.
Address: 447 McDonalds Road Corner of, Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Opening Hours: 10am-5pm
Known For: an array of handmade chocolates carefully selected to complement a range of premium McGuigan dessert and fortified wines by artisan chocolatier Maître Pâtissier
