8 Wineries to Visit in the Hunter Valley for an Amazing Day
Just two hours north of Sydney, nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the Brokenback mountain range, the Hunter Valley stands as a testament to the artistry of winemaking. This enchanting region, with its rolling vineyards and charming cellar doors, offers an unparalleled experience for wine enthusiasts and travellers alike, offering around 150 wineries to visit. Whether you are a seasoned oenophile or simply someone eager to savour the finer things in life, the Hunter Valley’s wineries are a must-visit destination. In this guide of the finest wineries to visit, we will delve into the heart of the Hunter Valley and uncover 8 of its most exquisite wineries to visit that promise to elevate your palate and soul.
Wandin Estate
Wander through Wandin and you will experience the ultimate sensory journey. From outstanding wines for every palate to the hospitality of the 100 acre estate, let Wandin shower you with the true country charm that is the Hunter Valley and see why it should be one of the wineries to visit when in Wine Country. The grounds include a vineyard, a cafe/restaurant, a function centre that can cater for up to 180 people, six Tuscan-inspired guest villas, and a mature olive grove used for oil and pickling. Wandin Estate is children and dog friendly, so bring the family and enjoy the Hunter Valley at a relaxed pace. Oh, and keep a lookout for the resident kangaroos.
Stomp! Wines
Stomp! Wine was founded in 2004 and originally based in the Broke wine region, relocating their cellar door to their current home in Lovedale in 2018. Stomp! Wines specialises in crafting local signature varieties – Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho and Shiraz. They also offer a range of alternate and innovative wines including Fiano, Sparkling Verdelho and Sparkling Chambourcin. Stomp! also offer vegan friendly wines. Get your hands (and feet) dirty and be a wine maker for a day at their annual Stomp! wine maker experience, or try their Pottery in the Vines. Enjoy the Hunter Valley in a relaxed and tranquil setting, and discover why Stomp! should be on your itenary of wineries to visit.
McCaffrey’s Estate
Set on a sprawling 25 acres, McCaffrey’s Estate is a labour of love for a husband-and-wife team. Currently producing, Shiraz, Semillon, Verdelho, Cabernet and Merlot varieties, McCaffery’s Estate offer guest accommodation for an immersive Wine Country experience. Choose to stay in one of their two-bedroom cottages for a relaxing escape in the countryside. Unwind by the outdoor pool, picnic in the vineyard, or curl up with a glass of wine by the fire. There are also dogs, chickens, and ducks onsite, providing fresh eggs for guests as well as plenty of kangaroos to watch in the vineyard.
Hunter Wine Lab
Hunter Wine Lab was established to showcase the traditional fruits and wine making of the old world, along with the ingenuity and developments of the new world. Their philosophy is to produce wines that are expressive of the true characters of the fruit and the terroir, with minimal intervention, whilst being enhanced by new world research and development. The old world varietals of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon form a major part of their product range to support their love of the old world, whilst new world varietals, in particular those of Italian derivation, Prosecco (in Rosé style), Vermentino, Verdicchio, Aglianico, Sangiovese, bring a fun, fresh look supporting innovation. Wine tastings are held amongst barrels of maturing wine in an industrial, yet intimate setting.
Pepper Tree Wines
For thirty years, Pepper Tree Wines has been a beacon for quality wine in the heart of Wine Country and is a must for the list of Hunter Valley wineries to visit. Founded in 1991, it continues to flourish as one of the stalwart wine companies of the region. Pepper Tree Wines started with a focus on grapes from the Hunter Valley but today, boast vineyard sites in four premium wine growing regions across Australia. Pepper Tree’s commitment to the four regions are the driving force behind all they do. The Hunter Valley represents them, but the roots of the tree spread through all four regions. You could say it’s the best of four worlds.
Scarborough Wines
Today, Scarborough Wine Co. stands tall as one of the most recognized Hunter Valley wineries and a must visit cellar door experience. Well known for their Chardonnay and Pinot, there has been growth into new varieties. The heart of the family business for Scarborough Wines is their cellar door, where you can choose the perfect way to experience some of your favourite Scarborough wines with the usual Scarborough hospitality or indulge in an immersive experience that takes you beyond the wine and behind the scenes into the vineyard. You will see first-hand their commitment to biodiversity and sustainability and making fabulous Chardonnay.
Audrey Wilkinson
Where Views and Vines Converge For a sensory experience that transcends taste, Audrey Wilkinson is a must-visit. Perched atop a hill, this winery offers panoramic views of the valley, creating a stunning backdrop for your wine journey. With a legacy spanning more than 150 years, Audrey Wilkinson’s Semillon and Shiraz wines encapsulate the region’s essence. Take advantage of their guided tours to explore the vineyards and witness winemaking in action, all while soaking in the breathtaking vistas.
First Creek Wines
A boutique gem, First Creek Wines personifies the boutique winery experience, focusing on limited-edition releases that exemplify the region’s diversity. With a collaborative approach, their winemakers select premium parcels of fruit to craft wines of exceptional character. Their emphasis on small-batch production allows for meticulous attention to detail, evident in gems like the ‘Winemaker’s Reserve’ Semillon. A visit to First Creek Wines offers an intimate peek into the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle and makes our list for wineries to visit in the Hunter Valley.
150 Hunter Valley Wineries to Visit
The Hunter Valley is a treasure trove for wine aficionados and wanderers seeking a sensory escape. With around 150 wineries to visit in the Hunter valley, each holds a unique story to tell. Whether you are drawn to the traditional or enticed by modernity, the region’s wineries cater to all tastes and preferences. As you embark on this vinous journey, remember that the heart of the Hunter Valley’s wineries lies not only in the wines they produce but also in the passion, history, and artistry they embody. So, raise your glass to the beauty of the valley, the depth of its wines, and the experiences that await you among the vines. Are you ready to explore the Hunter Valley’s finest wineries? Embark on a journey of taste and elegance that will leave you captivated. Plan your winery tour today and unlock a world of flavours and stories that only the Hunter Valley wineries can offer. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious traveller, the valley’s wineries promise an unforgettable adventure. Cheers to indulgence and discovery!