Life
Selector Weekenders Guide to the Hunter Valley
Where to eat, drink, stay and play in Australia's foundational wine region.
The Hunter Valley, with nearly 200 years of winemaking heritage, is home to some of the world's oldest vines. Contributing just 3 per cent of Australia's wine production, the region is famed for small boutique family producers, favouring quality over quantity. Here, pioneering families sit comfortably alongside bold next-gen producers who are reimagining wines and varieties the Hunter is renowned for.
A vibrant destination that offers a rich tapestry of experiences, with 150 cellar doors the region is a paradise for wine lovers, however, beer and spirit enthusiasts, culture seekers, families, and foodies are all well catered for.
WINING AND DINING IN THE HUNTER VALLEY
Bistro Molines is a long-time favourite for French fare.
What better way to start the day than flying high in a hot-air balloon? The early rise is worth it, as breathtaking golden vineyards, misty hills and rural hamlets unfold beneath you. Back on solid ground, grab a coffee at Greg's Espresso then visit Mount Pleasant Cellar Door. With 5-star boutique hotel vibes, admire the impressive modern art collection, as you sip on some of the Valley's best Shiraz.
Swing by Usher Tinkler Wines, renowned for pushing natural wine boundaries - don't miss his popular Death by Semillon. Housed in the old weatherboard church, their cheese and charcuterie selection is heavenly. Across the driveway, Gundog Estate in the charming old schoolhouse offers an impressive range of wines, Semillon-infused Gin and Hunting Ale beer. Even your pooch can enjoy a Tail-Ale Dog Beer! Grab some of their Wild Semillon to drink, and Rare Game Shiraz to cellar.
Next door, Baume is a local favourite for wood-fired pizza. Or, visit their onsite Patisserie and Deli for generous toasted paninis, home-made pies, sausage rolls and sweet treats, including a wicked vanilla slice. Next, the charming Peppers Creek is home to three top cellar doors - Comyns and Co, Charteris and Wild Wren Wines. PJ Charteris, one of Australia's most talented winemakers - and Wine Selectors Tasting Panel Co-Chair - offers a unique tasting experience with his wines from the Hunter and New Zealand. PJ's passion and precision are unmistakable in his Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Also in the Peppers Creek complex is Pukara Estate with their extensive range of flavourful local olive oils, vinegars and condiments.
Take a coffee break at Enzo's in the sunny fountain courtyard - also great for breakfast or lunch. Head next to Hunter Valley icon, Tyrrell's. Their range of Semillon, including the Vat 1, show why the Hunter is world-renowned for this variety, while the 2023 and 2024 Shiraz are must-haves.
Check into the modern country luxe of Spicers Guesthouse and settle by the huge sandstone fireplace for a pre-dinner drink. Dine in-house at eRemo where their Avido menu delivers top-notch modern Italian. Alternatively, if you're looking to impress, head out to the hatted EXP. restaurant, awarded Gourmet Traveller's 'Best Destination Dining' or, The Wood Restaurant at Brokenwood.
IN LOVE WITH LOVEDALE
The rides and regular events at Hunter Valley Gardens have made it a family destination.
Start in Lovedale with breakfast at the popular Deck Café overlooking a waterlily-covered dam - their extensive menu is a hit with families and foodies alike. Afterwards, taste the great-value range at Gartelmann Wines next door. Adina Vineyard is worth a visit both for its Olive Grove and its Estancia restaurant. Amble down to the award-winning Binnorie Dairy to try their scrumptious range of cheeses, all made onsite. The ash-coated Buche de Chevre and creamy blue Duletto get my vote. Follow up with a sparkling from the renowned Peterson House.
Families can visit the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park for close encounters with meerkats, quokkas and lions. Or, explore Hunter Valley Gardens and try your hand at Aqua Golf. After, head up Hermitage Road to Cocoa Nib, where their hand-made artisan chocolates are a feast for the eyes. Each visually striking hand painted bon-bon takes three days to craft - heavenly, and impossible to resist!
It's time to cleanse the palate, so turn right to Ironbark Hill Brewery. The 12 local beers brewed onsite are poured fresh on tap or, order a beer paddle to explore the range. Nearby, new-kids-on-the-block Mercer Wines offer a family-friendly cellar door and an approachable range of wines. Focused on alternate varieties, their Picpoul Blanc white wine, Nero d'Avola and Montepulcanio reds all deliver sheer drinking pleasure. De Iuliis Wines are close by, too - a must-visit for their award-winning Shiraz and Semillon.
If time permits, book lunch at Bistro Molines, where sweeping vineyard vistas meet a refined French-inspired menu. For casual food, Jimmy Joans is the spot that locals don't want you to know about. Soak up the sun in the garden with their excellent drinks list and moreish all-day eats. Do not miss the scotch egg and piccalilli - it is life changing. At First Creek, recent Winemaker of the Year Liz Silkman - known locally as the 'Chardonnay Queen' - crafts some superb Chardonnay.
By day, it's fine wines at Bimbadgen, and spirits after dark with their Night Merchant range. Take a break and wander through Watershed Art Gallery to admire the well-curated range of contemporary artworks, featuring talented regional and national artists. For dinner, two-hatted Muse Restaurant provides an unforgettable dining experience. Alternatively, head to Pescara for neighbourhood Italian or Harkham for casual dining.
BREATHE EASY IN BROKE
Krinklewood Estate in Broke.
Cruise the 20-minute drive to Broke and shift down a gear. Life moves at a slower pace here and locals love it that way. Stop at the popular Magoony's where the coffee is top-notch and the Ruben sandwich is legendary. Pop next door to Little Wine Company, where Suzanne and Ian Little are celebrating their 25th year. As pioneers of alternate grape varieties, you'll find a keenly-priced range of wines such as Albariño, Pecorino, Vermentino, Sangiovese and Barbera.
Take the scenic drive down Wollombi Road to Krinklewood Estate, where Provençal charm meets sustainable winemaking. Taste their biodynamic classic wines in the wisteria-covered courtyard, paired with new tasty share plates. For something different, try the skin-contact Sauvage white wine or the delicious non-alcoholic Liberté Sparkling Rosé. The onsite country homestead or the eco-forward Dimensions X cabins, offer a full escape.
Just down the road, Karin Adcock has lovingly transformed the former Pooles Rock Vineyard into Winmark - a stunning, 130-acre sanctuary for wine, art, and nature. With plenty of boutique accommodation available, you can wander through the sculpture park and gardens, explore Australian art in the gallery, and browse the artisan gift shop. As the Hunter's only single-varietal winery, settle into the alfresco area to savour their beautifully crafted Chardonnays and soak up the serenity.
Lisa and Andrew Margan put Broke on the map with their rammed-earth cellar door and farm-to-table ethos. Join a guided tour through the vineyard, farm, winery and gardens to see their impressive sustainability practices in action. Then stay for their signature tasting menu, or seasonal à la carte dishes, showcasing the estate-grown produce.
A region this storied, this vibrant, means that all this is but a bird's eye of all the activities and cellar door tastings you could undertake: there's Kawal Rock Distillery, for one, here in Broke; but also, back in Pokolbin, other great names like Andrew Thomas Wines, McCaffrey's Estate, Briar Ridge, and venues like the Wine House and Palmers Lane Estate. After a weekend immersed in the beauty, flavours, and charm of the Hunter Valley, you'll leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and undoubtedly already planning a return trip.
SPECIAL OFFERS AND MUST-VISIT HUNTER VALLEY WINERIES - TASTE PLAY STAY
Bimbadgen's beautiful natural setting, award-winning Esca and al fresco dining have made it an unmissable stop on any Hunter Valley wine tour.
Arguably, there would be no Australian wine industry without the Hunter Valley. With first vines planted in the early 1820s, by the mid-19th century the region had drawn international recognition as a wine-producing centre of note. Home to many historic and emerging producers, its Semillon and Shiraz in particular are regular varietal benchmarks.
A short drive from both Sydney and the regional centre of Newcastle, the Hunter Valley is a patchwork quilt of thriving vineyards and cellar doors, with the austere Brokenback Range providing a stunning backdrop.
A perennially popular tourist destination with a healthy serve of gourmet restaurants, high-end accommodation and boutique smallgoods producers all in easy reach, it's a must-visit for all food and wine lovers. Don't forget to access exclusive Members Extras deals for your visit!
DE IULIIS WINES
Under the guidance of acclaimed winemaker Mike De Iuliis, the De Iuliis family has crafted exceptional wines since 1990, and has consistently set new benchmarks for quality. Mike's innovative approach and unwavering focus on the unique terroir of the Hunter Valley has elevated the winery to the highest echelon of Australian winemaking.
Open 7 days, the award-winning Cellar Door offers visitors tasting flights of small-batch and handcrafted wines presented by the friendly team, as well as a behind-the-scenes winery tour experience to discover the winemaking process from grape to glass.
LOCAL RECOMMENDATION
Hunter Belle Cheese Room, renowned for its incredible locally made cheeses, and Taste of the Country Café, owned and operated by Louise for the past 24 years.
WINE + FOOD MATCH
The 2019 De Iuliis Limited Release Shiraz with dry-aged tomahawk steak with pomme mousseline and a rich jus.
dewine.com.au
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PETERSON HOUSE
Celebrating 30 years of premium sparkling wines and delicious food, Peterson House's passion for producing grows each year. With over 30 varieties of sparkling wine, the Cellar Door hosts thousands of guests each year, all looking for the perfect bottle of bubbles.
With multiple tastings on offer, including their famous Gelato and Sparkling Wine, the bubbly team offer exceptional service and wine knowledge for every experience.
Take home a piece of Peterson House with some sparkling-inspired merchandise, or indulge a little at Restaurant Cuvée with a glass or bottle of bubbles. Open 7 days a week, Peterson House is the perfect place to celebrate and experience the best of the Hunter Valley.
LOCAL RECOMMENDATION
Explore the small family winery trail between Petersons Wines, Savannah Estate and Ben Ean.
WINE + FOOD MATCH
A creamy pasta with a Peterson House 2022 Sparkling Blanc de Blanc.
petersonhouse.com.au
ADINA VINEYARD
Slow down, reconnect, and savour the simple luxury of time well spent at Adina Vineyard and Olive Grove. Nestled among the vines in Lovedale, this celebrated winery and olive grove offers more than just a visit - it's a true escape. Begin your stay in one of the spacious self-contained villas, each with sweeping views of the surrounding vineyard and olive groves.
Whether you're planning a romantic weekend or a group getaway, the villas offer privacy, comfort, and understated elegance. In the cooler months, curl up by the gas log fireplace with a glass of Shiraz and the peaceful soundtrack of nature just outside your door.
EXPERIENCES ON OFFER
Enjoy a long lunch at Estancia Adina, the onsite Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Think seasonal dishes like slow-cooked lamb shoulder, charred vegetables. To truly unwind, step into stillness at Reflections Day Spa - the perfect retreat within a retreat.
And no visit is complete without a tasting at the Adina Cellar Door, where you can explore estate-grown Shiraz, Semillon and sparkling wines alongside house-made olives, oils, and providore range of olive-based condiments.
It's a paddock-to-plate tasting experience grounded in authenticity and flavour.
LOCAL RECOMMENDATION
Rise early and take to the skies in a dawn hot air balloon ride for a golden glimpse of the valley.
WINE + FOOD MATCH
The Adina Shiraz with Estacia's braised lamb shoulder and confit garlic potatoes.
adinavineyard.com.au
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THOMAS WINES
Thomas Wines is one of the Hunter Valley's most distinguished producers, celebrated for its unwavering focus on the region's two signature varieties: Semillon and Shiraz. Established in 1997 by renowned winemaker Andrew Thomas, the winery has built a reputation for producing wines that express the purity and sense of place unique to the Hunter.
With over 30 vintages in the region, Thomas' flagship Semillon, Braemore, is widely regarded as a varietal benchmark, while the Kiss Shiraz consistently ranks among the country's best. Whether you're a seasoned collector or discovering Hunter wines for the first time, Thomas Wines offers a compelling and authentic taste of Australia's oldest wine region.
LOCAL RECOMMENDATION
Rent electric bikes and travel along the Hermitage Road bike path and stop in at the cellar doors along the way!
WINE + FOOD MATCH
Oysters and Semillon for summer, Shiraz and steak for winter.
thomaswines.com.au
HUNTER WINE LAB
Bringing a fresh perspective to winemaking in the Hunter Valley, Hunter Wine Lab was founded in 2020 by Nathan Heuston and Leonie Di Lorenzo. Combining traditional techniques with contemporary innovations, they focus on both the classic varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as newer varietals and styles such as Prosecco Rosé, Tempranillo, and Sangiovese.
Visitors to the Cellar Door on well-known Hermitage Road are treated to a once in a lifetime experience. Operating out of a unique space incorporating the Cellar Door into the winery, guests are treated to truly immersive tastings, guided through the process of winemaking from growing to glass.
LOCAL RECOMMENDATION
Learn the art of making cheese and preserves with Classes in the Kitchen with Jenny on Hermitage Road.
WINE + FOOD MATCH
A Hunter Wine Lab 2023 Chardonnay is an ideal match for smoked cheddar.
hunterwinelab.com
MCCAFFREY'S ESTATE
McCaffrey's Estate is a family-owned and operated winery dedicated to producing single-vineyard wines from the Hunter's diverse soils and microclimates. For a unique experience, book 'A Winemaker for the Day', where you'll be guided through the process of selecting and blending different varietals to create a wine shaped to your taste, experimenting with different blending ratios until you find the perfect combination.
You'll learn about the characteristics of different grapes and how they contribute to the final product. Once crafted, you'll bottle it up, cap it and create your own label ready to take home with you. Perfect for wine lovers of all levels.
LOCAL RECOMMENDATION
Experience the art of authentic Italian cooking with hands-on classes at Our Italian Table, at Nicita Estate.
WINE + FOOD MATCH
McCaffrey's Estate The Frenchman Cabernet Franc pairs beautifully with a hearty beef bourguignon.
mccaffreysestate.com.au
BRIAR RIDGE
With vines established in 1972, Briar Ridge have their foundations firmly set in tradition. Their wines range from Hunter classics in the premium Single Vineyard and Stockhausen ranges, to the contemporary innovations of the Limited Release and Varietal ranges with something that will appeal to every palate. Visitors can enjoy a variety of tastings at the Cellar Door, and be guided through the range by friendly and informed staff.
Relax amongst cosy surrounds within the 'old winery' building, or out on the picturesque Wine Deck to take in the country gardens and unique location within the Hunter Valley. Truly, a unique and special place to visit.
LOCAL RECOMMENDATION
You can't go past a long lunch at Bistro Molines in Mount View - a great place for traditional French fare.
WINE + FOOD MATCH
The Briar Ridge Briar Hill Chardonnay has a natural affinity with roast chicken stuffed with butter and thyme.
briarridge.com.au
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THE LITTLE WINE COMPANY
The Little Wine Company brings together two winemakers, Ian and Suzanne Little. Over the last 25 years they have built a reputation as pioneers in emerging, alternative varieties such as Albariño, Pecorino, Vermentino, Barbera, Sangiovese and Tempranillo, and their Cellar Door is a serene retreat where visitors can relax, unwind, and savour their wines in a tranquil setting.
As a sustainability-focused, family-operated business, guests are welcomed with warmth and treated like family, creating an intimate and memorable experience like no other in the Hunter Valley.
LOCAL RECOMMENDATION
A coffee and sneaky pastry at Magoony's Coffee House before you hit the Broke Fordwich Wine trail.
WINE + FOOD MATCH
A bowl of pesto penne pasta with a crunchy Little Wine Co. Pecorino.
thelittlewinecompany.com.au
WINE HOUSE HUNTER VALLEY
With up to 40 wines available for tasting every day, the Wine House is your gateway to the Hunter Valley. Centrally located in the heart of Wine Country and nestled amongst the trees, you can unearth the best of the region by immersing yourself in a collection of winemakers including The Little Wine Co, Silkman, David Hook, Margan, Keith Tulloch, Gundog Estate, Hart & Hunter, De Iuliis and many more.
Offering a series of tailored wine experiences including self-guided tastings, mystery wine f lights as well as private winemaker-led tastings, nowhere else can you discover more about Hunter Valley wine than at the Wine House!
LOCAL RECOMMENDATION
A sunrise hot air balloon ride to see the Brokenback Mountains in all their glory.
WINE + FOOD MATCH
Chardonnay and artisanal cheeses.
winehousehuntervalley.com.au
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PALMERS LANE ESTATE
The quintessential Hunter Valley retreat for wine lovers offers a blend of comfort, privacy, and unrivalled access to the region's best. Set across 50 picturesque acres in central Pokolbin, this family-owned estate features a collection of beautifully appointed, self-contained cottages and houses, ranging from one to six bedrooms.
Each lodge is thoughtfully spaced for maximum tranquility, making Palmers Lane Estate the ideal sanctuary for couples, families, and groups celebrating special occasions or simply escaping to wine country.
EXPERIENCES ON OFFER
Centrally located, Palmers Lane Estate puts you within easy reach of the Hunter Valley's top cellar doors, acclaimed restaurants, and leading attractions from hot air balloon flights and golf courses to the renowned Hunter Valley Gardens and vibrant local events. The Estate is the perfect base to unwind and reconnect: enjoy complimentary cheese platters and sparkling wine on arrival when you book direct, and make use of the extensive grounds for picnics, outdoor games, or simply relaxing by the fire pit.
Whether you're here to explore, indulge, or simply relax, Palmers Lane Estate offers an unforgettable wine country escape where every moment is crafted for lasting memories..
LOCAL RECOMMENDATION
The highlight of any stay is the Palmers Lane Wine Eco Trail, an immersive journey through the heart of the Hunter's winemaking scene.
WINE + FOOD MATCH
You can't go past a Palmers Lane Estate
Verdelho, Tempranillo or Sparkling Rosé paired with a classic barbeque - think gourmet sausages, scotch fillet, and fresh seasonal salads.
palmerslaneestate.com.au
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