Wine
Best Hunter Valley Wineries
Plan the perfect escape to the Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine-growing region. Visit the best Hunter Valley wineries and cellar doors with our carefully curated guide, list, and map of this premier wine region, and discover the best places to eat and stay in the Hunter Valley to complete your visit.
There’s a fantastic range of Hunter Valley cellar doors within a two-hour drive from Sydney or a 40-minute trip from Newcastle. To help plan your trip to this dynamic wine region , we’ve selected a collection of wineries that provide the best cellar door experiences. We’ve also included a handy interactive map of the Hunter below.
While the region is famous for its Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho, and Shiraz, it also offers a stunning selection of innovative new varieties, including Vermentino and Tempranillo. You can also learn more about the region in the Hunter Valley snapshot we’ve put together here.
START YOUR HUNTER VALLEY WINE ADVENTURE
With so many great cellar doors in the region, we’ve grouped our list into journeys through the region along the Hunter Valley’s iconic roads. Take a trip from Pokolbin to Broke with a sojourn along Hermitage Road to visit the world class wineries of Tyrrell’s, Margan, De Iuliis, Winmark Wines and Andrew Thomas Wines on the alluvial flats. Or you can spend the day following McDonald’s Road through the heart of Pokolbin to visit the myriad of innovative wineries for which the Hunter Valley is renowned.
HUNTER VALLEY WINERY MAP
Planning a trip to the Hunter Valley? Download our interactive Hunter Valley winery map. To save on your browser or device, click here
LOVEDALE
Lovedale is a sub-region of the Hunter Valley and is home to many wonderful boutique wineries, cellar doors and the annual Lovedale Long Lunch event. It’s also home to Mount Pleasant’s iconic Lovedale vineyard. Smaller in nature but still high in standards, the local Lovedale business enables you to meet their owners and enjoy a personalised experience.
BINET FAMILY WINES
Domaine de Binet is leading the charge for left-of-centre experimental wines, alternate varieties, and blends. It is rare to call in and not be able to chat with the entertaining husband-and-wife duo of Dan and Nat at this family-run winery. It is home to several labels, including Domaine de Binet and Ballabourneen. They also have another cellar door at 515 McDonald’s Rd, Pokolbin.
467 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale – view on our Hunter Valley cellar door map
Open Friday to Sunday 10am – 4pm
Visit Domaine de Binet
POKOLBIN
The parish of Pokolbin is the largest Hunter Valley sub-region with the highest concentration of world-class cellar doors, wineries, restaurants, accommodation and attractions. Roots run deep here for many of Australia’s first families of wine, who claimed Pokolbin as the best place in the valley for viticulture back in the 1800s. It’s home to iconic family-owned wineries including Tyrrell’s and Tulloch, plus more boutique producers like Andrew Thomas and Usher Tinkler.
ANDREW THOMAS WINES
This sleek, boutique and modern cellar door is the perfect place to sample Thomas Wines’ uncompromising single vineyard wines. The 2014 Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year, Andrew Thomas only produces the region's renowned varieties of Semillon and Shiraz, allowing your tasting experience to uniquely examine and note the subtle differences across a focused bracket of his medal and Trophy-winning wines.
Cnr Hermitage Road and Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin – view on our Hunter Valley Winery map
Open Daily 10am – 5pm
Visit Andrew Thomas Wines
AUDREY WILKINSON
As one of the oldest vineyards in the Hunter Valley, the Audrey Wilkinson Cellar Door and Winery is not to be missed on your next visit. The winemaking museum, housed in the original winery, the heritage-listed open cement vats and the spectacular views over their 270-acre winery – some of the best views in the Hunter Valley – are reason enough to visit. However, the true star is the spectacular selection of fine Semillon, Shiraz, and Verdelho on offer.
750 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin – view on our Hunter Valley Winery Map
Open Daily 10am – 5pm
Visit Audrey Wilkinson Wines
BIMBADGEN ESTATE
Situated in a commanding position with magnificent views of the Barrington ranges, the vineyards, and the winery production area, Bimbadgen’s contemporary cellar door offers the perfect immersive experience for sampling their award-winning Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz. Bimbadgen Estate also boasts two great dining options, Esca Bimbadgen and Bimbagden Food Fired Pizza, plus it’s the Hunter Valley venue for the hugely popular Day On The Green outdoor concerts.
790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin
Open Mon-Sat 10am – 4pm, Sunday 11am – 3 pm
Visit Bimbadgen Estate
BROKENWOOD
Brokenwood, an institution in the Hunter Valley, consistently producing excellent wines and picking up awards for their Shiraz and Semillon. The friendly hospitality and the great selection of excellent wines for tasting are superb. The ‘Journey’ wine tasting experience, perfectly suited to the wine enthusiast, offers the unique chance to explore the winemaking process and taste straight from the barrel!
401-427 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin – view on our Hunter Valley Winery Map
Open Mon-Sat 9:30am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 5 pm
Visit Brokenwood Wines
DE IULIIS WINES
This modern, architect-designed cellar door perfectly complements Michael De Iuliis’ carefully constructed wines. Given that he won the 2015 Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year at the Hunter Valley Legends awards, his wines are sure to impress, as is the view over the Brokenback Mountain Range from the observation tower.
1616 Broke Road – view on our Hunter Valley cellar door map
Open daily 10am – 5pm
Visit De Iuliis Wines
FIRST CREEK WINES
This cellar door is a hive of activity as one of the region's largest winemaking and bottling providers. Many wineries and vineyards trust their precious drops to First Creek’s Chief Winemaker, Liz Silkman, the Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year in 2011 and 2016. With this unrivalled access to the region's best vineyards, it's little wonder First Creek has amassed such an impressive collection of Trophies and Gold medals from across major Australian wine shows since 2015.
600 McDonalds Rd Pokolbin - view on our Hunter Valley Winery Map
Open Daily 10am – 5pm
Visit First Creek Wines
HUNTER'S DREAM
Discover the unforgettable tranquillity and beauty of the estate owned and managed by renowned healthcare company Nature’s Care. Hunter’s Dream is one of the oldest boutique wineries in the region, first established over half a century ago. Now, many years and vintages later, the newly opened cellar doors are producing an award-winning collection under the guiding influence of winemaker Kees van de Scheur. Come and taste some of the best wines the lower Hunter offers amidst an oasis of sprawling lavender fields, ripe olive groves and a serene Japanese garden.
149 Deasys Road – view on our Hunter Valley Winery map
Open daily 10 am to 4:30 pm Mon-Fri and 10 am to 5pm Saturday
Visit Hunter's Dream
HUNGERFORD HILL AND MUSE RESTAURANT
The Hungerford Hill winery, designed by renowned architect Walter Barda, incorporates a spectacular barrel-shaped tasting room in which you can sample exemplary wines from the Hunter, as well as from the cool climate regions of Tumbarumba and the Hilltops of Southern New South Wales. Join the EPIC Tasting Experience Tuesday to Saturday between 11 am and 3 pm for a guided tasting of their limited-release wines matched to bite-sized dishes prepared by the acclaimed two-hatted Muse Restaurant (reservations are essential).
2450 Broke Road, Pokolbin – view on our Hunter Valley cellar door map
Open daily 10am – 5pm
Visit Hungerford Hill
KEITH TULLOCH WINES
The Keith Tulloch Wines estate is world-class with its grand buildings and gorgeous courtyard encompassing the cellar door, winery, Muse Kitchen, and Cocoa Nib artisan chocolate cafe. The unique tasting experience out on the verandah, overlooking the sprawling vineyard and Brokenback Mountain Range, will make a memorable stop on your next visit to the Hunter Valley.
Cnr Hermitage and Deasys Road, Pokolbin NSW – view on our Hunter Valley Winery map
Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm
Visit Keith Tulloch Wines
LEOGATE ESTATE WINES
Just along from Tyrrell’s is this distinctive cellar door and estate. A relative newcomer to the Hunter Valley, Leogate are quickly establishing themselves as a rising star due in no small part to securing accomplished winemaker Mark Woods to lead the winery.
1693 Broke Road – view on our Hunter Valley cellar door map
Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 5pm
Visit Leogate Estate
MOUNT PLEASANT WINES
Mt Pleasant is an iconic Hunter Valley winery with a long and superb history of producing excellent wine. Property magnate Anthony Medich, who has a strong connection with the Hunter Valley, purchased the renowned business in 2021. With new ownership and Adrian Sparks at the helm of their winemaking efforts, producing a growing range of alternate and innovative wines, the future is looking bright.
401 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin – view on our Hunter Valley Winery map
Cellar door open Thursday to Sunday 10am – 5pm, Wine Store open daily 10am – 5pm
Visit Mount Pleasant Wines
PEPPER TREE WINES
The stunning grounds, the old convent, Circa 86 restaurant and the gardens that surround the Pepper Tree Wines make it one of most beautiful cellar doors and an essential stop on your next visit to the Hunter Valley. With their consistently high-quality wines, Pepper Tree are a stalwart of the Hunter Valley.
86 Halls Road, Pokolbin – view on our Hunter Valley cellar door map
Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5 pm, Saturday to Sunday 9:30am – 5pm
Visit Pepper Tree Wines
TYRRELL’S
This salt of the earth Hunter Valley winery is a must-see destination, so is the tour of the old oak vats and the original red dirt cellar. Tyrrell’s have won many international medals and Trophies throughout their near 160-year history. Yet, they never rest on their laurels, continuing to impress on the world stage, earning respect as perhaps the most consistently high-achieving winery in the country. If you’re looking for the best of the Hunter Valley, Tyrrell’s is right up there and definitely worthy of a visit.
1838 Broke Rd, Pokolbin – view on our Hunter Valley cellar door map
Open Monday to Saturday 9am – 5 pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm
Visit Tyrrell's Winery
TULLOCH WINES
Tulloch Wines are an institution in the Hunter Valley, who continually impress with the classic varieties that made them famous through to their innovative new varieties in their unique Cellar Door Release range. Their cellar door is excellent with casual tastings upstairs overlooking the stunning vista or with their pre-booked alternate variety tastings in their stunning restaurant downstairs.
638 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin – view on our Hunter Valley Winery Map
Open daily 10am – 5pm
Visit Tulloch Wines
USHER TINKLER CELLAR DOOR AND SALUMI
Set in the original Pokolbin church, this cellar door renovated by Usher Tinkler, blurs the lines between a traditional and contemporary wine experience. Their approach to wine tasting incorporates the food and wine lifestyle. Usher’s excellent wines can be accompanied with a superb range of local and imported Salumi and Cheese, making it a unique social destination.
97 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin – view on our Hunter Valley Winery Map
Open daily 10am – 5pm
Visit Usher Tinkler Wines
BROKE FORDWICH
Broke Village was established in 1824 as an important village on the old convict trail from Sydney passing through Wollombi. Vineyards were planted soon afterwards and plantings expanded again with soldiers returning after the war. In the early 1990s, there was another significant vineyard expansion in Broke, with over 35 growers and 500 hectares under vine combined. The main producers of the area were established at this time, including Margan, Poole’s Rock and Krinklewood.
MARGAN WINES & RESTAURANT
This striking Hunter Valley cellar door nestled amongst the vines is the perfect venue to sample their estate grown and made wines of a fine pedigree. This local focus translates to the superb Margan Restaurant, featuring ingredients from their kitchen garden, orchard, beehives and free-range produce. Andrew Margan pioneered traditional and alternate varieties in the Broke region.
1238 Milbrodale Rd, Broke – view on our Hunter Valley cellar door map
Open daily 10am – 5pm
Visit Margan Wines
WINMARK WINES
Located in the beautiful Broke Fordwich subregion of the Hunter Valley, Winmark Wines was established in 2016 on the former Pooles Rock vineyard site. Owner Karin Adcock set about restoring the vineyard, and has transformed the property into a premier tourist destination with a cellar door, art gallery, sculpture walk, and multiple accommodation offerings.
229 Wollombi Rd, Broke
Open 7 Days, Monday to Thursday 10am – 4pm, Friday to Sunday 10am – 5pm
Visit Winmark Wines
BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE HUNTER VALLEY
While the multitude of amazing wineries and cellar doors may be the main incentive for your visit to the Hunter Valley, there’s also plenty of other fun and exciting activities to explore and enjoy. Here are some of our favourites:
HOT AIR BALLOONING - discover the stunning Hunter Valley from the air with a hot air balloon flight of a lifetime with multi-award-winning Balloon Aloft.
LOCAL BREWERY OR DISTILLERY - want to mix it up while on the wine trail and try a different drop? Why not visit a local brewery or distillery – Pokolbin Distillery, Sydney Brewery, Ironbark Hill Brewhouse
MARKETS – shop to your heart’s content at a range of regular markets in the region offering handmade crafts, local produce, artefacts, and more.
CYCLING – want to experience the wineries and surrounds on two wheels, not four? Sutton Estate Electric Bike Hire will help you unwind in motorised style.
HORSE RIDING – Hunter Valley Horses offers horse riding and horse-drawn carriage wine tours. Experience the beautiful views and country fresh air in a fun, relaxing day out.
GOLF – Cyprus Lakes Golf & Country Club, Hunter Valley Golf Club or The Vintage Golf Course - For more, Explore Wine Country Golf.
DAY SPAS – enjoy a spa treatment at Elysia Retreat, Chateau Elan or Spa Anise Day Spa - For more, Explore Wine Country Spas & Wellbeing.
HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS - if you’re a garden-lover you can’t miss a visit to the award-winning Hunter Valley Gardens. Stroll 8 kilometres of walking paths which wind through 10 beautiful and fun individually-themed gardens. Perfect for the whole family.
CHEESE - got a hankering for delicious cheese and gourmet foods? In the Hunter Valley you’ve got options galore!
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN THE HUNTER VALLEY
There’s something special about a delicious meal shared with friends or loved ones, and this abundant region has outstanding venues where you can savour the experience. Here are some of the best places to eat in the Hunter Valley.
MUSE RESTAURANT – showcasing the best of Hunter Valley produce with an emphasis on seasonality and quality.
MUSE KITCHEN – a regional European Bistro style restaurant with an ever-evolving menu showcasing the best produce of the season, in a picturesque courtyard setting. FIX THIS LINK
MARGAN – committed to their ‘estate grown, estate made’ ethos, menus are crafted from their one-hectare kitchen garden and orchard to maintain a hyper-local focus.
eRemo – modern contemporary Italian in the heart of the Hunter Valley
BISTRO MOLINES – refined French fare served in a chic, light-filled restaurant overlooking a delightful paved courtyard with stunning vineyard views.
EXP RESTAURANT – an entertaining and interactive dining experience with a menu focused on flavour, premium produce and wines.
AMANDA'S ON THE EDGE – in a relaxing atmosphere overlooking picturesque vines, dishes are designed to be savoured, balancing seasonal and quality local ingredients.
GOLDFISH BAR AND RESTAURANT – a cocktail bar and restaurant serving upscale international share plates and mains along with delicious cocktails.
THE DECK CAFE – a restaurant-style café serving fantastic breakfast and diverse tapas lunch and dinners.
See More Hunter Dining
WHERE TO STAY IN THE HUNTER VALLEY
With so much to do and see, you’re not going to want to rush your trip. So, where are the best places to stay in the Hunter Valley?
There are fantastic options right in the heart of Hunter wine country, so you’re sure to find some comfortable digs to make your trip to the Hunter Valley memorable. Here are some of our top picks for accommodation when visiting the Hunter Valley.
SPICERS VINEYARD ESTATE – a destination for romance, this boutique five-star retreat features 12 luxury suites, each with its own fireplace, plus a separate four-bedroom house, an onsite restaurant and a day spa.
CHATEAU ELAN – a luxury golf, spa and conference resort located in the heart of the Hunter Valley offering hotel-style accommodation, an award-winning spa and Greg Norman-designed 18-hole golf course.
BROKENBACK VIEWS COUNTRY ESTATE – private, luxury villa accommodation located centrally in Pokolbin. A place to escape, revitalise and rejuvenate.
TINONEE VINEYARD ESTATE – stunning vineyard accommodation, located in the Broke Fordwich sub-region of the Hunter Valley. The magnificent estate includes two beautiful homes, ‘The Residence’ and ‘The Cottage’.
HUNTER HIDEAWAY COTTAGES – Cedar cottages secluded amongst tall, shady gum trees in natural bushland, providing peace and privacy in self-contained comfort.
SPICERS GUESTHOUSE – located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, this five-star guesthouse offers modern elegance and a sense of relaxed luxury as soon as you arrive.
CEDARS – synonymous with romantic getaways and celebrating special occasions, this adults-only retreat is an idyllic place to escape to in stunning Hunter wine country.
Visit our friends at winecountry.com for more accommodation options in the Hunter Valley.
See More Hunter Valley Accommodation
For more information on visiting the Hunter Valley, be sure to visit the official Hunter Valley Wine Country website or stop by the visitor’s centre on Wine Country Drive when you're in the area.
And, with our Hunter Valley Releases programme, you can experience the best the Hunter Valley has to offer from the comfort of home. You’ll discover wines from regional icons such as Tyrrell’s and Tulloch, through to unique drops from the Valley’s leading boutique wineries.
Visit our Hunter Valley Releases page to find out more!
Shop Hunter Valley Wines