Hunter Valley Cellar Doors

Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley has forged an international reputation for acclaimed wines, from distinguished semillon and classic shiraz to emerging varieties. It’s home to more than 150 cellar doors, so you can sip your way through the vineyards and meet the passionate winemakers.

Pokolbin

Many of the famous pioneers who first planted in the 1800s still operate today. Tyrrell’s is one of Australia’s most distinguished winemakers and established their Hunter Valley vineyard in 1858. Other historic vineyards in Pokolbin include Tulloch, Drayton and Lindeman’s, today managed by the family’s fifth winemaking generation.

Other legendary labels in Pokolbin include McGuigan and De Bortoli. Brokenwood Wines, famous for its Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, opened a huge new $8 million cellar door and restaurant complex in late 2018. Don’t miss the views from the pretty Audrey Wilkinson cellar door and visit the Wine House to taste a range pf local drops.

Keith Tulloch Wine is the first carbon neutral winery in the Hunter Valley. Follow a tasting with lunch at one-hat Muse Kitchen or a sweet treat from Cocoa Nib, both on site. Petersons Wines is a specialist producer of sparkling wines and makes over 40 different varieties ranging from white to blush to red.

There are many more popular cellar doors around Pokolbin, including:

• Bimbadgen
• Hope Estate
• Cockfighters Ghost
• Tamburlaine Organic Wines
• Poole’s Rock
• Scarborough Wine Co

Lovedale

Lovedale is the place to discover boutique wineries without the crowds. Take a lazy tour of Gartelmann Wines, Capercaillie Wines, Stomp! Wines and Lucy’s Run. Time your last stop of the day for sunset at Allendale Winery and watch the sun sink behind the Brokenback Range with a glass of chardonnay in hand.

Broke Fordwich

You’ll find the award-winning Margan winery (and the two-hat Margan restaurant) in the tranquil Broke Fordwich region. Visit the cellar door or book in for an exclusive behind the scenes tour and tasting. Krinklewood Biodynamic Winery is certified organic and focuses on holistic, sustainable winemaking. Look out for the peacocks wandering the grounds.

Tours

A Hunter Valley wine tour is a great way to meet grape-stained winemakers, learn about the valley’s rich winemaking history and dabble in the fine art of wine appreciation. Tours are entertaining, diverse and informative. Choose a group tour or bus, or travel by classic car, horseback, carriage or bicycle.

Many wineries operate an open cellar door policy, which allows visitors the freedom to simply turn up and taste. However, be aware that some require you to make a booking and it’s always advisable to book when in a larger group. There may be a small tasting fee (around $50 but this will generally be refunded if you make a purchase.