Every city has its weekend escape. For New York, it’s the Hamptons; for Los Angeles, it’s Palm Springs; and for Sydney, it’s Hunter Valley.
The Hunter, as it’s most commonly referred to, is one of Australia’s oldest and most renowned wine regions, with a history of winemaking dating back to the early 1800s. You will find it’s particularly famous for producing high-quality Semillon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay wines, which have won numerous awards and gained international recognition.
The Hunter is also a popular spot for its scenic beauty, with rolling hills, lush vineyards, and charming cellar doors offering a picturesque backdrop for wine tasting. Whether you’re looking to organise a girl’s trip or simply want to escape the city for a weekend, we’ve put together a list of the best wineries you can visit in the Hunter Valley for quality sips, good food, and food times.
Tyrrell’s Wines
Tyrrell’s Wines is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected wineries, with a history dating back to 1858. You must try the famous Semillon, which has won numerous awards and is considered one of the best in the world. Be sure to taste a range of wines, including Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, and learn about the history and winemaking techniques of this iconic winery at the cellar door.
Brokenwood Wines
Brokenwood Wines is another well-known winery in the Hunter Valley, with a reputation for producing exceptional Shiraz and Semillon wines. The winery has been operating for over 40 years and has won countless awards for its wines. Visit the cellar door to taste the range and tour the property. You can even ask to sample some rare and exclusive wines from their portfolio. If you have time to spare, pull up a chair at The Wood Restaurant for a paddock-to-plate meal.
Audrey Wilkinson Winery
Perched atop a hill overlooking the Hunter Valley, Audrey Wilkinson Winery offers some of the most spectacular views in the region. The winery has been producing wine since 1866 and is renowned for its Semillon and Shiraz. Visit the cellar door to enjoy tastings of the winery’s award-winning wines, take a guided tour of the vineyards, or book a helicopter flight to see the Hunter from above.
Usher Tinkler Wines
This family-owned winery brings over 100 years of winemaking legacy to its drops. The winery focuses on producing small-batch, handcrafted wines, including Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Semillon, with an innovative twist. Visitors can enjoy tastings of the unique and limited-edition wines at the cellar door, an old reimagined church where the Tinkler family was christened. We think that’s poetic.
1813 Wines
Named after the year the first vines were planted, 1813 Wines is a Hunter Valley staple. The steel-framed glass atrium looks over the vines and is one of the most stylish cellar doors in the area. The winery has a deep connection to the land and produces a range of award-winning wines, including Semillon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay.
Comyns & Co
You could spend an entire weekend at this bright and airy venue. However, even if you only have a few hours, spend it sitting on the lounge with your friends or sipping your way through Comyn’s & Co’s wines made from locally grown fruit. Expect some traditional Hunter Valley styles and a mix of alternative varieties and blends.
Related: The Ultimate Dream Weekend Itinerary in the NSW Hunter Valley
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