The 10 best wineries in the Hunter Valley

One of the oldest family-owned wineries in Australia, Tyrrell’s Wines is synonymous with tradition and quality. Established in 1858, this iconic winery offers an extensive range of wines, with its Semillon and Shiraz being particularly notable. The winery also provides insightful tours that take you through its historic vineyards and cellar.

Proudly a Certified Sustainable Winery, Brokenwood Wines is celebrated for its award-winning Shiraz and Semillon. The contemporary cellar door offers a range of different wine tasting experiences such as a wine and food flight featuring six wines matched with canapés with the option to add on a winery tour, or you can simply enjoy a glass from the WineEmotion dispenser which serves rare wines not normally available at tastings.

Perched atop a hill with breathtaking views of the valley, Audrey Wilkinson is known for its Semillon and Chardonnay. The winery, founded in 1866, combines history with modern wine-making techniques and welcomes guests to explore its on-site museum. There’s a range of experiences to enjoy here, such as an indulgent picnic or sparkling wine brunch among the vines.

This family-owned and operated boutique winery has a welcoming cellar door that offers personalised tasting experiences in a homely yet sophisticated atmosphere. Wine enthusiasts will love the 90-minute immersive ‘Keepers of the Flame’ experience which goes behind the scenes into the vineyard, showcasing the winery’s commitment to biodiversity and sustainability while highlighting the Flame Chardonnay, and concludes with a wine and cheese tasting.

McGuigan Wines has a reputation for producing exceptional wines and has been named International Winemaker of the Year on several occasions. The winery’s cellar door provides a broad selection of wines to sample, including their famous Semillon and Merlot. Explore the rich history of the region with the ‘Hunter Through The Ages’ tasting experience where you can dive into the winery’s most highly awarded back vintages.

Nestled in a charming cottage setting in the heart of Pokolbin, Pepper Tree Wines offers a diverse range of wines, including Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery is known for its boutique experience and picturesque gardens, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. For those wanting a more in-depth experience, the ‘Best of Four Worlds’ tasting offers a pre-selected collection of both current vintage wines and aged counterparts.

Bimbadgen, known for its striking architecture and stunning vineyards, produces top-tier Shiraz and Verdelho. The winery features a modern cellar door, a spacious outdoor area where you can enjoy tastings, and the renowned restaurant, Esca. Perched above the winery, Esca perfectly pairs exquisite regional dishes with panoramic views of the Hunter Valley vineyards, creating a memorable dining experience.

Hope Estate is not only famous for its wines but also boasts award-winning craft beer and spirits. It also doubles as a major concert venue thanks to its outdoor amphitheatre which happens to be the largest of its kind in Australia, hosting an array of performances each spring. From winery, brewery and distillery tours and tastings to live music events, there’s always something happening Hope Estate.

With its country club vibe and perfectly manicured green lawns, Keith Tulloch Wine is one of the most stylish boutique wineries in the region. This smaller-sized family-owned winery focuses on producing elegant, handcrafted wines, with its Semillon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay highly acclaimed. Enjoy intimate tastings and stunning vineyard views from the cellar door and treat your sweet tooth at Cocoa Nib, the onsite artisan chocolate boutique.