Our Hunter Valley day tour showcases the best of what this wine region has to offer. In addition to partaking of fine vintages at three boutique winemakers, there is a cheese tasting at a local manufacturer and providore, a café style lunch at a beautiful venue, and many chances to see the glorious peaks and hills of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges. Blessed with excellent weather almost year-round, the region maintains a strong presence on the wine scene in this vast country, specializing in Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz.
You can expect presentations from passionate, driven staff who are immensely proud of the wine they produce, and who are always willing to share their inside knowledge and tasting tips. This tour represents a different kind of day trip from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, leaving the hustle and bustle behind while you experience a gentler style of Australian hospitality.
7am – Pickup and departure from Sydney CBD
Guests meet our guide for the day at four main pickup points in the Sydney City Centre between 7am and 7:45am. The bus then starts its journey in stunning fashion, heading over the Sydney Harbour Bridge to kick off your fantastic Hunter Valley Wine Tasting tour from Sydney. Expect to see the city in all its glory as you view the Opera House on one side, and Luna Park on the other.
There is a rest stop on the way to the Hunter Valley, where you can purchase drinks and snacks, but we strongly recommend having breakfast before your pickup time in Sydney.
The wineries we visit most frequently are highlighted below, but we do have various other favourites that we may visit instead, such as McLeish Estate or Capercaillie Wines.
Note that Responsible Service of Alcohol laws apply, so while enjoying the delicious wines across the day is encouraged, if you drink to excess and behave in a drunken fashion you may not be served at later wineries and potentially not be able to return to Sydney with the rest of the tour group.
(Please note: only people 18 years and older may legally participate in this wine tasting tour.)
10:30am – First winery
Saddler’s Creek is our usual first port of call, and not just because it is one of the closest wineries to the bottom of the region nearest to Sydney. With its heritage sandstone building flanked by retro picnic tables, this winery comfortably mixes both the old and the new. Relaxed setting though it is, the presenters here are always friendly and engaged, with the drawcards of the tasting being the Wild White Blend and the Bluegrass Shiraz. Make no mistake: the day begins in earnest here!
11:30am – Second winery
The location of Hanging Tree winery is one of its strongest features, as it is perched on a ridge which overlooks Pokolbin, the main town of the Hunter Valley wine region. It is a beautiful place, and proudly attended not just by learned winemakers, but also by a menagerie of animals. However, the wine is just for the guests, with the Sparkling Shiraz being one of the most novel offerings. (Watch out for the interesting labels on these wines, they are very popular with international visitors as well as locals.)
12:45pm – Lunch
Having made a choice early in the day, you will stop at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort for lunch. These options rotate throughout the year, but we do have vegan, vegetarian and gluten free choices. The views from the bottom level of the clubhouse are spectacular, reaching as far as you can see to the horizon, and the rolling hills and thousands of vines tell you this is heartland wine country. Our lunch options also include a glass of wine or sparkling, or a soft drink. The stop is long enough to enjoy your meal and still snap a few pictures of the magnificent vista behind the club.
2pm – Cheese tasting
After lunch it is on to The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, which has been run by Rose and her family since they founded it in 1995. The cheese is all made in house by an expert team, with no outsourcing or major retailers involved. A platter with five selections is presented to you, as well as some crackers and other condiments, the latter of which are also made on the premises. Everything is good here, but the Brokenback Vintage Cheddar and Cajun Spiced Goats’ Cheese are always popular. It is all made with care and precision, and Rose is a generous host. You can even purchase a cooler bag to store your goodies! And as you leave the cheese tasting, on the way to the final winery, you might just be lucky enough to see some kangaroos…
2:45pm – Third winery
Ernest Hill is our final stop for the day. A unique offering in the Hunter Valley market, this place feels different and is reflected in the product served and sold. The presenters here explain how they harvest grapes and oak in an uncommon way, and the varietals that are popular here are flavourful and bursting with character. The Verdelho and Rosé are the picks of the bunch, but if you like a dessert wine Ernest Hill has your number. It is a wide offering, and one which hits many unexpected notes for the wine lover.
(You can, of course, make purchases at all wineries and The Hunter Valley Cheese Factory.)
3:30pm – Journey back to Sydney
You will board the bus to return from your day tour to the Hunter Valley, and be dropped at the original pickup point where we met you in the morning. We do our best to have you back by about 6:30pm, but weather and traffic conditions can delay us sometimes, so please plan a buffer period of at least thirty minutes when making evening arrangements.
We pride ourselves on offering a day tour which highlights the lesser-known wineries and other vendors who make the Hunter Valley so appealing and famous. We hope you enjoy your day trip from Sydney to the Hunter Valley, and that your interlude there is a highlight of your sightseeing in Australia. Safe travels!!