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 also discover the best places to eat and stay in the Hunter Valley to make your visit complete.
There’s a fantastic range of Hunter Valley cellar doors to visit 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, plus we’ve included a handy interactive map of the Hunter below.
While the region is famous for its Shiraz, Chardonnay and Semillon , there’s also a stunning selection of innovative new varieties on offer. You can also find out 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
WINMARK WINES
2023 WINNER OF THE HUNTER VALLEY LEGENDS AWARDS 'WINE SELECTORS CELLAR DOOR OF THE YEAR'
Winmark Wines are this year's winners of our sponsored Cellar Door of the Year Award presented at the 16th annual Hunter Valley Legends Awards. 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. Read more about the awards night here.
229 Wollombi Rd, Broke
Open 7 Days, Monday to Thursday 10am-4pm + Friday to Sunday 10am-5pm
Visit Winmark Wines website
EXPLORE LOVEDALE
Journey through the heart of Lovedale via Wine Country Drive.
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 on 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 10 am to 5 pm
Visit the Hungerford Hill website
DOMAINE DE BINET
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 to the entertaining husband and wife duo of Dan and Nat at this family-run winery.
467 Lovedale Rd, Lovedale – view on our Hunter Valley cellar door map
Open Friday to Sunday 10 am to 4 pm
Visit the Domaine de Binet website
HOPE ESTATE
Hope Estate is a destination in its own right with a great cellar door, the Hope Brewhouse, the Harvest Restaurant, and sweeping views of rolling vineyards and picturesque lakes.
2213 Broke Road, Pokolbin – view on our Hunter Valley cellar door map
Open Daily 10 am to 5 pm
Visit the Hope Estate website
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 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday to Sunday 9:30 am to 5 pm
Visit the Pepper Tree Wines website
EXPLORE BROKE AND HERMITAGE ROAD
Unearth the rustic township of Broke with a stop or two along Hermitage Road to discover some of the best Hunter Valley wineries and cellar doors.
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 Mon – Sat 9 am to 5 pm; Sun 10 am to 4 pm
Visit the Tyrrell’s website
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 Daily 10 am to 5 pm
Visit the Leogate Estate website
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 to 5pm
Visit the Margan website
DE IULIIS WINES
This modern, architect designed cellar door matches perfectly with Michael De Iuliis’ carefully constructed wines. Given 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 10 am to 5 pm
Visit the De Iuliis website
HUNTER'S DREAM
Discover the unforgettable tranquility and beauty of the estate owned and managed by renowned health care company, Nature’s Care. Hunter’s Dream is one of the oldest boutique wineries in the region first established over a 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 has to offer 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 the Hunter's Dream website
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 10 am to 5 pm
Visit the Andrew Thomas Wines website
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 daily 10 am to 5 pm
Visit the Keith Tulloch Wines website
EXPLORE THE HEART OF POKOLBIN
Explore the stunning array of new and old names along McDonalds Road with a stop at Pokolbin Village.
USHER TINKLER CELLAR DOOR AND SALUMI
Set in the original Pokolbin church, this cellar door renovated by Usher and Ebony 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 10 am to 5 pm
Visit the Usher Tinkler website
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 10 am to 5 pm
Visit the Audrey Wilkinson website
BROKENWOOD
Next door to McGuigan wines is 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 9:30 am to 5 pm, Sunday 10 am to 5 pm
Visit the Brokenwood website
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 10 am to 5 pm
Visit the Tulloch Wines website
FIRST CREEK WINES
This cellar door is a hive of activity as one of the largest winemaking and bottling providers in the region. 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 have amassed an impressive 22 Trophies and 31 Gold medals across major Australian wine shows since 2015.
600 McDonalds Rd Pokolbin - view on our Hunter Valley Winery Map
Open Daily 10am to 5 pm
Visit the First Creek website
EXPLORE MOUNT VIEW
Rediscover the iconic wineries in the hills between Mount View and McDonald’s Road.
MT 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
Open Daily 10am - 4pm
Visit the Mount Pleasant website
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 - practise your putting, perfect your drive or get a round in at Hunter Valley Aqua Golf, Cypress Lakes Resort or Chateau Elan
DAY SPAS - enjoy a spa treatment at Elysia Retreat or Chateau Elan
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.
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.
Visit our friends at Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association for more dining options in the Hunter Valley.
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 Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association for more accommodation options in the Hunter Valley.
For more information on visiting the Hunter Valley, be sure to visit the official Hunter Valley Wine Country website or stop by the Visitors Centre in Lovedale when you're in the area. But, if you’d like to sample some of the wineries listed in this guide before you visit, explore our wide selection of Hunter Valley wines and find out more about the wineries listed in this guide in our Meet the Makers section.
And, with our Hunter Valley Releases program, 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!