Regarded as one of the oldest and most successful wine regions in Australia, the Hunter Valley is a place like no other. From the heights of Mount View to the foothills of the Brokenback Range and the rolling countryside of the Lower Hunter, it has a beauty both austere and inviting. We are continually inspired by the resourcefulness and talent of its winemakers in making some of Australia’s best red wines
Due to its proximity to Sydney, the Hunter Valley has played an integral part in the story of Australian wine and is the birthplace of some of our most celebrated and iconic red wine names. It remains the original innovator in wine showing adaptation in the face of changing tastes, and a challenging climate.
Bordered by the Great Dividing Range, surrounded by national parks and with the mighty hunter river winding through it, the hunter wine region has three distinct sub-regions – broke fordwich Pokolbin and the upper hunter valley.
With over 150 wineries, the Hunter Valley is not only Australia's oldest wine region but also a firm favourite with visitors each year who come to encounter the many varieties of cellar doors and exciting wines on offer.
Visitors from around the globe come in droves to sip, slurp and sample the Hunter Valley’s many vinous wonders. While they’re here, they’re also on the lookout for fine fare to pair with the bootload of wines they’ll inevitably purchase. Explore 22 great places to eat in the Hunter Valley
Winemaking in the Hunter Valley
Warm and hot in spring and summer but cool and wet in autumn and winter, the climate of the Hunter Valley is properly considered to be humid subtropical, which impacts varietal red style and gives wines from the Hunter a real point of difference.
One of the Hunter’s claims to viticultural greatness rests in the fact that it is home to some of the oldest and rarest vine stock in the world – including the world’s oldest Chardonnay vines – with vineyards dating back to the 1860s still being nurtured.
The Hunter Valley is not only famous for its winemaking, it is also fast becoming a mecca for foodies. Discover Top Eats in the Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley Red Wine
47% of the wine producers in the Hunter Valley is red wine. As well as the staple of Hunter Valley Shiraz, the Hunter Valley is increasingly known for Merlot, Pinot Noir and emerging varieties like Barbera, Sangiovese and Tempranillo.
Hunter Valley Shiraz
29% of the wine produced in the Hunter Valley is Shiraz. The iconic Hunter Valley Red has changed a lot since its ‘sweaty saddle’ days of big and bold. Today, Shiraz from the region is more medium-bodied, savoury and complex. When young, it may show red and dark berries, spice, and soft tannins, developing earthy, leathery notes, silken texture, and a lovely perfume when aged.
Hunter Valley Shiraz Blend
Many of the legendary Hunter Valley wines of the 1950s and 1960s were blends of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Touriga, Mataro and Pinot Noir. They disappeared for a while but have now returned as Australians are looking for a lighter style of red wine. These heritage blends are now completely on trend.