The Best Wineries to Visit in the Hunter Valley

Find out which Wineries are worth your time in New South Wales’ Wine Country!

The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s premier winemaking regions. Set against a backdrop of sprawling hills and traditional vineyards, it produces some of the best wines in the world.

The History of Hunter Valley

The story of the vineyards in Hunter Valley date to the early 1820s. The first wave of crops was unsuccessful, with winemaker’s disappoint with the grapes taste. However, when 500 different vine cuttings arrived from Europe, the crops began to produce delicious wine similar to their sister Europe crops. Soon Hunter Valley was known as the best wine region in all of Australia. The region was the first place to produce Chardonnay in the entire country, with its rich oak and acidic taste becoming a big hit for Australians. Semillon is the second biggest white wine produced here, winning some of the top world wine awards. The biggest red in the valley is Shiraz, some dating back 120 years to the very first cuttings.

Best Wineries in Hunter Valley

For culture enthusiasts visiting the area, a trip to some of the resident wineries is a must-do, where there are plenty of cellar doors to enjoy and processes to learn about. Here are some of the best wineries in the region.

• 1. McGuigan Wines

  McGuigan Wines holds the title of being one of the top wine makers in the Hunter Valley. In London, it was named the International Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Competition. Here, the winemakers focus on traditional production methods, creating a selection of labels that are well-loved all over the world.

• 2. Wynwood Estate

  

  This is the Hunter Valley’s newest wine label, taking on the form of an exciting new project that combines modern flavours with traditional production methods. Focusing on creating a range of different tipples to tempt any tastebuds, the Wynwood Estate promises visitors incredible views across the valley and a peaceful ambiance that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

• 3. Waverley Estate

  Waverley Estate has the accolade of being the only Aged Wine Specialist in the Hunter Valley. The key aim of the winery is creating high quality wines in small quantities – and so far, it’s worked. Waverley has award-winning varieties of Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as tasty bottles of sparkling wine and vintage port. This is the perfect place to learn about the winemaking history in the Hunter Valley while trying some of the region’s best-loved flavours.

• 4. Ivanhoe Wines

  

  Boasting jaw-dropping views out across the Hunter Valley, Ivanhoe Wines is a boutique vineyard in the region, promising a delicious selection of tipples to try and an on-site restaurant that serves up local produce against the stunning backdrop.

• 5. Peppertree Wines

  If you are a red wine drinker, Peppertree wines are for you. Producing the ‘Tallawanta Grand Reserve Shiraz’, known as King of red in Hunter Valley. Try out this award-winning wine while you enjoy the venue’s lux restaurant. The restaurant, named Circa 1876, is surrounded by lush outback, giving you an outstanding view of nearby frolicking kangaroos as you tuck into a mouth-watering dinner.

• 6. Gartelmann Wines

  The boutique family-owned winery is renowned for its magpie symbol. Simply look out for the swinging magpie sign amongst the lush greenery and head up the road for a truly unforgettable experience. Hidden gems of Shiraz, Semillon, Chardonnay, and merlot! This brand may be unknown to most, but the quality of them are expert. The small cellar door promises you one on one talks with the winemaking masters of Gartelmann, letting you learn all the secrets of this amazing winery.

• 7. Audrey Wilkinson Winery

  For a picturesque winery visit, Audrey Wilkinson hits it out of the park. A country style tasting room, and breathtaking views of the valley, you can soak up the splendid scenery while sipping on a glass of sparkling wine.

• 8. Bimbadgen Winery

  The winery’s name ‘Bimbadgen’ directly translates to ‘place of good view’ in the local aboriginal language, and that describes this place perfectly. Large rooms with high ceilings, hundred-year-old fig trees, stunning views, Bimbadgen Winery promises a luxury visit among the greenery. Head here for lunch to enjoy a hot serving of locally produced food, with enjoying the Verdelho, Shiraz and Shiraz viognier.

• 9. Harkham Wines

  Harkham is renowned around the Valley as the best place to acquire natural wine. What is Natural wine you ask? Well, it essentially is a wine that is produced by the minimal chemical and technological intervention. Different from both organic and biodynamic wine, due to the variance in cellar practices. Sydney is typically known as the best spot to get these wines, but Harkham gives the city a run for their money with their delicious varieties. The winery also has accommodation attached to its venue, so you can drink as much as you like without having to worry about driving anytime soon!

• 10. Brokenwood Wines

  Chardonnay! Anyone who drinks wine will of tried and loved this variety, listed as one of the number one drops in the entire world. Brokenwood Wine’s is famous for its Chardonnay, which dates back all the way to its opening in 1975. The tasting room offers both causal or private tastings, letting you and your small group have one on one time with the masters if you so choose. Otherwise, you can join in on the Tour and taste activity, which lets you explore both the area and the varieties of the Winery.

Visiting the Hunter Valley is a must-do for wine lovers keen to get to the bottom of Australia’s rich wine history. There are plenty of wineries in the region that boast a lengthy history and world-famous tipples, which makes it the perfect place to enjoy some delicious flavours and soak up the traditional production methods that still imbue the region today. All of this can be enjoyed against the beautiful backdrop of the timeless Hunter Valley.