The Hunter Valley is home to some of the most celebrated wineries across the globe. With more cellar doors than any other wine region in Australia, it is wine country at its finest. The capital is Pokolbin, offering the largest range of wineries, restaurants, accommodation options and attractions in the area. It is also home to one of the country’s original family-run wineries, Tyrrell’s. Placing second in the Top Wineries of Australia 2020, Tyrrell’s Hunter Valley holds over 150 years of winemaking history you need to explore.
Hunter Wine Region
Looking for the best wineries in New South Wales? Look no further than the Hunter Region, or as it is more often referred to, the Hunter Valley. Not only are some of the wineries in this area the best in the state, they are renowned and celebrated all around the world.
The Hunter Valley is home to more cellar doors than any other wine region in the country. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the wide range of innovative food and wine in the area. Sip on the famous Hunter Valley semillon or shiraz and taste the delicious fine food at the likes of Redsalt Restaurant, Muse or Circa 1876 (the 2017 winners of the NSW Regional Fine Dining award from Savour Australia).
The Hunter Wine Region was one of the country’s first wine regions, established in the early 19th century, and has played a significant role in the history of Australian wine. However, it is not only loved for its vineyards. There are many other fun things to do in the area, for example:
- Get up close to exotic animals at the Hunter Valley Zoo
- Get a bird’s eye view of the Hunter Valley in a Hot Air Balloon
- Take a walk through the Hunter Valley Gardens
- Enjoy a picnic in Werakata National Park
- Play 18-holes at a championship golf course
Pokolbin
There are a number of gorgeous towns and villages in the Hunter Valley, each with their own charm. But today we are talking about wine, so it’s only fair that we focus on the wine capital of the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin. Other towns include:
- Broke
- Cessnock
- Dungog
- Gloucester
- Lovedale
- Maitland
- Morpeth
- Paterson
- Scone
- Singleton
- Wollombi
Pokolbin is home to the largest amount of wineries, restaurants, accommodation options and attractions in the Hunter Valley. Show off your skills at the local golf course, take a ride over the town in a Hot Air Balloon, ride a bicycle through the gorgeous streets, or stroll through the incredible gardens. Pokolbin has a wide range of award winning wineries, some of which have been in operation since the 1800’s. One of the original vineyards in the area is Tyrrell’s Hunter Valley, which was first established in 1858. Today, Tyrrell’s is one of most renowned, successful and historic wineries in Australia.
Tyrrell’s
Tyrrell’s Hunter Valley is one of the oldest family-run wineries in Australia, with over 150 years of winemaking history. In 2018, they celebrated 160 years in the industry. Tyrrell’s was founded by Edward Tyrrell, an English immigrant, and is now run by fourth generation family member Bruce Tyrrell and fifth generation family members Jane, John and Chris Tyrrell. The winery and its produce have won countless awards, including placing fourth in the Top Wineries of Australia 2019 and second in the Top Wineries of Australia 2020.
While you’re there, why not check out some of the amazing wine experiences on offer with one of the Tyrrell family members:
Tyrrell’s Tasting
- Info: Go on a guided tasting tour and choose from a list of Tyrrell’s most loved wines. The list includes wines from the premium Single Vineyards and Winemaker’s Selection.
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Price: Starting at $10
VIP Premium Tour and Tasting Experience
- Info: Explore the vineyard with a member of the Tyrrell’s team, check out the winery, indulge in a barrel tasting and attend a masterclass of Tyrrell’s award winning flagship wines.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: Starting at $140
Sacred Sites Exclusive Experience
- Info: Experience a private and personalised tour of the Sacred Sites vineyards, hosted by a Tyrrell family member. This is an incredibly unique experience where you will have the opportunity to indulge in a tasting of wines from the Tyrrell family’s private cellar.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price: Starting at $500
The best wineries in New South Wales can be found in the Hunter Valley. If you have a passion for wine tasting, fine dining and winemaking history, you need to visit the oldest family-run winery in the country, Tyrrell’s Hunter Valley. This award winning winery offers extremely unique experiences for guests to attend masterclasses, take a private tour of the Sacred Sites vineyards and even taste wines from the Tyrrell family’s private cellar. What other wineries are you loving in the Hunter Valley?
