10 Must-Visit Hunter Valley Wineries for Your 2023 Trip

Nestled in the heart of New South Wales, Hunter Valley is a picturesque wine region known for its rolling hills, charming vineyards, and, most importantly, its world-class wines. For wine lovers, it’s the perfect destination to indulge in a glass or two of their favorite wines.

But fair warning! The region has over 150 wineries, making it hard to pick which ones to visit. I know I have a hard time choosing with so many options...

So, I’ve done the research for you. Let me take you on a tour of the most incredible wineries in Hunter Valley. Be sure to add these to your list. Otherwise, you’ll regret missing out! 

Not sure how you’ll reach these? I got you the most accessible route guides and travel tips as well!

Must-Visit Wineries In Hunter Valley

10. Wynwood Estate

This winery launched in 2011 but don’t let the recent launch fool you just yet. Located in a beautifully quaint region, Wynwood Estate is the picture of a relaxing evening with your company. 

What can top rolling hills and blooming flowers paired with a heavenly glass of wine?

Wynwood Estate is particularly popular for its raisin-based wine because it adds a distinct taste to the drinks. So if you’re a brave wine lover like me, you’ll want to put this on your list. 

You can also get guided tours by the staff to have a close look into their winemaking process and the history behind it! There’s a wine museum, cellar door tour for visitors, and a restaurant with some delicious meals. 

How Do I Get To Wynwood Estate?

• Take a 2-hour train ride from Central Station in Sydney to Awaba Station in Toronto. This is the shortest route to get you there the fastest. 
• Take a 30-minute taxi ride to Oakey Creek Road and tell the driver to drop you off at Wynwood Estate. You can also take a direct bus from Sydney from Central Station to Maitland Station. Then, from Maitland, you take another bus to Vincent St. where you can take a taxi ride to Wynwood.

9. Gartelmann Wines

This charming family-owned boutique and winery in Hunter Valley is one of the best producers of Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Semillon. Once you see a Magpie symbol in the signpost, you know you’ve arrived at one of Hunter Valley’s trusted wine producers.

Whether you’re a wine novice or a connoisseur, Gartelmann has a diverse selection of wines to suit every palate. And if you want to unleash the winemaker in you, you can also check out their Blending Masterclasses. It’ll be an immersive wine experience you won’t forget.

How Do I Get To Gartelmann Wines?

• Take a bus ride from Central Station, Eddy Avenue to Lochinvar Public School, New England, and a short cab ride to Lovedale Road!
• Another alternative is to take a train ride from Central Station to Maitland Station. Then, take another short train ride from Maitland Station to Telarah Station. You can take a taxi or bus ride to Lovedale Road from there.

8. Peppertree Winers

Peppertree Winers are located at the heart of Hunter Valley. This family-owned winery is in one of Australia’s most fertile vineyard locations. Peppertree’s mostly known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, and it’s to die for!

The winery is award-winning, and for a good reason. They have an extensive range of wines. If you want to taste their finest wines, don’t miss booking “The Vault,” featuring rare and vintage wines with a premium wine-tasting experience. 

How Do I Get To The Peppertree Winer?

• You can take a 2-hour train ride from Central Station, Sydney to Maitland Station. From Maitland, you can grab a taxi to 86 Halls Road.

7. Brokenwood Wines

If you and your girlfriends are fans of Chardonnay, Brokenwood Wines is one of the classy wineries you can visit in the region. Their Chardonnay is a classic getaway dating from 1975. 

Brokenwood Wines is one of the most established wine labels in the region and is consistently deemed a 5-star winery in all of Hunter Valley. 

Enjoy a casual and private wine tasting with your loved ones and a regional wine presentation. Brokenwood Wines also has a restaurant offering delectable flavors you shouldn’t miss!

How Do I Get To Brokenwood Wines?

• Go on a 3-hour train ride from Central Station to Hamilton Station. From Hamilton Station, take an hour-long train ride to Branxton Station. Ride a taxi from Branxton Station to McDonald’s Road and ask to be dropped off at Brokenwood Wines.
• You can take a bus ride from Central Station in Sydney to Victoria St. Station. From there, take another bus to the Hunter Valley Grammar School and then another bus ride to Pokolbin Village and ask to be dropped off at Brokenwood Wines. 

6. Harkham Wines

Although smaller compared to other wineries, Harkham Wines is a top-tier choice. This family-owned winery sustainably produces its wine, and its fruits are handpicked. It has natural products without fining, filtration, flavor adjustments, and chemical additives. 

From its cellar tour to the winemaking process presentation to the vineyard tour, it’s the kind of wine-tasting adventure you’re looking for. 

How Do I Get To Harkham Wines?

• Start with a 3-hour train ride from Central Station, Sydney to Maitland Station. Get a taxi from Maitland Station and ask to be dropped off at Harkham Wines at 266 De Beyers Road.
• Another route to take is by train from Central Station, Sydney to Morisset Station, Cooranbong. From there, ride a bus to Vincent St. and find a taxi to drop you at Harkham Wines at 266 De Beyers Road.

5. McGuigan Wines

McGuigan Wines is one of the most incredible wineries in Hunter Valley, bagging the International Winemaker of the year in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2016. The winery has products that can compete with some of the most renowned wine producers in the world, like Italy, Spain, and France. 

Dare I say that it’ll put Santorini wineries and Yarra Valley wineries to shame?

The winery offers an immersive wine-tasting experience and can even tailor the tour to your liking. You can book group bookings or VIP tasting options and experience the rich history of Hunter Valley with every sip.

How Do I Get To McGuigan Wines?

• Start with a train ride from Central Station, Sydney, to Hamilton Station, Newcastle. From Hamilton Station, ride another train to Branxton Station, Greta. At Branxton, you can get a taxi ride to McGuigan Wines, Broke Road.
• You can also opt for a bus ride in Central Station, Eddy Ave to Victoria St. Station. From here, ride another bus to Hunter Valley Grammar School and hail a taxi to McGuigan Wines.

4. Ivanhoe Wines

Ivanhoe Wines is an 80-acre vineyard in Pokolbin with a rich history. It’s now managed by a 5th generation member of the Drayton family, a famous winemaking name in the region. 

Their lush acres of land are home to their 50-year-old vines, which produce some of Hunter Valley’s fruit production. It offers excellent wine tastings, exquisite wine shops, and exceptional vineyard and cellar tours. 

How Do I Get To Ivanhoe Wines?

• First, go to the Central Station in Sydney for a 2-hour train ride to Awaba Station, Toronto.
• Then, from Awaba Station, you must take a 30-minute taxi ride to Ivanhoe Wines at 525 Marrowbone Road.
• You can opt for a train ride from Central Station, Sydney, to Morisset Station, Cooranbong. From there, you can go on a bus ride to Vincent St., where you can take a taxi ride to Ivanhoe Wines.

3. Bimbadgen Winery

Bimbadgen Winery has recently received the 2021 James Halliday Wine Companion award. Bimbadgen Winery boasts of its jaw-dropping natural landscapes and lush vineyards. 

Suppose you ever need a beautiful wedding destination. In that case, the place has gorgeous wedding venues and an elegant restaurant. 

The winery even has accommodations for a relaxing and tranquil stay with a panoramic view and a classic Hunter Valley wine-tasting experience. It’s definitely the kind of quick vacation you need.

How Do I Get To Bimbadgen Winery?

• Start your journey from Central Station in Sydney and take a 3-hour trip to Hamilton Station in Newcastle.
• From Hamilton Station, take another train ride to Branxton Station in Greta for an hour.
• Once you arrive, get a taxi ride to Bimbadgen Winery at 790 McDonald Road.

2. Audrey Wilkinson Winery

Audrey Wilkinson Winery is one of the oldest wineries in Hunter Valley, with over 150 years of winemaking experience. Their 360-degree view of Hunter Valley is an iconic image that’ll leave you stunned, and their wines are just one of the must-haves. 

The winery has a beautiful museum. You can join the Audrey Wilkinson Wine Club for exclusive offers and perks. Get packing and explore Audrey Wilkinson Winery, one of the most visited wineries in the region.

How Do I Get To Audrey Wilkinson Winery?

• Go for a 2-hour train ride from Central Station, Sydney to Awaba Station, Toronto.
• From Awaba Station, you can ride a taxi and go directly to the Audrey Wilkinson Winery. 
• You can take a bus ride from Central Station, Eddy Ave to Maitland Station as well. From there, take another bus ride to Vincent St. where you can take a taxi ride to Audrey Wilkinson Winery. 

1. Briar Ridge

The last one on our list is Briar Ridge, a historically rich winery in Hunter Valley with a grand, idyllic view. They follow a classically radical method of producing their wine following a meticulous and traditional process. 

Briar Ridge is a premier winery in Australia headed by award-winning winemaker Alex Beckett. 

Expect only the most delicious wine-tasting experience and cellar door tours. Complete the whole experience by witnessing bands, and solo artists perform to make your visit extra memorable.

How Do I Get To Briar Ridge?

• To get here, go for a 2-hour train ride from Central Station, Sydney, to Awaba Station, Toronto. Then, you can take a 40-minute taxi ride from Awaba Station directly to Briar Ridge at 593 Mount View Road.
• Take the bus and start from Central Station, Eddy Ave, to Maitland Station. Then, take another bus ride from Maitland to Vincent St. in Cessnock. Once you arrive, you can take a short taxi ride to Briar Ridge. 

Plan Your Wine Tour With Pilot!

Are you ready to fly to Hunter Valley but dreading the planning? Make your prepping for your trip a breeze with Pilot. You may even have time to daydream about your wine adventure ahead!