Hunter Valley: Audrey Wilkinson Wine Tasting & Picnic Experience

Summary

Hunter Valley wine masterclass picnic with handpicked bottle

You’ll taste premium wines with an expert in Hunter Valley, then pick your favorite bottle to enjoy alongside a gourmet picnic among the vines. With plenty of space and no rush, you’ll find your own quiet spot for lunch and maybe even catch yourself lingering longer than planned.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the crunch of gravel under my shoes as we walked up to Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard — sunlight kind of bouncing off the rows of vines, and this faint, grassy sweetness in the air. We’d just finished wandering through their little museum (I got distracted by an old photo of harvesters from the 1920s — everyone looked so serious), and then our guide, Tom, waved us over for the wine masterclass. He had this gentle way of talking about tannins that made it all feel less intimidating; I still can’t swirl a glass without thinking about his “wrist not elbow” tip.

After tasting (and yes, I definitely picked the bottle mostly because of how it smelled — something like peaches and toast?), they handed us a picnic hamper that felt heavier than expected. We found a spot at the edge of the property where you could see across most of Hunter Valley — just grass, vines, and a few magpies arguing somewhere behind us. The food was simple but good; I remember biting into cheese that tasted sharper than I thought it would be. There was this moment where everything got quiet except for wind moving through the leaves. I didn’t expect to feel so far away from everything — in a good way.

We took our time — maybe too much time? No one rushed us though. At one point my partner tried to pronounce “Semillon” like Tom did and ended up making me laugh so hard I nearly spilled my glass (didn’t though). You don’t really notice how big 270 acres is until you’re sitting in it with nothing but your own voices echoing back at you. I still think about that view sometimes when city life gets too loud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vineyard tour and wine tasting

• Self-guided museum tour
• Attend wine masterclass tasting
• Collect handpicked wine bottle
• Pick up picnic hamper for two
• Choose scenic spot in vineyard
• Enjoy picnic with vineyard views

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Audrey Wilkinson wine tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; guests make their own way to the vineyard.

How long does the Audrey Wilkinson wine & picnic experience last?

The experience lasts around 2 hours with flexible start times available.

Are dietary requirements accommodated for the picnic hamper?

Yes, you can advise dietary requirements when booking your tour.

Is this Hunter Valley wine tasting suitable for wheelchair users?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible at Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard.

Can children join the wine tasting or picnic?

Children can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; minimum drinking age is 18 years.

Do I get to keep any souvenirs from this experience?

Yes, each guest receives an etched Audrey Wilkinson glass as a keepsake.

Is there a guide during the tasting?

Yes, a professional guide leads the masterclass and premium tasting session.

What’s included

Your day includes a self-guided museum visit at Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard, followed by a guided masterclass with premium wine tasting led by their in-house expert. You’ll receive an etched glass souvenir, select your favorite bottle to take away, and share a gourmet picnic hamper between two — all set within 270 acres of scenic Hunter Valley vineyards.