Hunter Valley: Boutique Wine & Food Day Tour with Pickup

Summary

Small batch wines, vineyard lunch and chocolate in the Hunter Valley

You’ll taste boutique wines only found in Hunter Valley, enjoy a relaxed vineyard lunch overlooking the vines, sample local cheeses at Binnorie Dairy and try handmade chocolates. Expect real conversations with winemakers and glimpses of kangaroos along the way—this tour feels personal from start to finish.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the soft thump of kangaroos in the grass as our van rolled past the vines — not something you expect before your first sip of wine. Our guide, Mark, grinned and pointed out a mob lounging under a gum tree. The air smelled faintly sweet, like eucalyptus and just-baked bread from somewhere nearby. I’d never been to the Hunter Valley before, but right away it felt different from those big commercial wineries you see on TV — quieter, more personal somehow.

We stopped at these boutique cellar doors I’d honestly never heard of (and I’m not new to wine tours). Each place had its own little quirks — one winemaker poured us this cloudy Semillon straight from the barrel and told us about his dad’s old pruning knife. The tastings weren’t rushed; we actually sat down for them. At one point I tried to swirl my glass like I knew what I was doing and nearly spilled it on my shirt. Mark didn’t even blink — just handed me a napkin and kept chatting about how most of these labels don’t make it out of the valley. That part stuck with me.

Lunch was at this old sandstone place called Blaxland’s — you could still see convict fingerprints pressed into some of the bricks if you looked close enough. We ate outside overlooking rows of vines, sun warm on our backs, and honestly it felt like time slowed down for a bit there. The cheese stop after that was a blur of creamy textures; Binnorie Dairy’s soft cheese kind of melted on my tongue in a way supermarket stuff never does. And then there was chocolate — dark and rich, with that almost bitter snap when you bite in.

I bought a bottle (okay, two) to bring home but mostly I keep thinking about those little moments: Mark’s stories, the sound of magpies over lunch, that feeling when everyone at the table realizes they’re just… happy to be there. Not everything went perfectly — someone dropped their tasting notes in a puddle and we all laughed for way too long. But maybe that’s what makes days like this stick with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hunter Valley wine and food tour

• Visit small batch wine makers
• Enjoy wine tasting at cellar doors
• Lunch at Blaxland’s restaurant
• Taste cheese at Binnorie Dairy
• Sample chocolates at local shop
• Shop boutique wines and spirits at Garden Cellars

Top questions

How many wineries do you visit on this Hunter Valley wine tour?

You’ll visit several boutique cellar doors throughout the day—typically 3 to 4—each offering multiple tastings.

Is hotel pickup included for this Hunter Valley day trip?

Yes, complimentary pickup is available from accommodation within 12km of Pokolbin CBD in the Hunter Valley area.

Are meals or drinks included during the tour?

A casual lunch with a glass of wine or beer is included at a local restaurant overlooking vineyards.

Do you see wildlife on this Hunter Valley food & wine tour?

Kangaroos and other native Australian animals are often spotted during the drive between stops.

Are cheese or chocolate tastings part of this day trip?

Yes, complimentary cheese tasting at Binnorie Dairy and chocolate sampling at a local shop are both included.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility needs?

The vehicles are wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed; public transport options are nearby as well.

Can I buy wine or gifts during the tour?

You’ll have opportunities to purchase wines at each cellar door plus spirits or gifts at Garden Cellars before heading back.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup within 12km of Pokolbin CBD, guided transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, multiple boutique wine tastings at small cellar doors unique to Hunter Valley, a relaxed group lunch with your choice of wine or beer overlooking vineyards, complimentary cheese sampling at Binnorie Dairy, chocolate tasting at a local shop—and plenty of chances to spot kangaroos along the way before returning to your accommodation.