Hunter Valley: Boutique Wine Tour & Lunch from Sydney

Summary

Hunter Valley day trip from Sydney tasting boutique wines, cheese, chocolate and spirits with vineyard lunch

You’ll taste Hunter Valley’s best boutique wines—with local cheese and chocolate—plus enjoy a vineyard lunch and organic spirit tasting on this relaxed day trip from Sydney. With friendly guides and time to wander gardens or chat with winemakers, you’ll feel both welcomed and pleasantly surprised by small moments along the way.

What’s the experience like?

It started with me almost missing the pickup spot in Sydney—classic. I’d been too focused on finding coffee and nearly walked right past the shiny Mercedes van. Our guide, Dave, waved me over with a grin that said he’d seen this before. The drive out to Hunter Valley went by faster than I expected; music playing low, people half asleep or quietly chatting about which wine was their “must-try.” The air changed somewhere past the city—less exhaust, more eucalyptus and something sweet I couldn’t place.

The first winery was smaller than I pictured. We stood around a wooden counter while a woman named Mel poured us Hunter Valley Shiraz and Semillon. She told us about the soil here—apparently it’s all about the clay—and handed me a chunk of cheese that paired with the wine so well I actually stopped talking for once. There was this moment when everyone just went quiet except for glasses clinking and someone’s laugh drifting in from outside. It felt like we’d all agreed to just…enjoy it.

Lunch at The Farm was louder—more laughter, sun coming in through big windows, plates clattering. I picked something vegetarian (they asked about diets when we booked) and tried not to look too eager when they brought out the wine. Afterward, we got a quick behind-the-scenes peek at how everything’s made—lots of barrels and cold stone floors. Later at Hunter Distillery, we tasted organic gin that nearly knocked my socks off (in a good way). Someone tried to pronounce one of the botanicals and failed spectacularly; even Dave cracked up.

I still think about that last walk through Hunter Valley Gardens—the light was soft, people were wandering quietly or just sitting on benches sipping spirits. On the ride back to Sydney, nobody talked much; maybe everyone was replaying their favorite part in their head. Or maybe it was just all that wine.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hunter Valley wine tour and tastings

• Be picked up in Sydney
• Enjoy 2 wine tastings at vineyards
• Have lunch and wine tasting at The Farm
• Visit Hunter Valley Gardens for spirit tasting
• Return to Sydney

Top questions

How long is the Hunter Valley wine tour from Sydney?

The tour is a full-day experience departing from central Sydney and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Hunter Valley day trip?

Yes, a one-course restaurant lunch with a glass of wine or beer is included.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking.

What types of wine will I taste in Hunter Valley?

You’ll try local varietals like Shiraz and Semillon at boutique wineries.

Does this tour include spirit tastings?

Yes, you’ll visit Hunter Distillery for tastings of organic vodka, gin, and spirits.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you meet at a central departure point in Sydney.

Are paired tastings part of this tour?

Yes, you’ll have paired tastings of wine with cheese and chocolate during your visit.

Is transportation carbon neutral?

Yes, all vehicle emissions are offset so the tour is carbon neutral.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at a central Sydney location before heading out in premium transport to three boutique cellar doors for guided tastings of local wines paired with cheese and chocolate. You’ll enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes winery tour plus a restaurant lunch with your choice of wine or beer—and finish up at Hunter Distillery for organic spirit tastings before returning to Sydney in comfort.