Hunter Valley: Chef-Led Food & Wine Day Tour from Sydney

Summary

Sydney to Hunter Valley with chef-led wine tastings and fresh food

You’ll start your day at Sydney Fish Market choosing seafood for lunch with your chef-guide, then enjoy breakfast by the Hawkesbury River before heading to Hunter Valley for private wine tastings and chef-prepared dishes. Expect laughter over homemade sushi in Wollombi, panoramic vineyard views, and flavors you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Honestly, I didn’t expect to be picking out seafood at 7am with a chef who knew half the vendors by name. The Sydney Fish Market was buzzing—someone yelled something about oysters in an accent I couldn’t place, and the smell of fresh bread mixed with saltwater. Our guide, Steve (who doubled as our chef), handed me a coffee and grinned, “We’ll need this.” He let us help choose the prawns for lunch. I tried to look like I knew what I was doing. Didn’t fool anyone.

The drive north felt like waking up slowly. We stopped by the Hawkesbury River for breakfast—eggs still steaming, mist lifting off the water. Steve told stories about convicts building the old Great North Road while we ate; it’s funny how food tastes better when someone’s telling you something real. Rolling hills started showing up out the window, and suddenly we were in Hunter Valley. First stop: Wollombi, where I rolled my own sushi (not pretty) and tried matching it with a local Semillon. The winemaker laughed when I said it tasted “like sunshine,” but he didn’t disagree.

Lunch was outside at a small winery with views stretching forever—Steve cooked barramundi and kangaroo right there, pairing them with wines he’d picked out that morning. It felt less like a tour and more like being invited into someone’s kitchen (if their kitchen had vineyards for walls). We tried olive oils and chutneys at some little shop—I lost track of time sampling chili sauce that nearly blew my head off. Dessert came last: something sweet with dessert wine that made everyone go quiet for a minute. That silence stuck with me on the ride back to Sydney.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chef-led Hunter Valley food and wine tour

• Early morning pickup from Sydney hotel
• Receive healthy snacks from guide
• Visit Sydney Fish Markets
• Explore markets and watch auction floor
• Guide selects fresh seafood for menu
• Stop for hot breakfast by Hawkesbury River
• Drive along Great North Road
• Guide shares Hunter Valley history and wine info
• Arrive at Wollombi for first wine tasting
• Roll your own sushi and taste wines
• Visit next winery with Great Dividing Range views
• Sample local wines with dishes by chef guide
• Optional stop at local produce store
• Taste Barramundi and Kangaroo with wines
• Enjoy dessert with sweet dessert wine
• Return to Sydney

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Sydney to Hunter Valley?

The tour lasts a full day, starting early morning in Sydney and returning in the evening.

Is hotel pickup included in this Hunter Valley food & wine tour?

Yes, selected hotel pickup and drop-off in Sydney are included.

What is unique about this Hunter Valley day trip?

The guide is also a qualified chef who prepares meals matched to each wine tasting using ingredients bought fresh that morning.

Do you visit more than one winery on this tour?

Yes, you’ll visit three boutique wineries in Hunter Valley for tastings paired with food.

Is breakfast included on this gourmet wine tour?

Yes, there’s a freshly cooked hot breakfast by the Hawkesbury River before heading to Hunter Valley.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?

You can advise specific dietary needs at booking as most food is prepared prior to departure.

How many people are on this small-group tour?

The maximum group size is 16 participants.

What kind of wines do you taste in Hunter Valley?

You’ll sample regional varieties like Semillon and Shiraz directly from local winemakers.

What’s included

Your day includes selected hotel pickup and drop-off in Sydney, all transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, hot breakfast by the Hawkesbury River, snacks along the way, three boutique winery visits with guided tastings, chef-prepared lunch using market-fresh ingredients (including seafood), bottled water, beverages throughout, plus all entry fees before returning comfortably back to Sydney in the evening.