Hunter Valley: Small Group Wine, Gin & Chocolate Day Tour

Summary

Hunter Valley day trip with tastings lunch and local stories

You’ll taste your way through Hunter Valley with boutique wine flights, gin straight from local distillers, and plates full of regional flavors at lunch—all with stories from guides who know every shortcut. Expect laughter over cheese pairings, hands-on tours behind cellar doors, and maybe even a new favorite chocolate before heading back to Sydney.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the minivan door thunked shut behind us in Sydney—like, okay, here we go—and then how everything got quieter as we left the city. By the time we rolled into Hunter Valley, the air felt softer somehow, like it carried a hint of eucalyptus and something sweet I couldn’t place. Our guide, Jess (she grew up nearby), pointed out rows of vines that looked almost too neat. She told us the locals call this time of year “wine weather”—which made me laugh because honestly, isn’t every season?

Our first stop was a family-run winery where the owner’s dog greeted us before anyone else did. Inside, you could smell oak barrels and something fruity—maybe blackcurrant? The winemaker poured us a semillon and explained why Hunter Valley’s whites are so sharp and bright. I tried to sound like I knew what I was talking about but mostly just nodded and sipped. Jess nudged me when I nearly mixed up my glass during the cheese pairing (rookie move). There was laughter echoing around the tasting room—people from Melbourne, a couple from Singapore—everyone loosened up after a few pours.

The distillery was next. They let us try gin straight from these squat little bottles lined up on a wooden plank. The botanicals hit different—juniper but also lemon myrtle? My friend tried to say “thank you” in her best Aussie accent; the bartender grinned and poured her an extra splash. Lunch came after—a big plate of something hearty (I picked chicken schnitzel) with a glass of local cider that tasted crisp and cold against all that sun outside. There’s this moment when you look out at those rolling hills and realize you’re not thinking about anything else except maybe how good food tastes when you don’t rush.

Somewhere between chocolate samples (honestly, I lost count) and wandering behind-the-scenes at another winery, it hit me how everyone here seemed proud but never showy about their craft. It’s easy to forget you’re just an hour or two from Sydney when you’re standing among barrels in that cool cellar air. On the way back, someone fell asleep against the window; I kept replaying that first sip of semillon in my mind—you know? Still kind of lingers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hunter Valley wine and food tasting

• Depart from Sydney
• Visit first winery for tasting
• Visit second winery for tasting
• Visit third winery for tasting
• Tour and tasting at distillery
• Enjoy relaxed lunch with drink

Top questions

How long does the Hunter Valley wine tour take from Sydney?

This is a full-day trip departing Sydney in the morning with return in the evening.

Is lunch included on this Hunter Valley day trip?

Yes, a relaxed one-course lunch with wine or beer is included.

Are there vegetarian or special dietary options for lunch?

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking; options are available.

How many wineries do we visit on this tour?

You’ll visit three boutique wineries plus one distillery for guided tastings.

Is pickup included from central Sydney?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at central Sydney locations are provided.

Do we get behind-the-scenes access at any winery?

Yes, there’s a behind-the-scenes production tour at one local winery.

What drinks are included besides wine?

You’ll enjoy gin and vodka tastings at a local distillery along with wine flights.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; minimal walking required.

Can pregnant travelers join this wine tour?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to alcohol tastings.

Are closed-toe shoes required for any part of the tour?

Yes, closed-toe shoes are required for the winery production tour segment.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from central Sydney by air-conditioned minivan, guided tastings at three boutique wineries plus a local distillery stop for gin and vodka samples, behind-the-scenes access to wine production areas (just remember closed-toe shoes), as well as a relaxed one-course lunch paired with your choice of wine or beer before heading back to Sydney in comfort.