Hunter Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting: 3 Wineries, Gin & Lunch

Taste wine, gin and cheese across four stops without driving yourself.

You visit three wineries and a gin distillery with a guide who knows the producers, taste at each stop with behind-the-scenes access at one winery, sit down for lunch with wine included, and get driven between stops in a minivan. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from central Hunter Valley locations, so you don't need a car or a designated driver.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hunter Valley wine and food tasting

• Pickup from accommodation
• Visit first winery with guided tasting
• Visit second winery with guided tasting
• Enjoy relaxed lunch with drink
• Visit third winery with guided tasting
• Visit distillery with guided tasting
• Try local cheese and chocolate

The experience

You're rolling out of Lovedale or Pokolbin in an air-conditioned minivan before the valley gets too warm, heading toward the first winery with a small group that stays under a dozen people. The driver knows the back roads, and within twenty minutes you're pulling up to a cellar door where someone's waiting to walk you through what's actually happening in the barrel room, not just pouring a glass, but showing you how the Hunter Valley does it. Three wineries across the day means you're tasting different styles, different makers, and you're not standing around waiting for anyone to catch up.

Lunch lands somewhere in the middle of the day, and it's the kind of meal that doesn't feel rushed: one course, proper food, and a glass of wine or craft beer or cider depending on what you want. The guide sits down too, which changes the whole rhythm of the thing. After that, you're heading to the gin distillery, which is the part most people don't expect on a wine tour but makes complete sense once you're there tasting it. The behind-the-scenes access at one of the wineries means you're actually walking through where the work happens, not just looking at it through glass.

Pickup is free from hotels in Lovedale, Pokolbin, or Rothbury. If you're staying somewhere else in the Hunter Valley, you can ask about it when you book, though there might be a small charge. The whole thing wraps up in time to get back before evening, and you've covered enough ground that the day feels complete without feeling like you've been herded through a checklist.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from Hunter Valley hotels in Lovedale, Pokolbin, or Rothbury.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• guided tastings at three boutique wineries with behind-the-scenes access to wine production at one location.
• gin tasting at a local distillery.
• one-course lunch with wine, craft beer, or cider.
• knowledgeable guide throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 22 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Daves Tours

Is this one for you?Right for wine and spirits drinkers who want to taste without driving, since pickup is included and the minivan handles transport between stops. The day is paced around lunch and four tasting stops, so expect to be out for most of the afternoon. That's what makes visiting three wineries and a distillery possible in one trip.

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Top questions

Do I need to know about wine to join this tour?

No. The guides are described as knowledgeable and engaging, and they lead tastings at each stop, so you're learning as you go. It's designed for all fitness levels and all experience levels.

What's included in the lunch?

One course meal with a choice of wine, craft beer, or cider. Dietary requirements can be noted at booking.

Is the gin distillery visit included in the price?

Yes. The tour includes tastings at three wineries and a distillery, all with guided tastings by local suppliers.

Can I book if I'm staying outside Lovedale, Pokolbin, or Rothbury?

Free pickup is from those three locations. Pickups elsewhere may be available for an additional charge. Contact the operator to ask.

What should I wear?

Closed-toe shoes are required for the behind-the-scenes production tour at one of the wineries.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

It's not recommended for pregnant travelers due to the wine and gin tastings involved.

What's the minimum age?

You must be 18 or older to participate, as the tour includes alcohol tastings.