Hunter Valley wine tour from Sydney: 3 tastings and lunch

Three wine tastings, a café lunch, and boutique shops in one valley day

A full-day wine tour from Sydney to Hunter Valley with three tastings at handpicked cellar doors, a café lunch at Cypress Lakes, and time to explore local produce shops and galleries. The pace is relaxed and social, with an experienced local guide driving the minibus and providing live commentary throughout the 10.5-hour day. Minimum age is 18 with photo ID required. Vegetarian lunch options are available on request.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hunter Valley wine and food tour

• Cross Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Travel to Hunter Valley wine region
• Visit boutique cellar doors for wine tastings
• Enjoy café lunch at Cypress Lakes
• Explore boutique shops and galleries
• Attend cheese-making session at Hunter Valley Cheese Factory
• Sample local produce tastings
• Begin return journey to Sydney with comfort stops

The experience

The day starts early as you cross the Harbour Bridge heading north to Hunter Valley, one of Australia's premier wine regions. The drive itself is part of the experience. Your local guide provides live commentary on the landscape and the region's wine history as you travel in an air-conditioned minibus. Once you arrive, you'll visit three boutique cellar doors chosen specifically for their quality wines and customer service. Two tastings happen before lunch, one after, so you'll sample the region's signature Semillon alongside award-winning Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Verdelho.

Lunch is a café-style meal at Cypress Lakes, set in Hunter Valley Village with time to relax and talk with other travelers. After eating, you can wander the boutique shops and galleries, or visit the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory for a local produce tasting and educational cheese-making session. The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, The British Lolly Shop, Kissofire Hunter Valley Liqueurs and The Garden Cellars are nearby if you want to explore further: any tastings there are at your own cost. The pace throughout is unhurried, designed so you can actually enjoy the valley rather than rush through it.

The return to Sydney includes comfort stops along the way, and you'll arrive back in the city with time to spare for dinner or an evening out. The whole experience runs 10.5 hours from pickup to drop-off, and the minibus stays air-conditioned the entire journey.

What’s included

• Three boutique wine tastings at handpicked cellar doors.
• roundtrip transport from Sydney in an air-conditioned minibus.
• café-style lunch at Cypress Lakes valued at $25.
• local produce samples including a cheese-making session at Hunter Valley Cheese Factory.
• live commentary from an experienced local guide throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Autopia Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to taste across the region's range without driving yourself. The local guide handles the route and the pacing stays relaxed so you can actually enjoy the valley and the people you meet along the way.

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Top questions

What wines will I actually taste at the cellar doors?

The Hunter Valley is known for Semillon, but the three cellar doors you visit also pour award-winning Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Verdelho. Two tastings happen before lunch and one in the afternoon, so you'll sample across the region's range.

Is lunch included, and what if I'm vegetarian?

Lunch is a café-style meal at Cypress Lakes valued at $25 and included in the tour price. Vegetarian options are available. Just let the operator know when you book.

How much time do I get to explore the shops and galleries?

After lunch at Cypress Lakes, you have time to browse the boutique shops and galleries in Hunter Valley Village. The pace is relaxed throughout the day, so there's no rushing between stops.

Do I need to bring anything or meet anywhere specific?

You'll be picked up from Sydney and returned there at the end of the day in the minibus. Bring photo ID if you're under 25, as the minimum drinking age is 18 and ID is required. The tour runs 10.5 hours total, so wear comfortable clothes and bring sunscreen.