Hunter Valley Wine Tasting: 3 Wineries & Gin Distillery

Three wineries, a gin distillery, lunch with wine, and kangaroos among the vines

You’ll taste Hunter Valley’s signature wines straight from boutique cellars, pair them with local cheese and chocolate, and enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking vineyards. With friendly guides who know everyone by name and a comfy ride (pickup included), it’s less tour bus, more road trip with new friends, and plenty of stories along the way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hunter Valley wine tastings and tours

• Visit three boutique wineries
• Guided wine tastings at each winery
• Behind the scenes wine production tour
• Paired wine and chocolate tastings
• Wine tasting at Iron Gate Estate

The experience

The first thing I noticed stepping out in Hunter Valley was the way the air smelled: sort of sharp and earthy, with a bit of eucalyptus if you breathed deep enough. We climbed into the Mercedes (felt a little fancy, not gonna lie), and our guide, Mark, started chatting straight away about how this is Australia’s oldest wine region. He knew everyone at the cellar doors: at the first stop, he waved to a woman behind the counter who immediately poured us Semillon and told us how her dad used to sneak grapes as a kid. I tried to swirl my glass like I’d seen in movies but mostly just managed to spill a drop on my sleeve. No one seemed to mind.

After that we got this behind-the-scenes look at the production side, huge barrels stacked like something out of a movie. The smell inside was so thick with fermenting grapes it kind of stuck in my nose for hours (not complaining). Someone asked about sustainability and Mark grinned, saying all our emissions were offset for the day trip. He seemed genuinely proud of that. Then came the cheese pairing: honestly, I never thought blue cheese and Shiraz would work together but it did. Still thinking about that weirdly perfect combo.

Lunch was slow and easy: a proper sit-down meal with big windows looking out at rows of vines. I picked chicken and a glass of red. Someone else went for beer instead (apparently you can swap). The table next to us was celebrating an anniversary and kept laughing every time their toddler tried to grab someone’s bread roll. After lunch we stopped at Iron Gate Estate for another round of tastings, by then I’d lost track of which wine was which but it didn’t really matter anymore.

The last stop was this distillery where we tried gin that tasted like lemon myrtle. I couldn’t pronounce half the botanicals but our host just laughed and poured another tiny sample. It felt relaxed: no pressure to buy anything or pretend you’re an expert. On the drive back through Pokolbin, Mark played some old Aussie rock songs quietly in the van while most people dozed off or just stared out at all those endless green hills.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from selected areas around Pokolbin or Cessnock if you arrange ahead, all your guided winery visits with generous tastings (including paired cheese and chocolate), an exclusive look behind the scenes at local production facilities, a relaxed gourmet lunch with drinks, plus spirits tasting at Hunter Distillery before heading back in comfort, with all vehicle emissions offset for peace of mind.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:15

Book up to2h before

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

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 15 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 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Colourful Collective Travel

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Top questions

How many wineries do you visit on this Hunter Valley wine tour?

You’ll visit three boutique wineries for guided tastings during this day trip.

Is hotel pickup included for this Hunter Valley wine tour?

Yes, pickup is available from Cessnock, Pokolbin, and Rothbury areas if arranged when booking.

What wines are featured on this Hunter Valley tour?

The main varietals are Shiraz and Semillon, plus other regional specialties depending on stops.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, a one-course gourmet lunch is included at a local Hunter Valley restaurant with your choice of wine or beer.

Are there any spirit tastings on this day trip?

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

Is this Hunter Valley wine tour suitable for vegetarians?

A vegetarian option is available. Just let them know your dietary needs when booking.

Can pregnant travelers join this wine tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to alcohol tastings.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near pickup points in Hunter Valley.