Australia is a beautiful travel destination with an expansive landscape, amazing cities, rich culture, and a unique history. Here visitors can explore the outback, go to the beach, live the city life, enjoy country living, and sample the local fanfare/cuisine along the way. Hunter Valley Wine Country (the country's oldest wine region) is an absolute must for travelers near Sydney and wine connoisseurs alike. This region is home to 150+ renowned vineyards—all worth making the rounds. However, if you're only in town for a few days, stopping by all the vineyards in this region might be difficult. So, here are eight of the best wineries in Australia's Hunter Valley Wine Country to check out if you're short on time.
8 Tulloch Wines
Since 1895, the Tulloch family has been producing outstanding wines in the Hunter Valley. Tulloch Wines are iconic and fully embody quality, history, heritage, tradition, and more. This delightful vineyard offers guests several wine tastings and pairing experiences that you can easily book in advance or make reservations for online.
Location: 638 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia.
Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and from 10 am to 5 pm on the weekends.
Phone: +61 2 4998 7580.
7 Brokenwood Vineyards
Known as one of Australia's most reputable vineyards, Brokenwood Vineyards is a true treasure trove. Wine lovers will be absolutely delighted by this vineyard's famous Chardonnays, Shiraz and Semillons. Not only can you sample the latest vintage here while enjoying some savory pairing snacks, but you can also opt for a tour and taste to learn even more about this award-winning cellar's winemaking process.
Location: 401-427 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320.
Hours: Monday Through Sunday, 9:30 am to 5 pm.
Phone: +61 2 4998 7559.
6 Audrey Wilkinson Wines
A true staple in Hunter Valley Wine Country, Audrey Wilkinson Winery dates back to 1866. Here, patrons can indulge in a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience with stunning views of Brokenback Mountain Ranges. This historic gem will ignite your passion for wine if it hasn't been ignited already. So stop by and sip wine straight from the cellars.
Location: : 750 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and from 10 am to 5 pm on the weekends.
Phone: +61 2 4998 1866.
5 Harkham Wine
You genuinely feel like family when you're here, and Harkham Wines isn't afraid to let patrons eat, drink, and be merry. This family-owned and operated Hunter Valley winery offers everything and then some, including the highest quality, hand-picked fruit made from sustainable farming. Overall, Harkham creates some of the most refreshing and organic wines around these parts, which are free from chemical additions or flavor adjustments.
Location: 266 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320.
Hours: Open Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm, and 10 am to 5 pm on the weekends.
Phone: +61 2 4998 7648.
4 Oakvale Wines
One of the oldest working wineries in Hunter Valley, Oakvale Wines is a must-try vineyard that offers something for just about every palate. Grape stomping since 1893, Oakvale has a larger-than-life catalog of wine styles crafted from the most delicate regional fruit and sold exclusively from their cellar door. As a bonus, a tasting here is relatively affordable at approximately $5 a person, with the majority of the funds helping to support Meals on Wheels.
Location: 1596 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320.
Hours: Open Monday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Phone: +61 2 4998 7088.
3 Pepper Tree Wines
A feast for all the senses, Pepper Tree Wines, offers a variety of quality wines to sample set against a picturesque countryside backdrop complete with lush gardens and a quaint timber cabin. For many, the scenery, snacks, and sips alone are enough to visit this vineyard throughout the seasons. If you happen to be in the area in the autumn months, you're in for a stunning and serene wine tasting experience with golden and amber hues tinting the countryside hills.
Location: 86 Halls Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia.
Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and from 9:30 am to 5 pm on the weekends.
Phone: +61 2 4909 7100.
2 Waverley Estate
Waverley Estate is a vineyard known by many names, including its full name Waverly Estate Aged Wines, and its previous name, The Maling Family Estate. One thing that hasn't changed over the years is this cellar door's specialization in producing some of this region's most fully mature wines. Most of the available vintage here are more than ten years old and made from the estate plantings of Shiraz, Semillon, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Location: 207 Palmers Ln, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia.
Hours: Open Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.
Phone: +61 2 4998 6750.
1 Tyrrell's Wines
A winner of both international and domestic awards throughout its 160 years in operation, Tyrrell's unique take on wine is sure to delight all your senses. Patrons can try any of the award-winning vintages from the cellar door and tour Tyrrell's winemaking experience. Known as more than a place to simply taste delicious and complex wine, this vineyard is a heavenly slice of Australia's history worth every drop.
Location: 1838 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320.
Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and from 9:30 am to 5 pm on the weekends.
Phone: + 61 1800 045 501.