Info
The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest and most popular wine region, featuring approximately 150 cellar doors ranging from iconic brands to boutique producers.
This curated list focuses on boutique producers known for excellent wines and exceptional service, rather than just the biggest or most popular establishments.
Featured Wineries
Blueberry Hill
- Location: 999 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin
- Phone: 02 4998 7295
- Website: www.blueberryhillwines.com.au
- Highlights:
- Vineyard surrounded by Brokenback Range
- Classic Hunter Valley varieties
- Unique offerings: Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc
- Cozy cellar door with outdoor tasting options
Briar Ridge
- Location: 593 Mount View Road, Mount View
- Phone: 02 4990 3670
- Website: www.briarridge.com.au
- Highlights:
- Located in scenic Mount View sub-region
- Known for exceptional Semillon and Shiraz
- Alternative varieties: Fiano, Albarino, Tempranillo
- Offers gourmet cheese and antipasto platters
Capercaillie Wines
- Location: 4 Londons Road, Lovedale
- Phone: 02 4990 2904
- Website: www.capercailliewines.com.au
- Highlights:
- Boutique cellar door in Lovedale
- Award-winning wines
- Unique varieties: Gewurztraminer and Chambourcin
deIuliis Wines
- Location: 1616 Broke Road, Pokolbin
- Phone: 02 4993 8000
- Website: www.dewine.com.au
- Highlights:
- Focus on unique vineyard sites
- Award-winning wines
- Premium quality at accessible prices
Ernest Hill
- Location: 307 Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba
- Phone: 02 4991 4418
- Website: www.ernesthillwines.com.au
- Highlights:
- Family-run boutique cellar door
- Award-winning classic Hunter Valley varieties
- Extensive dessert wine selection
- Vineyard views
Glenguin Estate
- Location: 997 Milbrodale Road, Broke
- Phone: 02 6579 1009
- Website: www.glenguinestate.com.au
- Highlights:
- Home of Aristea Shiraz
- Handcrafted wines
- Intimate cellar door experience
Gundog Estate
- Location: 101 McDonald’s Rd, Pokolbin
- Phone: 02 4998 6873
- Website: www.gundogestate.com.au
- Highlights:
- Contemporary Semillon and Shiraz styles
- Sources from Hunter Valley, Canberra District, and Hilltops
- Cheese and charcuterie plates available
- Fine teas and coffee offering
Hart and Hunter
- Location: 463 Deaseys Road, Pokolbin
- Phone: 02 4998 7645
- Website: www.hartandhunter.com.au
- Highlights:
- Single Vineyard Wines
- Focus on terroir expression
- Known for primary fruit, tannin structure, and natural acidity
Ivanhoe Wines
- Location: 525 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin
- Phone: 02 4998 7325
- Website: www.ivanhoewines.com.au
- Highlights:
- 80-acre estate
- Vines aged 10-75 years
- Diverse range including white, red, sparkling, and fortified wines
Keith Tulloch Wine
- Location: 989 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
- Phone: 02 4998 7500
- Website: www.keithtullochwine.com.au
- Highlights:
- Fourth-generation family winery
- Unique winemaking style
- Focus on personality and integrity
Petersons Wines
- Location: 552 Mount View Road, Mount View
- Phone: 02 49 901704
- Website: www.petersonswines.com.au
- Highlights:
- Established 1971
- Premium, award-winning wines
- Strong family heritage
Piggs Peake
- Location: 697 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
- Phone: 02 65 747 000
- Website: www.piggspeake.com
- Highlights:
- Innovative winemaking approach
- Mix of classic and experimental wines
- Unique tasting experiences
Tinklers Wines and Farm
- Location: 53, Pokolbin Mountain Road, Pokolbin
- Phone: 02 4998 7435
- Website: www.tinklers.com.au
- Highlights:
- Family-owned and operated
- Over 100 years of farming experience
- Estate-grown produce
- Historic hardwood cellar door
Tintilla Estate
- Location: 725 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
- Phone: 02 6574 7093
- Website: www.tintilla.com.au
- Highlights:
- Family vineyard
- Pioneers of Hunter Valley Sangiovese
- Estate-grown olives
- Tuscan atmosphere
Vinden Estate
- Location: 138 Gillards Road, Pokolbin
- Phone: 02 4998 7410
- Website: www.vindenestate.com.au
- Highlights:
- Second-generation winemaker
- Traditional Hunter style wines
- Experimental “The Vinden Headcase” label
Visitor Tips
Tasting Fees
- Many cellar doors now charge tasting fees
- Typical cost: $5 per person
- Usually refunded with wine purchase
- Premium wines may incur higher fees
Recommended Daily Visits
- Optimal: 4 cellar doors per day
- Suggested schedule:
- 2 before lunch
- 2 after lunch
- Factors affecting visits:
- Wine tasting quantity
- Lunch duration
- Personal alcohol tolerance
- Use of spittoons
Tip
Wine appreciation is highly personal, like art and music. The best way to find your favorites is through firsthand experience and exploration.