best hunter valley wine tours from newcastle

Text or call +61403 001154 | [email protected]

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Hunter Valley Wine Tours from Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury, Cessnock, and surrounds, as well as Newcastle and the Central Coast.

Experience our 5-star rated Wine Tours of the Hunter Valley featuring wines, craft beers, and spirits!

At Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours, we offer you a complete snapshot of the boutique wines, local craft beers, unique cheeses and chocolates, and medal-winning vodkas, gins, and liqueurs that make our region a foodies paradise. Our Hunter valley wine tours are customisable to any group’s interests and needs.

Our experienced team is proud Hunter Valley locals who love sharing the stories and uniqueness of our region with friendly smiles. Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours is a Quality Tourism Accredited Business and a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence winner, so when you come on board with us, you know that a fun, friendly, and professional experience awaits you at a great value price.

Hunter Valley Tour Options:

Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour

Great Value, Economical Shared Bus Tour

With craft beer, vodka/schnapps, cheese, and chocolates

Available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays

$120pp including wine tasting + spirits tasting fees

Perfect for groups of 2-10 people

A mix of wine, craft beer, vodka, schnapps, and gin

Fun small group atmosphere … multiple groups with an economical per person price – great value for small groups and couples!

Fast and easy set itinerary tour with all venues booked for you

One low upfront price – no hidden booking fees at the checkout!

A Private Hunter Valley Wine Tour

Perfect for groups of 8-24 people!

Custom itinerary – choose your venues, start later/finish earlier, design a beer+spirits tour or a wine-only tour, or a combination!

Available 7 days – Saturdays, Sundays, and Mon – Fri

One of our 13, 20 or 24 seat buses is exclusively reserved for your group

Specialty tours available for hen’s parties and corporate groups

Wine-tasting tours are perfect for birthdays, family celebrations, or an epic day out with friends… done your way!

Shared Bus Wine Tour of the Hunter Valley

Available from your local Hunter Valley accommodation and Newcastle 

Wine tasting

Spirits tasting

Craft beers and ciders

Chocolate & Cheese shop visits

Fun & friendly group atmosphere

All the organisation taken care of!

Leave the bottleshop behind and discover unique wine styles, boutique beers, and gourmet chocolates. With delicious food and wine, spectacular surroundings, and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you will have all the ingredients necessary to create a fabulous and unforgettable trip!

• Visit 3 cellar doors for tasting presentations where you can sample great selections from a mixture of boutique producers and more established vineyards

• Taste up to 8 different wines at each venue, including whites, reds, sparkling varieties, dessert wines, and blends unique to the winemaker

• Spirits tasting … excite your taste buds with vodkas, gins and schnapps at Small Mouth Vodkas (flavoured vodkas and gin with shimmering edible glitter!) or the Hunter Distillery or Kiss of Fire Liqueurs outlet (flavoured butterscotches)

• Sample varieties of  local craft beers and ciders or enjoy a cocktail (optional – at your own expense)

• Visit the Smelly Cheese Shop – a mini cheese tasting

(Standard cheese tasting only …. dairy free/vegan cheese unavailable)

• Stop at the Pokolbin Chocolate Company Shop for treats that are soooo worth the calories!

• Lunch at either 4 Pines at the Farm Brewhouse , Ironbark Hill Brewhouse , The Valley Brewhouse , Nineteen Bar & Bistro ,  Harrigan’s Irish Pub , Huntlee Tavern  (enjoy a selection of both light and hearty meals to suit a variety of tastes and budgets with most meals around $30-$40 (own expense)

• Small minibus group tours – fun and social tours with mixed small groups on a 13 or 20-seat bus

• All tours are personally taken by one of our friendly and knowledgeable local drivers who are committed to ensuring you have the best Hunter valley tour

• Relax in style and comfort, knowing everything is organized for you

Hunter Valley accommodation pickups

$120pp – Available Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

Includes wine tasting and spirits tasting fees*

Hunter Valley Wine Tours from Newcastle

$135pp – Available Saturdays

Hunter Valley Tour – Inclusions:

• Door-to-door service from your Hunter Valley or Newcastle accommodation with no additional fees for certain suburbs – check out our list of suburbs below
• A friendly Hunter Valley local as your guide and driver who is dedicated to ensuring your group has the best day possible!
• Air-conditioned minibus – 13-seat or 20-seat bus
• Cellar door, lunch, and table bookings – everything is organised, so you don’t have to worry about the itinerary – just jump onboard ready for a great day!
• *Cellar door and distillery tasting fees (wine tasting and spirits tastings at the venues organised by ourselves for the tour), Cheese and Chocolate shop visits
• All booking and transaction fees are already included in the advertised price – no sneaky fees at the checkout!

Items You’ll Need To Bring (not included):

• Lunch – we always visit venues on this tour where the majority of meals are $30-$40pp. You can bring your own lunch if you wish (please let us know if you intend to do this using the “Special Requirements” box at the checkout so we can update the venues as to numbers). Vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options are usually available. However, they cannot be guaranteed.
• Bottles of wine, food items, gifts or wine/beer/cocktails by the glass

Which cellar doors do we visit on the Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour?

We mix and match the 3 we pick from this list, so every tour is slightly different. We aim for a mix of boutique and mid-sized cellar doors and try to support locally owned and operated venues rather than the large corporates that you see in bottleshops. It’s time to shake it up and taste something different!

Some of the cellar doors that we usually visit include the following:

Ernest Hill wines Ridgeview wines Hunter Wine Lab Briar Ridge wines Blueberry Hill wines Travertine wines The Garden Cellars Tintilla Estate

McLeish Estate Allandale wines Gartelmann wines Kelman Estate Hermitage Road cellars Oakvale wines Harkham wines Saltire Estate

Pickups from your Hunter Valley accommodation:

Available:  Friday, Saturday and Sunday for Full Day tours (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years Day)

Pickups:   Between approx. 8.30am-9.45am (most central Hunter Valley areas such as Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury, and Cessnock are picked up between 9am-9.45am)

Our Hunter Valley Wine Tours pickup from accommodation venues in:

• Elderslie, Dalwood, Branxton, and surrounding areas

NB: We do not pickup from Wollombi or Laguna on this tour. Quorrobolong pickups are available for bookings of 4 people or more.

Special Note:  Please indicate your exact pickup address/accommodation venue on the booking form. We will advise you by the Wednesday before your tour of your pickup time. Pickups from Hunter Valley venues are timetabled according to the bookings for the day.

Returns and drop off : Approx. 4.45pm-5.30pm 

Ages:  You must be over 18 years old to book this tour. We do not allow pets on this tour.

Pickups from Newcastle:

Available:  Saturdays only

Newcastle Pickups:  Available from most Newcastle hotels, private residences and AirBnbs (if you’d like to check if pickup is available from your location prior to booking please use our contact form below).

Newcastle pickups are between 8am and 8.45am.

Newcastle drop-offs:  Approx. 6pm-7pm

Have a question about our shared bus Wine Tours of the Hunter Valley?

We’d love to meet your group and have you onboard, so please use the form below to ask a question about our Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour. We can usually reply within 2-3 hours (guaranteed reply within 24 hours). All messages come straight through to the mobile phone!

Or send us an sms on 0403 001154

NB> Message is best as safe driving is always a priority!

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Number of Passengers * Please enter a number from 1 to 20 .
• Pickup/Drop-off Point *
• Tour Day (Mon-Fri, Sat or Sun) *
• Tour Date * DD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 MM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 YYYY 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021
• Your message:

What do guests say about our Hunter Valley Wine Tour s?

Firstly and foremost I want to thank you for your help in organising our wine tour. Your communication has been impeccable and I could not thank you enough for all your information about the wineries, options for us to choose, your recommendations and just the ease of booking everything without an ounce of stress on my part. Our tour went without a hitch. All the girls loved it and it was everything we were all hoping for. I will absolutely be recommending your business to everyone that will listen! Our driver Jeff was fantastic so a massive thank you to him as well. I will definitely be booking again in the future, thank you again!

Christie B :

Just wanted to pass on that we had a fabulous time on our tour over the weekend!

Grant was a blast! He was great value, made everyone feel comfortable, and had a wealth of knowledge. The Hunter Valley wineries we visited were lovely (Ernest Hill was our favourite) and a perfect spot for lunch.

Really appreciate the extra service with the Newcastle drop-off and pick-up. We would absolutely come back again and will highly recommend to friends and family

I’m so happy I booked a wine tour with Tastes of the Hunter for my 30th birthday! Thanks to Suzanne, the whole booking process went smoothly, and it was so easy. Things couldn’t have been better on the day. Our driver, Kevin, was very patient and made sure everyone was always fine.

Everyone on the tour agreed that it was an amazing day. We can’t wait to come back and do another tour with Tastes of the Hunter

Looking for the Best Hunter Valley Tours? Check out Tastes of the Hunter …

Enjoy the friendly atmosphere of a mini bus – without the hassle of arranging your tastings or organising venues

Air Conditioning 

Sound system

Friendly and experienced guides

Tour with a Hunter Valley local

Every Tastes Of The Hunter tour is taken by a friendly Hunter Valley wine region local who is passionate about striving to exceed expectations and offering your group a personal experience.

Need a custom pickup time? Travelling from Sydney in the morning? A special surprise for a birthday, anniversary, hen’s day?

Just ask … if we can make it happen, we’ll do it!

At Tastes Of The Hunter Wine Tours, we are big enough to offer you the quality and professionalism you expect and small enough to offer the personal service you deserve. This is why you’ll find the best Hunter Valley wine tour and deals on offer when you book with Tastes of the Hunter.

ATAP accredited  tour operator

5 Star Reviews on Trip Advisor, Facebook and Google

Frequently Asked Questions about our Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Shared bus tours such as our Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour ($120pp for Hunter Valley pickup and $135pp for Newcastle pickup) are the most economical option. The Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour includes: – Cellar door and distillery tasting fees. – Pickup and drop-off to your Hunter Valley accommodation (and all transfers between venues). – The tour organisation (you don’t need to book any venues). Private hunter valley wine tours start at $1145 for a 13-seat bus, which is charged per bus rather than per person. So the more people you have, the cheaper a private tour can be.

Yes! Our Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour price includes 3 cellar door tasting fees (at the cellars we have organised for the tour) and 1 spirits tasting.

No! We pride ourselves on our affordable Hunter Valley wine tours being as economical as possible, and there are no sneaky booking fees or transaction fees applied at the checkout. These are already included in the $120pp price for pickup from your Hunter Valley accommodation and the $135pp price for Newcastle pickup.

Lunch is at your own expense on the day. We always visit casual lunch venues where the majority of meals are available for $30-$40 per person. The lunch venues are usually 4 Pines at the Farm Brewhouse, Ironbark Hill Brewhouse, The Valley Brewhouse, Nineteen Bar and Bistro, Huntlee Tavern, or Harrigan’s Irish pub. All offer a range of pub favourites, including gourmet pizzas, gourmet burgers, steaks, chicken schnitzel, salads, etc.

Vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options are usually available (however, they cannot be guaranteed). Please let us know when you book if you have any special dietary requirements.

The actual tour component is between 10am and 4.30pm (it can run as late as 5pm if we are delayed at any venues). Pickups occur before 10am, drop-offs occur after 4.30pm/5pm and are based on distance from Pokolbin (i.e., we start with outer areas and work our way towards Pokolbin/Rothbury/Lovedale/Cessnock with these pickups usually occurring between 9.15am and 9.45am). We’ll send you an email by the Wed/Thurs morn before the tour with your exact pickup time, venues and driver details.

Our drivers aim to get as close as possible to your Hunter Valley cottage, as many of the properties in Pokolbin, Rothbury, and Lovedale have long driveways. This is usually possible 99% of the time. However, our drivers always put the safety of other passengers first. Therefore, if it isn’t safe for the bus to reach the exact location of your cottage (e.g., steep/rough terrain, slippery gravel road), we’ll give you a call and negotiate a safe place to pick you up as close as possible to your accommodation. Please note: Pickups from Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort and Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley are usually from the bus zone outside the main reception area, as the roads to the individual villas are quite narrow and unsuitable for minibuses.

Our Hunter Valley tours from Newcastle pickup directly from residential addresses in Newcastle or from outside of your Newcastle hotel (we may require you to walk around the corner if directly outside of your hotel is a “no stopping” zone). You don’t need to arrange additional transport to meet the bus at a designated meeting point. We come to you!

To keep things simple and affordable, we charge one price for pickups from the Hunter Valley ($120pp) from the suburbs we can pick up from (see above). If you request a pickup from an outer Hunter Valley suburb (e.g., Maitland, Rutherford, Singleton, Elderslie, Dalwood, Quorrobolong, Broke, etc.), your pickup time will be earlier (in the range of 8.30am – 9am). Suppose you have a small number of guests (e.g., 2-4 people). In that case, it is advised that you contact us to check if we can fit you into the existing pickup schedule for a particular date. The pickups we are able to do can depend on the other guests already booked in.

The Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour has a set itinerary, so you don’t need to book any venues. Just hop on board, ready for a fun day and a snapshot of the wines, beers, and spirits the Hunter is famous for! If you need a tour where you can choose your own venues (and you have 8 or more guests), then you can check out our private tours of the Hunter Valley .

Craft beer paddles/schooners of craft beer etc., are available for purchase at 4 Pines at the Farm Brewhouse (around $20 for a paddle of 4 beers) and Ironbark Hill brewhouse (around $18 for a paddle of 4 beers/ciders), The Valley Brewhouse, Huntlee Tavern and Harrigan’s Irish pub. These are optional and come with a guide sheet for a self-guided tasting.  Please note:  The prices above are a guide, and venues can change their prices without notice.

The Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (Saturday only for Newcastle pickups). If you have a group of 8 people or more and would like a private tour (with a similar itinerary or one you can fully customise!) on a weekday (Mon – Thurs), check out our options for private wine tours of the Hunter Valley ).

Copyright 2023 Tastes Of The Hunter Wine Tours | All Rights Reserved

Tastes Of The Hunter Wine Tours | Level 8 / 99 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000 | Newcastle: 41 Naranghi Circuit, Maryland, NSW 2287 | Phone: 0403 001154

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best of Sydney for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy Sydney without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Food & Drink Awards
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Area Guides
• Theatre & Dance
• Music & Nightlife
• Restaurants & Cafes
• Bars & Pubs
• Visitor Guide
• Competitions
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best Hunter Valley wine tours

Experience NSW's most popular wine adventures on these five tours of the region

If you've been hankering for a drop of crisp sauvignon blanc straight from the source or you just want to finally know what the hell tannins are, it’s high time you went on a wine tour.

And in NSW, the Hunter Valley is the place to do it. There are more than 150 wineries dotted over the rolling green hills of the region and collectively they’ve accumulated 180 years of experience in growing, smooshing and fermenting grapes to make our favourite reds, whites, rosés.

In the region? Here is our pick of the best wineries to visit across the Hunter Valley. 

Don't just want wine here's our ultimate guide to how to (properly) spend 48 hours in the hunter valley. .

An email you’ll actually love

The best wine tours in the Hunter

Hunter Valley Carriages Taste the Valley Wine Tour

A trot through the vineyards in a horse-drawn carriage might be the quaintest way to experience the Hunter Valley. Meet your guide and trusty steed at the Small Winemakers Centre, before trundling to cellar doors, and getting to know the region’s produce, tasting olives, cheeses and chocolate. You can make it a private experience or join an open group and meet more wine (and horse) enthusiast friends. A full-day tour (from 10am to 4pm) costs $220 per adult, and needs a minimum of six people for the tour to commence. 

Tastes of the Hunter Private Wine Tour

This private tour with Tastes of the Hunter does transfers as far as Newcastle, Maitland and Singleton, as well as local round-trips running Sunday-Tuesday. The coolest thing about this option is that it is completely customisable. You'll get to call the shots from your pick-up location, whether you choose wine, beer or chocolate (or more), and where you go for lunch. It can be as affordable as you like, and you can choose between a bus that fits a maximum of either 13 or 24 passengers. 

Taste of the Hunter Afternoon Tour

An afternoon tour in the Hunter Valley is always a good time, and it's made even better  on this degustation tour.  With this iHop Hunter Valley excursion you’ll head off at 3pm, starting your boozy voyage off at a local distillery where you'll be taken through a guided tasting of their signature, housemade spirits. After that, you'll head to a boutique cellar door for  a guided wine tasting and scrumptious cheese plate. The final stop is all about artisan chocolates at another cellar door, where you'll eat a range of perfect sweets that are perfectly paired with their own local, artisan wine. The iHop vehicles will ferry to and from local accommodation for this five-hour experience – for just $129 per guest.  

Two Fat Blokes Tours

The guys at Two Fat Blokes want to showcase more than the Hunter region's wine. They show off the region’s chefs and local produce at day-long or multi-day excursions ranging in price from $219 for an Uncork the Hunter day tour, to $670 for a two-night romantic getaway in the midweek. There are also tours that explore the Hunter's breweries, half-day Snapshot tours for just $95 and private adventures with customisable options for between $440-$880 for your entire group. Hungry? Try the Cheese and Wine experience, where you can sample nine carefully curated bites with paired wins for $33. 

Wine Country Tours Small Group Day Tour

The founder of Wine Country Tours Richard Everret will share more than 40 years experience as a winemaker on this city-to-vineyard experience. After your Sydney pick-up, you’ll arrive in the Hunter to a morning tea at around 10am. Richard will then introduce you to the area’s renowned long-ageing dry semillons and other regional varieties, conducting all the tastings personally at various wineries, vineyards and a working wine cellar. Lunch is served at either Muse Kitchen or Esca at Bimbadgen, but not included in the $200 bill for Sydney transfers or the $125 for guests staying locally. Sydneysiders can expect to get home around 7.30pm.  

Hit the open road

The best road trips around New South Wales

Pack the boot, roll down your windows and let gorgeous scenery whizz past – be that soaring coastal cliffs, native bushland, or towering alpine forests. Trust us, no one will be asking if you're nearly there yet.

[image] [title]

More on getaways

Discover Time Out original video

• Acknowledgement of Country
• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Reviews policy
• Competition terms
• About the site
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Report an error
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

• {{item.Title}} {{item.CategoryName}}
• Eat & Drink
• What's On
• Life & Style
• House Proud
• Accommodation
• Experiences
• Plan a Visit
• Things To Do
• Work With Us
• Terms & Conditions

Discover the best way to go wine tasting in the Hunter Valley.

Live Like a Local

The Hunter Valley like you've never seen it before

Guide to wine tours in the Hunter Valley

Let the pros organise your wine country experience

Urban Legends Tour Co

Hunter Valley Winery Tours | Tailored by Legends, for Legends

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Wine tasting tours in the Hunter Valley

Wine Country Passenger Transfers

A cool and affordable way to do your Hunter Valley wine tour

Aerologistics

The Hunter Valley by Helicopter

Murchessons Equine Wine & Dine

Your not so typical wine tasting tour

{{item.Title}}

{{item.IntroText}}

Proudly independent and local, subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter

• Skip to content
• Skip to footer

Skippy Down Under Tours

Central Coast Tours & Group Transport

Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Hunter valley wine tours from pokolbin, the central coast, newcastle & lake macquarie.

Skippy Down Under Tours & Transport specialises in custom Hunter Valley wine tours departing from Pokolbin, the Central Coast, greater Newcastle, Hunter Valley area and Lake Macquarie. We are the leading luxury tour company in the Hunter Valley Region. If you are looking for an economical & flexible customised Hunter Valley wine tour for 2 – 30 people please contact us! We have packages to suit everyone. Whether you are looking for Hunter Valley wine tasting or a Hunter Valley day trip for a hens day, bucks party, special celebration, or just looking to take a tour with family or friends we can organise the perfect day out. All our tours are private and exclusive to your group only. Individuals and couples cannot be added to existing tours.

Watch this video to experience our wine tours

Tour Options

Custom Hunter Valley wine tours The Sunset Tour Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tour Wine, Lunch & Dessert Bar Value Tour Champagne breakfast & degustation experience The Outback wine tour Classic Convent high tea tour

Lisa McGuigan Vamp Tour Romance Package Skippy VIP Tour Hens Day Out Adrenaline Tour The Ultimate Wine Enthusiast Experience Transport only package

Custom Hunter Valley Group Wine Tour

Our group Hunter Valley wine tours can be tailored to your specific needs. Plan your own day or let us know what you are looking to experience and leave it to us to put together the perfect itinerary.

Pricing for a planned tour with a customised itinerary:

From $150 per person (minimum five people on a private tour – note our tours are not open for individual bookings, you must book the entire tour) for pick up from the Hunter Pokolbin region.  $200 per person for groups of four on a private tour. $180 per person for pick up from the Central Coast or Newcastle (minimum 6 people on a private tour – you must book the entire tour). Please  contact us for pricing for groups of less than 6 people. All rates include wine tasting fees. Deposit and booking conditions apply.

Lunch Options

Lunch at  Twine Restaurant : $40 per person (in addition to our tour group prices above).  This includes choices from the  Coaches Menu  plus a glass of wine or beer.  Alternatively select from the full Twine Restaurant menu at your own cost OR opt to have lunch at a venue of your choice at your own cost.

The Sunset Tour

Enjoy drinks, dinner and Hunter Valley views on this fun filled evening tour.

Your private sunset tour begins at 2pm following pick up from your door by our luxury transfer vehicles. Visit two boutique wineries followed by a stopover at a Vodka Distillery to try some amazing locally made gins, vodka, and liquors. Next, stopover for a cocktail or a beer paddle at 4 Pines Brewhouse .

Capture gorgeous sunset pics in the vineyards as you take in the scenic sunset views of the Hunter Valley. The tour concludes with a two course meal at one of our selected local restaurants before being dropped back to your accommodation. Click to view a sample menu .

Couples from $650. Groups of 3 or more from $220 per person with pickup in Pokolbin and surrounding areas. From $250 per person for pickup in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle areas. Note our tours are not open for individual bookings, you must book the entire tour. Prices include all tasting fees and your two course dinner at a selected restaurant.

Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Lovers

A luxurious day out that includes paired wine, cheese and chocolate tastings and multiple cellar door experiences.

Travel in luxury on one of our private tours with pickup at your front door. Visit a selected cellar door for a delicious premium wine and paired chocolate tasting.

Enjoy enjoy a private wine, cheese and chocolate experience at a selected cellar door specialising in cheese and chocolate & wine pairing.

Choose a restaurant venue of your choice (lunch at own cost). We can recommend local restaurants or you may want to grab a bite to eat at Hunter Valley Gardens. 

We then explore two further wineries (or a Vodka Distillery and winery depending on your preferences). Your day will conclude at 5pm.

Couples start at $750 which includes all tastings and cheese and chocolate pairings, travelling in a luxurious LDV, with local pickup in Pokolbin or surrounding areas. $800 per couple pickup from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle Region. Groups (minimum 5 people per group booking): $170 per person for pickup in Pokolbin and surrounding areas or $200 per person with pickup from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle (note in each case you are booking the entire private tour, individuals cannot book to go on existing tours). To book enquire here .

Wine, Lunch & Dessert Bar Value Tour

A great value, full-day, private tour.  Travel in style in one of our luxurious transfer vehicles with pick up from your designated address. Included in your day are wine/liquor tastings at three boutique venues, lunch at Twine Restaurant, a stopover for chocolate and cheese tasting at the Smelly Cheese Shop & a decadent dessert at Sabor Dessert Bar.

Your customised itinerary includes three tastings at your choice of boutique wineries, a Vodka Distillary, Cider house and/or Brewhouse. 

Indulge in desserts at Sabor Dessert Bar , with over fifty exquisite desserts to choose from. Treat yourself while taking in breathtaking views of the vineyard below and Brokenback Mountain Range (dessert included, drinks at additional cost).

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Twine Restaurant at the beautiful Wynwood Estate, dining from the coach menu (or selections can be made from the a la carte menu at own cost)

Finally, smell your way to the famous Smelly Cheese Shop for a divine chocolate and cheese tasting experience.

Total cost $195 per person (minimum of five people on a private tour) with local pickup in Pokolbin or surrounding areas.  Note individuals and couples cannot join a tour – each tour is exclusive to the booked group. $225 per person (minimum of five people) with pickup from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle areas. All tours are private, with tours and transfers completely exclusive to your group. Prices include lunch and all tasting fees. For bookings, contact us here .

Champagne breakfast and epic degustation experience

Located within the beautiful sandstone walls of Peterson house at the “gateway ” to the Hunter Valley vineyards, Restaurant Cuvee has spectacular views overlooking the beautiful vineyards. Here you will enjoy a champagne breakfast (at own cost). Renowned for its breakfast menu and speciality bubbly breakfast, Restaurant Cuvee is the perfect spot to start your day. 

After breakfast you will explore Oakvale Premuim Wines. Enjoy a premium tasting outside (subject to weather permitting) under the Oakvale tree overlooking the vineyards and watching the kangaroos hop on by.

Following Oakvale, we pop into the Hunter Spirit Distillery for a tasting. Here you will try a range of top shelf spirits, including gin, vodkas, liqueurs (alternatively you may exclude the Distillary and choose an additional winery stop). 

After 1pm we head to Hungerford Hill winery for a epic degustation experience. It is designed for the discerning palate. It brings together the best of wine and food in perfect harmony. It’s a moment you never forget. A mini degustation of Hungerford Hill wines are matched to bite size dishes created by award winning two hatted Muse Restaurant. 

To end the day we then take you to a award winning winery: Lisa Mcguigan VAMP cellar door. Vamp won winery of the year in 2021 and their renowned semillon won gold in Paris. The perfect cellar door to end your wine experience on. 

2 pax: $680 for 2 pax local pickup Pokolbin, Rothbury Cessnock. Travelling in a luxurious LDV private transfer. Includes wine tastings and mini gustation.  $730 for pickup in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle area.  Private groups of 4-5 pax: $960 travelling in a luxurious LDV with local pickup in the Pokolbin, Rothbury, Cessnock areas. Pickup in Lake Macquarie, Central Coast, Newcastle region is $1010.  Private groups of 6-11 pax: $190 per person travelling in luxurious Renault bus with local pickup Cessnock, Rothbury and Pokolbin.  For pick up in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle region: $230 per person. Deposit and booking conditions apply.

The Outback Wine Tour

​​​​ Here we discover the hidden gems of the outskirts of Pokolbin, exploring family  heritage wineries in Broke and the historic township of Wollombi, and spotting kangaroos along the way. 

Included are private luxury transfers with pick up directly from your accommodation.

Visit three unique wineries from choices including Krinklewood, 1813 Winery, Stonehurst Cedar Creek Vineyard.  Grab a quick bite to eat or enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant (at own cost) – ask us for recommendations.

Explore the beautiful Wollombi village on your private tour. Check out the convict trail, quaint museums, galleries and heritage buildings of the town before you sit back and sample the famous Dr Jurd Jungle Juice at the iconic Wollombi Pub.

All tours are private and can be booked by your group only (individuals and couples cannot join existing tours). $600 per couple on a private tour. $730 for a group of 4. For 5 people or more: $150 per person with pickup in Pokolbin and surrounding areas. For 5 people or more: $180 per person for pickup in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle areas. Minimum numbers required. All tasting fees are included. To book enquire here .

Classic Convent High Tea Tour

Join us for a luxurious day in the Hunter Valley, sampling wines and experiencing high tea in the beautiful Convent. This tour is perfect for bridal showers, baby showers, corporate events, anniversary celebrations or simply a day out with friends.

We begin our tour by visiting Peppertree Winery , adjacent to the convent.  This is followed by your elegant London High Tea in The Convent .  The Convent was once home to the Brigidine Order of Nuns in Coonamble and was crowned “Best Luxury Country Hotel in the World.”  Full of character, with gorgeous traditional architecture, the acclaimed retreat has also staged the series “Farmer Wants a Wife”.

High Tea at The Convent includes a range of delicacies such as sandwiches, sweets, scones and a glass of sparkling wine. Special dietary requirements such as gluten free, allergies and vegan can be accommodated for.

Following lunch we visit another selected five star winery to sample premium whites and reds before being dropped back to your accommodation.

$190 per person for pickup in Pokolbin or surrounding areas  (minimum numbers apply). $220 per person for pickup in the Central Coast, Newcastle or Lake Macquarie (minimum numbers apply). Pricing includes high tea and all tasting fees and private access to the tour for your group only (individuals and couples cannot join an existing tour).

Lisa McGuigan VAMP Exclusive Tour

Book your private Lisa McGuigan Vamp tasting tour, exclusive to Skippy Down Under.

Enjoy a private tasting one on one with enigmatic Hunter Valley Winemaker Lisa McGuigan at her Vamp Cellar Door.  Edgy and cool, a visit to Lisa’s award winning winery makes for a truly unique Hunter Valley experience.  Sample Lisa’s award winning Semillon for which she won Gold on the world stage at the Paris Wine Cup . 

Also included in your exclusive tour are wine tastings at Tempus Two and McGuigans Wineries, a cheese tasting at Hunter Belle Cheese, a tempting chocolate factory stopover and lunch or dinner stopover at the restaurant of your choice (lunch or dinner at own cost – we can provide recommendations). 

The tour is available on Saturdays only with a flexible afternoon start time.

$660 per couple with pickup in Pokolbin and surrounding areas (the tour is exclusive to the two of you). $700 for three or four people with pickup in Pokolbin and surrounding areas. Add an additional $175 per person for groups over four people. $690 per couple with pickup in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle areas. $730 for three or four people with pickup in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle areas. Add an additional $205 per person for groups of more than four people. All tasting fees are included and all tours are exclusive to your group – individuals cannot join existing tours. To book enquire here .

Romance Package

Whisk your partner away on a romantic tour just for two in the beautiful Hunter Valley.

Travel in our luxurious LDV with pick at at your accommodation. We will discuss with you your choice of complementary wine on board to make your occasion special. Sit back in style and relax whilst soaking up the views of the Broken Back Ranges. 

Your private tour includes a fully customised itinerary. We can recommend selected local cellar doors and assist you to book the perfect lunch or take you to destinations of your choice. Take romantic photos in the vineyards, sample delicious wine and enjoy the romance that a couples day in the Hunter Valley can offer.

$600 per couple for an exclusive private tour with pickup from Pokolbin or surrounding areas. $630 for pick up from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle area.  Pricing excludes lunch. Deposit and booking conditions apply.

Skippy VIP Tour

At $200 per person for groups of 5 on a private tour, this luxurious day package is sure to be the ultimate day of wine, laughter and relaxation!

Included in the day is four visits to wineries or a distillery (based on your preference), a chocolate and cheese stopover and lunch at a local selected restaurant.

The package includes a personal driver all day (we even have wine and ice buckets in our spacious, luxury van for you to enjoy!)

$200 per person with pickup in Pokolbin or surrounding areas (minimum 5 people). $230 per person for pick up from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle areas. All tours are private with a minimum group number of 5 required to book (your must book the entire tour – singles and couples cannot join an existing tour). Prices include tasting fees and lunch. To book your Skippy VIP Tour please contact us .

The Ultimate Wine Enthusiast Experience

Indulge in an exclusive behind the scenes tour and tasting at the well-established winery Brokenwood. After a guided food and wine flight in their private tasting room, your personal host will take you on a tour to view the Famous Brokenwood graveyard, ending with a pre-release wine tasting straight from the barrel in their barrel room. What a special way to experience premium wines first-hand!

Meet the locals from the Hunter Wine Lab – a place where tradition meets innovation. Here we enjoy a chocolate and wine tasting. Your tour also includes a stopover at the Hunter Valley Gardens for lunch (lunch at own cost) or alternative restaurant venue of your choice. Speak to us about recommendations for lunch in the valley.  After lunch we explore a third boutique winery where we enjoy a premium tasting of local wines.

Groups of 4 people: $980 travelling on a private tour, travelling in luxurious style with local pickup in Pokolbin or surrounding areas. Add another party member for $245 per person (maximum 11 people). Add $30 per person for pick up in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or the Central Coast. Couples: $790 for two people on a private tour travelling VIP style with local pickup in Pokolbin or surrounding areas. $850 for pickup in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie or the Central Coast. Prices include all tasting fees. For bookings, contact us here .

Transport Only Tour (plan your own itinerary!)

With our “Transport Only Tours’ you get the benefit of a full day of wine tasting on a private group tour, without the hassle of driving yourself around! This option allows for your group to organise, pay for and direct the tour, we just provide the transport within the Hunter Valley Pokolbin area! A surcharge applies for transport outside the Pokolbin area e.g. Broke 

Our private group tours start from $100 pp (pick up location within the Pokolbin region) or $130 pp (pick up Central Coast/ Lake Macquarie or Newcastle area). To book your private group tour please contact us here . Minimum numbers apply.

Hens Day Out from $230 per person

​​​​ Book a fantastic hens day with Skippy Tours – let us take care of everything so you can have an amazing time and celebrate in style.

We offer full day private hens tours for groups of 6 to 30 people.

The day commences with adventure in the Wine Escape Room at Sutton Estate . Your mission is to find the immortal wine and escape!

Your customised itinerary to suit your group will include tastings at two wineries and a vodka distillery, plus a stopover at a cheese and chocolate factory. We stop to take beautiful photos in the vineyards, capturing the day and creating lifelong memories.

Lunch is included, with choices from the Coaches Menu at Twine Restaurant at Wynwood Estate and a glass of wine or beer (or select from the full restaurant menu at your own cost). Finish the day with a complementary Skippy gift for the bride to be.

$230 per person with pickup in Pokolbin or surrounding areas. $260 per person for pick up from the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle areas. Minimum 6 people. Prices include a full day of wine tasting, tours and lunch. To book your hens day out in the beautiful Hunter Valley please contact us .

Adrenaline Tour

Our adrenaline tour is perfect for bucks parties, hens days, corporate team building days or simply for groups that enjoy action and adventure!

Travel in our luxurious buses, each accommodating up to 11 people.

Get your day off to a roaring start as you race your group at the action packed Go Karts Go . Alternatively, perfect your swing at Hunter Valley Aqua Golf .

Your action packed morning continues with tastings of top shelf spirits at Hunter Vodka Distillery .

Enjoy lunch in the heart of the Hunter at Harrigan’s Pub (lunch at own cost) before heading to Hope Estate to taste your choice of premium Australian grain spirits, award winning craft beer paddles, or estate grown wines.

Finally we head to the laid back 4 pines at the Farm and take in the scenery while enjoying a beer paddle tasting or cocktail.

Pick up Cessnock or surrounding areas: $1200 for up to 6 people. Add $200 per person for groups over 6. Pick up Central Coast, Lake Macquarie or Newcastle: $1380 for up to 6 people, add $230 per person for groups over 6. Pricing includes all tastings, and Go Cart or Aqua Golf fees. Deposit and booking conditions apply. Note that Go Karts Go requires enclosed footwear, no lose clothing and zero alcohol (Vodka and wine tasting to follow!)

Why choose Skippy Down Under for your Hunter Valley Wine Tour?

• Relaxation starts with luxurious transport. We provide a comfortable, luxury curtain draw back vans with air conditioning.
• Great rates for Hunter Valley Wine Tours departing the Central Coast, Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Areas. Our pricing is very competitive.
• Private tours with flexible group sizes up to 30 people
• We are local guides. We know where to go for the most unique places, complete with atmosphere & personalised service.
• Our guides also have up to date training in first aid.
• Phone USB charge points are available in every seat
• We have EFTPOS facilities on board our vehicles for your convenience on the day
• We are child and dog friendly – we have a comprehensive knowledge of the region and can help select the most child and pet friendly cellar doors and exciting places to explore.
• No extra charge for child car seats (or welcome to bring your own) – children are welcome, with activities on board to keep kids busy throughout the day
• We are flexible to your needs – if you have particular requirements please ask us.

Terms and Conditions:

Pickup and drop off is at a single location of your choice. A surcharge applies for additional pick up and drop off points. A deposit is required to secure your booking ($50 to $100 per person depending on the tour). If a cancellation occurs a credit will be issued to re-use for a Skippy Tour or Transfer (subject to availability) All passengers are required to wear a seat belt in our vehicles at all times (in line with NSW law).

How to book

Please contact us here to make a booking or phone 0425 816 251 .

Award Winning Tours

Stay Safe on our tours

*Please contact us for pricing conditions

Make an enquiry

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Phone (required)

Enquiry Type —Please choose an option— Hunter Valley Wine Tour Airport Transfer Cruise Ship Transfer Wildlife Tour Custom Group Tour Hens or Bucks Party Event Transport Other

Pick up Point (address or suburb)

Destination/s

Number of people

Date Required

Questions or additional information

Share our page:

Airport Transfers

Australian Wildlife Tours

Hunter Valley Winery Tours

Wine Tours, Brewery Tours + the best extra special Hunter Valley spots!

Explore the Hunter Valley - Gorgeous rich Shiraz, delicious crisp Rose, Perfect Pinot, Bold Beers, spectacular small Batch Spirits - take a tour to taste them all! The Hunter Valley is a stunning Wine Region 3 hrs drive from Sydney, 1 hr from Newcastle & 1 hr from Central Coast. With over 150 cellar doors, it is a place to explore and having a great guide helps A LOT! Especially if you're keen to skip the mainstream tasting spots and tourist traffic, but are looking for Meet The Maker tastings, off the beaten track spots that only a local would know, the best views, and exciting experiences. We look forward to introducing you (or re-introducing you) to the Hunter Valley! 

With Explore the Hunter, you can expect to enjoy a customised tour specific for your group. The Explore the Hunter Team are open to planning the whole day's itinerary, or weaving in your favourite stops. It's not always just about Hunter Valley Wine Tastings, most tours include a Cheese Tasting, Chocolate Tasting and/or Olive Tasting. Ask us about adding on something a bit extra like:

Helicopter Flight between tastings

Australian Koala Experience

Horse Riding

Hot Air Balloon

Gourmet Food Trail

Art & Antique stops

Surprise Proposal with Secret Photographer

Gourmet Birthday Cake

Cooking Class Experience

Brewery Tours

Make Your Own Sparkling Wine Blend with take home Bottle!

On the day, one of our experienced Explore the Hunter team will pick you up in one of our Mercedes Vans (8 seats + driver), or for larger groups, up to three Vans (24 seats + drivers). We are child friendly (Car Seats provided) & pet friendly.

PET FRIENDLY

KID FRIENDLY

SYDNEY PICK UPS

"Amazing tour experience with Gareth! So warm and friendly. After having to cancel last year on the day of our tour Gareth & Lauren were so great and let my partner and I reschedule to a new date with no extra charges. So accommodating of them and we can’t wait to come back for another full day tour, thanks Gareth!"

Let us do the driving...

Pick up locations.

Cessnock, Quorrobolong, Millfield, Wollombi, Branxton, Lovedale, Vacy, Nulkaba, Pokolbin, Broke, Maitland, Singleton

Plus Newcastle, Central Coast and Sydney

explorethehunter.au

[email protected]

Call/SMS 0478819774

Zepher Tours

Hunter valley wine tours.

Zepher Tours has the best Hunter Valley wine tour for people wanting a fun, informative, relaxed day out tasting classic Hunter Valley wines, delicious cheese, chocolate and premium spirits. Great restaurant lunch, modern, comfortable vehicles, professional driver/guides who create a great atmosphere and ensuring the day flows smoothly. Our scheduled and private Hunter valley tours depart from Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter Valley with door-to-door service on request. Foodies, wine enthusiasts, newbies, travellers, Australians and international tourists – a day in the Hunter Valley with Zepher Tours means an awesome day with friends old and new.

Choose Your Experience

From sydney.

5 Departures Per Week

Tours »

From Hunter Valley

8 Pickup Locations

From Newcastle

Available Saturdays only

Private Tours

Personalised Experience

Learn More »

Our Most Popular Tours

• Most Popular!

Hunter Valley Wine Tour | Sydney

Hunter Valley Wine Tour with Gourmet Treats from Sydney | Available: Everyday, 7 days a week

Hunter Valley Wine Tour | Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley Wine Tour | Available: Everyday, 7 days a week

Hunter Valley Wine Tour | Newcastle

Hunter Valley Wine Tour from Newcastle | Available: Saturdays @ 9am

Friendly Guides and Drivers

Hundreds of 5 star reviews, group tours, family owned company, private wine tours.

We specialise in Private Hunter Valley Wine Tours from Sydney, Newcastle, and the Hunter Valley. We tailor make packages to suit individual needs and budgets. Fun and informative guides, great music, and no boring commentary are our promise to you. One-day trips, overnight, or weekend escapes are available with door-to-door pick-ups and drop-offs. Perfect for team building, corporate days, birthday parties, Hens or Bucks parties, or groups of family and friends for a Private Hunter Valley Wine Tour. We also run private group food and wine tours to many other destinations near Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, and South Coast.

Gift and experience with us!

Valid for any activity of Colourful Collective.Travel

Customer Reviews

Had a wonderful day at the Hunter with Zepher Tours. Our tour guide Sam was friendly, knowledgeable and just a very cool dude. Everything went smoothly throughout the day. Would strongly recommend this tour to everyone. We had a superb day. The wine and good humour flowed all day long. Would even recommend this trip to people who are not in to wine, it’s just so much fun!

This tour from Sydney to Hunter Valley showcases the best of Hunter Valley wineries. We visited 3 boutique wineries and tasted a wide variety of wines. Lunch was included from a selection of 5 fresh tasty choices. Raphael, our driver guide, was informative and fun. Meet people on this tour from locals to those from around the world. Do spend the day learning about wines on this fun tour.

We had a great day out in the Hunter. Pick up was on time in a clean, small and comfy bus (an esky is also provided to keep your purchases cold). The driver/guide was great. Really friendly, chatty and knowledgeable. The tour itself was brilliant. We visited 3x different wineries, vodka distillery and a chocolate factory. The wine was obviously the highlight though! Highly recommend this tour.

From the start, the driver came on time to pick us up and was very friendly and upbeat. Then we had a fun long drive to the Hunter Valley. He made us feel very comfortable! The playlist was great and put everyone in the best mood. The vineyards were amazing, from the views to the hosts! The wine tasting was great and we learned a lot! Worth every penny!

We had Billy as our tour guide and he was great fun, very informative and so friendly from the moment we got into the minibus all the way through the day. He took us to some great small wineries and the wines we tasted were of a high quality. Overall a brilliant day out and I would recommend it to anyone whether you like wine or not, the Hunter Valley is such a beautiful area!

We picked the Zepher Hunter Valley Wine Tour for our annual girls trip and loved every minute of it. John our driver was fantastic and full of knowledge. The lunch was great and so were the views. It was great having time to catch up with the girls whilst also learning about wine and of course drinking it! Thanks John for a great day and we can wait to come back and do this again.

We had an AMAZING day at Hunter Valley. All of the wineries (and not forgetting the distillery!) were brilliant, we loved that each one was completely different from another. Cheeks was also amazing! He gave great info throughout the day and we felt he went out of his way to make sure we had a brilliant day…. especially seeing the Kangaroos at the end of the day!!

Showing you the beautiful Hunter Valley wine country and tasting some of the best wines that the Hunter has to offer.

Family owned and operated.

Best Tour (Bestour) is family-owned and operated and has been giving the best fully escorted small group wine tours to the Hunter Valley Vineyards since 2001.

Pick up is from your accommodation. Your driver-guide is friendly, knowledgeable, and flexible. Your tour vehicle is modern, air-conditioned, and has adjustable seats. Whichever tour you choose, you will take home with you lasting memories of a great day out! 

Half Day morning wine tasting tour from Cessnock and Pokolbin, Vineyard area.

Full day wine tasting tour from Cessnock and Pokolbin, Vineyard area.

Full day wine tasting tour from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Broke.

Group Bus Hire from Cessnock and Pokolbin

(7 Hour Use)

• Testimonials

When you think of Australia, you may think of the iconic Opera House or finding Nemo in the Great Barrier Reef or the vast red land of the Outback. You probably think of kangaroos and koalas and dangerous spiders. You may even think of cricket and beaches and hot accents. What I didn’t know about Australia was its history of making ridiculously delicious wines.

With our time in Australia coming to an end, it was now or never. We booked a tour with Best Tour Hunter Valley and one night stay at the Hermitage Lodge. An early morning wake up call later, and we were off to the Hunter Valley, about a two hour drive northwest of Sydney.

by Where In The World

Get in Touch.

We’d love to hear from you. Drop us a message!

• 0437 149 612
• [email protected]
• 215 Brighton Ave, Toronto NSW 2283

Copyright © 2024 Best Tour. All Rights Reserved.

• Site by Jezweb

16 unique Hunter Valley wine tours for more than just transport

Kristie Lau-Adams

Travel Journalist

01 November 2023

Let somebody else track the time with an expert-led Hunter Valley wine tour.

Hunter Valley vineyards are pouring some of the country’s most delicious wines around every corner — so who’s willing to go designated driver? Fortunately, there’s a Hunter Valley wine tour for every budget, group size and tastebud, ticking off the region’s finest wineries and foodie attractions from the comfort of plush vehicles driven by experts who know where they’re going. Here, we break down the finest so you can sit back and savour.

1. Two Fat Blokes

Feeling fancy? Two Fat Blokes can pop you and three others behind the wheel of a Maserati as you explore Hunter Valley’s most popular wineries.

Explore stunning wineries in Hunter Valley in a Maserati. (Image: Destination NSW)

The Hunter Valley wine tour company offers a stack of half and full-day trips, spanning extravagant small group tours (catering for singles) and larger experiences transporting up to 14 passengers in a luxury air-conditioned van.

Be transported around the Hunter Valley in an air-conditioned van.

The team arrange pick-ups from accommodation in Cessnock, Lovedale, Pokolbin, Nulkaba and Rothbury. Half-day tours include a minimum of three wineries and a cheese and wine pairing while full-day tours include lunch and a scenic flight or accommodation if you splash out.

Sample wines and cheese with Two Fat Blokes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Prices start from just $95 per person for a half-day tour. Two Fat Blokes also have their own lovely kitchen and deli in Pokolbin so there’s ample opportunity to pick up take-home spoils.

2. Classic Tours

Capping their tours at 11 passengers, Classic Tours allow you to create your very own intimate wine-hopping adventure. An ideal choice for groups who have a few hot spots on the list, this Hunter Valley wine tour company offers half and full-day tours if you’re staying within Hunter Valley proper plus full-day tours out of Newcastle, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast.

Explore Hunter Valley in the comfort of a Mustang convertible. (Image: Therese Hockings and Christopher Hockings)

You’ll be transported in a plush air-conditioned van with a sunroof, and you’re invited to play your own music through the sound system. Prices start from $135 per person and include a minimum of three wineries or distilleries. The team also offer a luxe full-day experience for groups of up to three people, priced from $395, where you’ll knock off your hit list in the comfort of a Mustang convertible.

Classic Tours include a visit to the Hunter Wine Lab. (Image: Therese Hockings and Christopher Hockings)

3. Vineyard Shuttle Service

If you’re already familiar with the Hunter Valley’s top dogs and are keen to uncover emerging superstars, Vineyard Shuttle Service ’s Next Gen tour is right up your alley.

The full-day Hunter Valley wine tour costs $199 per person and includes visiting four newish destinations that specialise in gin and vodka, cheese and chocolate pairings and lunch at 4 Pines at the Farm. And it’s not the only stellar tour going.

The team run half and full-day tours in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus that departs most accommodation spots within the Hunter Valley, with prices starting from $85 per person. Transfers between wineries, transfers from Sydney and Newcastle airports and private charters are also available.

4. Tex Tours

Targeting small groups of up to 12 passengers, Tex Tours offers guided tours departing Lovedale and Pokolbin, plus Newcastle and Maitland upon request. The full-day trips cover four or five vineyards in a comfortable air-conditioned minibus that ventures off the usual tourist track so you’ll likely discover new favourites by the day’s end. Prices start from $90 per person and you can also arrange half-day and full-day private charters if you’re craving privacy.

5. Hunter Valley Horses

Make it a tour you’ll never forget with Hunter Valley Horses , a Hunter Valley wine tour conducted via a two horse-drawn carriage.

Journey through the lush greeneries with Hunter Valley Horses. (Image: Destination NSW)

From a 45-minute scenic trot through picturesque surroundings (excluding vineyards), priced from $55 per person, to full-day winery tours priced from $220 per person, there’s a smorgasbord of wonderful options.

Trot past picturesque vineyards on a horseback ride. (Image: Destination NSW)

Private tours include transfers from your Pokolbin accommodation while others depart from the company’s Hermitage Road location, but all travel through quiet back roads at a lovely pace, giving you a unique opportunity to take in the Hunter’s unmistakable beauty. Horse riding and family-friendly animal feeding tours at the company’s farm are also on offer.

Join the Hunter Valley Horses tour to see the beauty of the vineyards from a different perspective. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Hunter Valley Classic Carriages

Yet another stack of carriage-led tours are run by Hunter Valley Classic Carriages , located right opposite the Hunter Valley Gardens on Broke Road. Whether you’re after a one-hour, half-day or full-day variety, each tour has been designed to do all the heavy lifting for you, and that includes sourcing a delicious lunch more often than not.

Explore Hunter Valley on a carriage-led tour.

If you’re a horse-drawn carriage aficionado, you’ll appreciate the company’s fleet which spans Wild West American Chuck Wagons, Cobb & Co stagecoaches, Wagonettes, Victoria’s and more. It’s about $195 per person for a half-day private tour but prices really vary depending on the experience you book — and there’s loads of them.

Private charters, kids’ tours, carriage rides, Hunter Valley Gardens tours and even slides off the back of a Clydesdale are available so give the company’s website plenty of attention.

Be transported to lovely spots around the Hunter Valley on a carriage.

7. Hunter Valley Tours

An award-winning small group tour company, Hunter Valley Tours offers peeks inside some of the region’s best boutique wineries. Even better, their plush minibuses are completely accessible, fitted with hydraulic lifters and automatic slides, and wineries are selected thanks to their ramps and lifts, in addition to their wine chops, to ensure everything’s smooth sailing.

They offer half-day tours, priced from $95 per person, that pick-up within a 12-kilometre radius of Pokolbin (you’ll incur a fee if you’re staying further out) and include two wineries, as well as full-day tours priced from $210 per person that include even more wineries, lunch and some of the Hunter Valley’s best cheese and chocolate tasting experiences. Private tours, including one with transportation in a luxury Mercedes limo, can also be arranged.

Join the expert-guided Hunter Valley Tours.

8. Wine Country Tours

Led by a former winemaker, tours from Wine Country Tours will open your eyes to the complex and expertly executed technique the Hunter Valley is renowned for. Richard Everett’s expeditions are for small groups (up to 13 guests) or larger ones who are thirsty to learn more about the beautiful drops he’ll introduce you to, with full-day tours running all the way from Sydney and picking up anywhere along the way.

Your wheels for the day come in the way of comfortable coaches that vary depending on the group’s size and prices start from $125 per person if you’re picked up in the Hunter region or $200 per day if you’re coming all the way from Sydney. Private day tours are also available.

9. Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours

A fun-fuelled ‘Hunter Valley Wine and Beer Adventure Tour’ is on offer from Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours , providing a full-day journey through three cellar doors, lunch at a popular venue, pit stops at the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop and Pokolbin Chocolate Co. and spirits tasting.

A tasting at Allandale Winery is just one of many stops on the itinerary. (Image: Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours)

Departing from accommodation throughout Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury, Cessnock, Maitland, Nulkaba, Broke, Singleton and surrounding areas, you’re looking at $115 per person, and if you’re coming from Newcastle, you’ll be charged $125 per person. The Hunter Valley wine tour travels in a small minibus for groups between two and 10 people, and the team also offer private tours for groups between eight and 24 people.

Take advantage of the scenic vineyards with a group shot. (Image: Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours)

10. iHop Hunter Valley

If you prefer to keep things loosey-goosey, iHop Hunter Valley is a fantastic hop-on and hop-off bus service through wine country. Covering more than 40 venues across 14 individual bus stops in Cessnock, Lovedale, Nulkaba, Pokolbin and Rothbury, you’ll be spoiled for choice as buses swing round on a continuous hourly loop.

Venture across NSW wine country with iHop Hunter Valley.

Half-day passes will set you back $52.40 per person while full day passes cost $75 per person and you can also get the bus to pick you up from your accommodation in the morning. The best bit? Cooler boxes are provided so you can store your goodies on the bus as you keep the good times rolling. iHop also offer several guided tours, and bus hire.

Join iHop Hunter Valley and sample the best-tasting wines in the region.

11. Grape Experience Tours

Whether you’re a loved-up couple or part of a group of up to 30 people, Grape Experience Tours can arrange a Hunter Valley wine tour with door-to-door pick up. Departing from Hunter Valley suburbs as far as Newcastle, the company’s tidy minibuses run half-day or full-day tours starting from $100 per person. You’ll visit a minimum of three vineyards and the full-day offerings include a cheese tasting too. Go for the top-tier Premium tour for $195 per person and you’ll score lunch on top.

12. Wine D Road Tours

Offering much more than just a minibus driver, Wine D Road Tours come complete with a knowledgeable guide who strives to facilitate memory-making experiences. Their ‘Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour’ is a full-day adventure priced at $160 per person and includes a restaurant lunch, a minimum of four winery visits, visits to chocolate and cheese hot spots and minibus transportation.

Wine D Road Tours delivers a full-day adventure for winery lovers.

Groups are capped at 13 guests and they arrange complimentary pick-up from your accommodation in Pokolbin, Cessnock, Rothbury, Maitland and Branxton. The company also offers accommodation packages at their beautiful onsite Cadair Cottage fitted with an outdoor spa.

An incredible wine-tasting experience awaits.

13. Hunter Valley Tours For Two

The name says it all. Lovebirds should flock to Hunter Valley Tours For Two for their romance fix as half-day and full-day customisable tours are available. The Hunter Valley wine tour company offers transportation in a flash Mercedes Benz GLE350 with leather interiors, a sunroof and heated leather seats.

You’ll be transported around the wineries in a flashy Mercedes Benz.

Pick-up can be arranged from Pokolbin, Lovedale, Cessnock and Rothbury and tours include a minimum of three wineries plus your choice of lavish lunch experiences. Half-day excursions start from $350 per couple.

Hunter Valley Tours For Two is a perfect date idea for couples.

The team can also arrange private winery tastings and behind-the-scenes tours at the likes of Ben Ean and Tamburlaine vineyards so check out the website for a complete look at the indulgences.

Enjoy cheese and wine pairings for two.

14. Wine Party Tours

Six action-packed private tours and two relaxed small-group tours guarantee good times from Wine Party Tours , a Hunter Valley wine tour company with an emphasis on fun. If it’s just you and your crew, choose from half-day and full-day tours via the comfort of a plush minibus where you’ll be escorted to a minimum of two wineries (on the half-day options) and gourmet chocolate and cheese retailers. You can also opt to add on extras like lunch and distillery drop-ins. Prices start from $99 per person. If you’re keen to mingle, choose from a half-day or full-day public tour with prices starting from $95. Pick-up and drop-off are complimentary if you’re within 20 minutes from Pokolbin.

Taste your way around the Hunter with Wine Party Tours.

15. Hunter Wine Journeys

Wish you could score a local’s intel? Hunter Wine Journeys is run by Hunter Valley locals Tony and Lisa so you’ll get an answer to the very curliest of questions. Conducting a handful of half-day and full-day tours starting from $90 per person, the team can pick you up from your local accommodation in a minibus, transporting you to two cellar doors if you’re on the half-day tour or four cellar doors if you’re on the full-day. Cheese and chocolate tastings plus a visit to a distillery are also included in both options, and lunch can be provided for an extra fee.

Join in the fun at Hunter Wine Journeys.

16. Best Tour

They’re certainly confident when it comes to branding and Best Tour often lives up to its name. The Hunter Valley wine tour company offers four air-conditioned minibus tours.

Strike a pose at McLeish Estate Wines.

The most popular ones are one half-day morning journey priced at $70 per person that goes from Cessnock to Pokolbin and takes in two cellar doors and a visit to the Hunter Distillery and one full-day version priced at $130 per person that covers four cellar doors and the distillery, and throws in chocolate and cheese tastings.

There’s also a full-day tour from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Broke priced at $140 per person, in addition to the option of private group bus hire within Cessnock and Pokolbin that’s priced from $770.

Join the Best Tour for a fun-filled wine tasting.

For more insider tips and must-do experiences, read our Hunter Valley travel guide .

Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.

LEAVE YOUR COMMENT

Cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You might also like

The definitive list of 20 best Hunter Valley restaurants

A great weekend away in NSW wine country calls for an equally excellent food scene; the Hunter Valley delivers on both. It’s a new meeting point fo...

15 charming Airbnbs in the Hunter Valley for a weekend getaway

Sift through our top Hunter Valley Airbnb picks for a mix of romantic, luxury, family, pet-friendly and group getaway options close to the wineries of...

The ultimate ale trail: 13 Hunter Valley breweries and pubs

Come away from the Hunter Valley with a new sense of reverence after bouncing between its best breweries and pubs. There are plenty of places to enti...

10 luxe day spas in the Hunter Valley to unwind at now

Cheese is certainly appetising but a day spa in the Hunter Valley serves as the ultimate pairing to top shelf wine. Romantic retreats, girls’ getaw...

16 Hunter Valley cafes you absolutely must try

To make it to the top, a Hunter Valley cafe needs to be the kind of place that’s run by a brigade of talented next-generation young chefs and the in...

Gin it up! Here is every sip-worthy Hunter Valley distillery

You know the wine so shake things up with a sip-stop at a distillery in the Hunter Valley. Rolling green hills, rose-freckled vines and swirly strawb...

© Australian Traveller Media 2024. All rights reserved.