Hunter Valley: Visit Australia’s First Wineries

Summary

The first commercial vineyards in Australia were established on the fertile flats of the Hunter River in the 1830s. Since then, winemakers have been perfecting their craft and today, with 100-odd wineries, mostly open daily, and beautiful scenery to go with it, the Hunter Valley is one of the top tourist destinations in New South Wales.

Hunter Valley: Visit Australia’s First Wineries

 

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The first commercial vineyards in Australia were established on the fertile flats of the Hunter River in the 1830s. Since then, winemakers have been perfecting their craft and today, with 100-odd wineries, mostly open daily, and beautiful scenery to go with it, the Hunter Valley is one of the top tourist destinations in New South Wales.

The Hunter Valley (or “the Hunter,” as it’s also called) is the oldest commercial wine producing area in Australia, as well as a major site for coal mining. Internationally acclaimed wines have poured out of the Hunter since the early 1800s. Though the region falls behind the major wine-producing areas of Victoria in terms of volume, it has the advantage of being just 2 hours from Sydney.

The Lower Hunter, centred on the towns of Cessnock and Pokolbin, has around 110 wineries and cellar doors. Many varieties of wine are produced here, including Semillon, Shiraz, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot noir.

Farther north, the Upper Hunter represents the very essence of Australian rural life, with its sheep and cattle farms, historic homesteads, more wineries, and rugged bushland. The vineyards here tend to be larger than those in the south, and they produce more aromatic varieties, such as traminers and Rieslings.

Grape picking starts in late January and continues through to late March. Shiraz and Semillon are the two most recognisable Hunter Valley styles.

 

History of Hunter Valley Winery

People have been drinking wine for more than 5000 wonderful years. It is the oldest known agricultural product in the world. And Australia is the fourth biggest exporter in the world, sending 2.5 million bottles every day to 100 different countries. But don’t worry, there is plenty left for Aussies. It’s in our blood.

Wine came out with the First Fleet in 1788. It was one of our icons, Gregory Blaxland (of Lawson and Wentworth fame), who experimented with vines back in the 1820s. He had a little luck but it was not until James Busby put pen to paper and told the masses how to grow grapes that Australian viticulture truly began. Fiercely promoted by the government as a means of getting the convicts off harder spirits, there was hope the colony would become ‘a healthy, sober, jolly, wine-drinking population’.

But nothing of a significant scale happened until 1828 when a free settler by the name of George Wyndham headed to the Hunter, land grant in hand. He cleared some land and planted the seed and Wyndham Estate was born. So too was Australian shiraz, semillon, chardonnay…

So here you are where it all started. With more than 140 wineries before you it can be a little overwhelming. The rigid few will grab a copy of the Hunter Valley Wine Country Visitor Guide. The rest will get to know the biggies and then go looking for the boutiques. ‘Explore. Dream. Discover’.

 

The Hunter Valley Wine Society

Many people start their journey through the Hunter by popping into the Hunter Valley Wine Society located at 455 Wine Country Dr in Pokolbin. The group organises wine tastings from many local vineyards and offers excellent advice for the novice. The club also acts as a Hunter Valley wine clearinghouse, sending bottles and cases to members all over Australia and some overseas. It’s also a good place to talk to experts about the area’s wines and to taste a few of them. It’s open daily from 9am to 5pm.

 

Hunter Valley Wine Tasting

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Most of the wineries in the region are open for cellar-door tastings, and it’s perfectly acceptable just to turn up, taste a couple of wines or more, and then say your goodbyes without buying anything. Though you will come across some unusual vintages, especially at the boutique wineries, don’t expect to find any bargains – city bottle shops buy in bulk and at trade price, which means you can probably get the same bottle of wine for less in Sydney than at the cellar door in the Hunter. However, for the best Hunter Valley wine tasting experience head to the Hunter Valley.

 

Hunter Valley Wineries

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Below is a list of the some of the best Hunter Valley wineries in both the Lower and Upper Hunter regions. Where there are no limits on the numbers of wineries that can be visited, three or four in one day will give you time to taste and discuss the wines leisurely. Don’t forget Australia’s strict drink-driving laws.

 

Wyndham Estate (700 Dalwood Rd, Dalwood, 10am to 4:30pm)

Where it all began back in 1828, this winery is the birthplace of Australian shiraz. The ‘Shiraz Experience’ tasting plate is essential to your full understanding of the drop. Tours through the winery leave at 11am.

 

Lindemans Wines (McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin)

This is one of the best-known wineries in the Hunter Valley, producing legendary Semillon and Shiraz wines. Their sparkling red shiraz is a favourite. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4:30pm.

 

Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard (De Beyers Rd, 9am to 5pm) The single most beautiful vineyard in the valley is home to the first grapes planted in Pokolbin. Marvel at the expansive view while enjoying a drop of red, even if the wine was designed by a teetotaller.

 

Rothbury Estate (Broke Rd., Pokolbin)

Cask Hall was the vision of the late wine writer Len Evans. This very friendly winery produces the magnificent Brokenback Shiraz and the nice Mudgee Shiraz. The vineyard’s wines are now world famous, as are its concerts. Open daily 9:30am to 4:30pm.

 

Tyrell’s Vineyards (Broke Rd., Pokolbin)

The Tyrell family has been making wine here since 1858. Tyrell’s has produced some famous wines and exports all over the world. An outdoor tasting area gives views over the vineyards. Tours Monday to Saturday 1:30pm.

 

Tamburlaine (358 McDonald Rd., Pokolbin)

A small private producer – wines are available only from the winery or through winery membership. Don’t miss this boutique winery, the winner of many wine and tourism awards. Open daily 9:30am to 5pm.

 

McWilliams Mount Pleasant Winery (Marrowbone Rd., Pokolbin)

Phil Ryan, the legendary winemaker, ran this winery for many years. It is home to the Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon, one of Australia’s best quality white wines. Its Elizabeth Semillon has won 39 trophies and 214 gold medals since 1981, and its Lovedale Semillon has won 39 trophies and 74 gold medals since 1984.

Open daily 10am to 4:30pm with tours at 11am.

 

Petersons Winery (Mount View Rd, Mount View)

This winery produces fine chardonnay, semillon and shiraz. Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm.

 

Peterson’s Champagne House (At the corner of Broke and Branxton roads, Pokolbin)

This is the only specialist champagne winery in the Hunter. This small family winery is known for its unique experimentation with champagne-style wine production in the Hunter Valley. Open daily 9am to 5pm.

 

Drayton Family Wines (555 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin)

Drayton’s produces some spectacular Shiraz. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm. Tours Monday to Friday 11am.

 

McGuigan Brothers Cellars (Corner of Broke and McDonalds Roads, Pokolbin)

A winery worth visiting, McGuigan also has a cheese factory and bakery on the site. Open daily 9:30am to 5pm with tours at noon.

 

Tinklers (Pokolbin Mountains Rd, Pokolbin)

If you want to taste grapes in season, head to Tinklers. It sells some 30 different varieties of eating grapes between December and March, and nectarines, plums, peaches, and vegetables at other times of the year. It also offers wine tasting and free vineyard walks at 11am Saturday and Sunday. Open daily 10am to 4pm.

 

Lake’s Folly

Max Lake started this vineyard in the 1960s, successfully growing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in the Hunter Valley for the first time since the 1900s.

 

Brokenwood

The first vintage was picked here in 1973, and this winery has attracted a loyal following ever since.

 

Hunter Valley Attractions

The predominant attraction in the Hunter Valley region is, of course, the wineries. People come from all over the world not just to taste the specialist wines of the region, but also to be a part of history – where it all first started.

Apart from visiting the many wineries here, there are other Hunter Valley attractions worth visiting.

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Hunter Valley Gardens

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Located on Broke Rd in the Lower Hunter region, this is the most child-friendly destination in the vineyards. Young families can dine relatively cheaply here at several cafes and visit the Hunter Valley Chocolate Factory (where they have chilli chocolate samples for unsuspecting chocoholic traditionalists).

See Hunter Valley Gardens for more information.

 

Hot Air Ballooning

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An early morning champagne breakfast and hot-air balloon flight over the Hunter Valley from Rothbury are a luxurious way to start a day touring the wineries. Get up in the air for sunrise with Balloon Aloft located at 1443 Wine Country Dr. Alternatively, take a joy flight with Hunter Valley Aviation located on Main Rd, Cessnock Airport.

 

Hunter Valley Horse Riding

Hunter Valley horse riding is a great way to see the beautiful scenery around the region. Hunter Valley Horse Riding & Adventures is one of the most reputable agencies in town. Located on 288 Talga Rd in Rothbury, call (02) 4930 7111 for more information.

Just as fun is an all-day horse and carriage ride around the wine region with Pokolbin Horse Coaches. See Pokolbin Horse Coaches for more details.

 

Cycling around Hunter Valley

A nice way to get around the Hunter Valley region is by bicycle – maybe even on a bicycle made for two! Hire a tandem from Hunter Valley Cycles at Hunter Valley Gardens and let your better half do all the work while you drink the precious cargo. They also deliver bicycles to your hotel.

You can also hire bicycles from Grapemobile Bicycle Hire, Pokolbin Brothers Wines, 307 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin.

 

Other Attractions

Apart from the picnic areas and restaurants at the wineries, Pokolbin has plenty of cafes, a general store and a bush picnic area. The Mount Bright lookout gives a panoramic view over the region.

 

Upper Hunter Valley

If you have already toured the Lower Hunter vineyards…so what, the wine tastes different here. That is because it is hotter and the upper reaches of the valley don’t receive coastal rains. They see just a trickle of customers midweek, so if you don’t like crowds, get on your horse.

They specialise in cabernet sauvignon and shiraz; forget merlot but do dabble in the Verdelho and chardonnay.

Cruikshank Collatoota Estate (Wybong Rd, Wybong, 9am to 5pm) is unique in that it is a family run and absolutely everything takes place on the property from grape pressing through to marketing. A favourite is the Velvet Cabernet.

Yarraman Cellar Door (Yarraman Rd, Wybong, 10am to 5pm) has a broad selection of wines including some less familiar varietals such as chambourcin. There is a barbecue and an outdoor area, so collect your carnivorous snacks from Robert’s Meats in Denman before heading out. Another favourite is the 2004 Gewurztraminer.

Sandy Hollow Caravan Park & Country Cottages (Golden Hwy) is the perfect low-cost base for the vineyards, and if you have a bike, even better, as numerous rides depart from the caravan park.

The Upper Hunter also gives way to the forested heights of the World Heritage-listed Barrington Tops National Park. The ruggedly beautiful park is home to some of the highest Antarctic beech trees in the country. It abounds with animals, including several marsupial species and a profusion of birds.

 

Hunter Valley Festivals

If you have wineries, you must have winery festivals. Here are a few of the top festivals in the Hunter Valley region.

Jazz in the Vines

Food, wine and jazz in the one place at the end of October. See Jazz in the Vines for more details.

Lovedale Long Lunch

A progressive lunch held at the end of May. See Lovedale Long Lunch for more details.

Opera in the Vineyards

Plenty of throat lubrication needed for this one. See Opera in the Vineyards for more details.

See Wine Country for a full listing.

 

How to get from Sydney to Hunter Valley?

Hunter Valley is located 252 km north of Sydney via the Pacific Motorway. To get to the wine-producing regions of the Hunter, leave Sydney by the Harbour Bridge or Harbour Tunnel and follow the signs for Newcastle. Just before Hornsby, turn off the highway and head up the National 1/F3 freeway. After around an hour, take the Cessnock exit and follow signs to the vineyards. The trip will take about 3 hours.

 

Hunter Valley Map

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Hunter Valley Buses

Rover Coaches runs a coach from Sydney daily with drop-offs in Cessnock and through-out the Lower Hunter Valley vineyards. It also has multiple daily services to Maitland and Newcastle. Buses leave from in front of the visitors centre. Call 1800 801 012 for more information.