Join us on our Hunter Valley Wine Tours to see one of New South Wales’ most famous wine areas. The Hunter Valley is home to more than 150 unique vineyards and is famous all throughout Australia for its world-class Semillon and Shiraz. It is just a few hours north of Sydney. It’s a great place to try a wide range of wines with high-quality local food.
This tour is perfect for you if you appreciate meeting new people, having fun, and learning more about wine. Our Hunter Valley Wine Tours leave from the centre of Sydney and cross the Harbour Bridge on their way to one of Australia’s most famous wine-growing locations in the north.
The Hunter Valley has excellent soils and a long winemaking tradition. You can taste some amazing wines at small cellar doors and local farm gates. As you taste great wines from well-known local wineries, wine experts will tell you about the process of making wine. The area’s natural splendour, like rolling green hills and vineyard sceneries, makes it a popular place for romantic getaways and special events.
*A selection of baguettes, salad, pies, fish, chicken, burgers, chips, and coffee, tea, or a soft drink is all included in the lunch menu at Cypress Lakes. There are gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian alternatives available. (worth $25)
As we cross the famous Harbour Bridge and proceed into the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s most famous wine-producing regions, you’ll get a great view of Sydney Harbour. This trip is a great way to get to know the valley’s food, scenery, and people. We have carefully chosen a variety of food and wine experiences that will please your taste buds, so every traveller will find something they like. The Hunter is known around the world for its crisp Semillon, but it also makes award-winning wines, including Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Verdelho.
Take your time walking around the vineyards and sliding inside the doors of small cellars for a thorough tasting experience. We choose our cellar door partners based on their great hospitality and high-quality wines. Before lunch, you’ll get to taste two wines, and after lunch, you’ll get to taste one more.
Cypress Lakes serves lunch, and you’ll have a delicious café-style meal in the gorgeous Hunter Valley Village area. After that, you’ll have some free time to check out a number of local galleries, boutique shops, and regional treats. You will also get to learn how to make cheese at the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory during your tour. If you have time, we suggest stopping at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, The British Lolly Shop, Kissofire Hunter Valley Liqueurs, or The Garden Cellars. You will have to pay for any more sampling here.
We end the day at one of our favourite little wine shops, where we have a great time. Settle in for a structured tasting led by an expert vineyard representative who will show you their best wines. After a day full of good friends, amazing wines, and unforgettable experiences, we start the easy trip back to Sydney.
Don’t worry, we’ve built in breaks on the way back. We know it’s been a long day of drinking and talking. You’ll get back to the city with plenty of time to have dinner or see a concert.
Distance by car: 360 km
Less than 1 mile to walk
Australia Tours may change the schedule as needed. Depending on availability, winery trips may take place in the Pokolbin area. Irongate Estate, Savannah Estate, Constable, Tempus Two/Roche, Mount View, Tintilla Estate, Gun Dog, and Mistletoe are some of the cellar-door partners we work with.
*A selection of baguettes, salads, pies, fish, chicken, burgers, or chips is served for lunch at Cypress Lakes, along with tea, coffee, or a soft drink. There are gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian alternatives. (Estimated at $25)
This tour’s primary meeting place is the Mercure Central, located at 818–820 George St., Sydney, at the corner of Little Regent St (side entrance), starting at 7:00 am. The driver is unable to leave the car unattended, therefore please wait outside on the street.
Pick-up schedule:
• 7:00 – Mercure Central – 818–820 George St, Little Regent St side entrance
• 7:20 – Hilton Sydney Hotel – 255 Pitt St, rear entrance
• 7:35 – Four Seasons Hotel Sydney – 98 Harrington St, rear entrance
• 7:45 – Paradox Sydney Hotel – 27 O’Connell St (formerly Radisson Plaza Blu)
• 8:00 – Roseville Railway Station – Hill St, meet at the bus shelter (opposite Roseville Pharmacy)
On request, more pickups along the Pacific Highway north of Sydney might be scheduled. To ensure the party can leave on time and make the cellar door appointments, please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time.
We at Australia Tours are committed to protecting the indigenous plants and animals we encounter on our Sydney tours. When it comes to minimising our impact on this World Heritage Listed environment and the species that depend on it, we take our responsibilities very seriously. Additionally, we urge all visitors to treat each location with respect for the traditional owners and cultural awareness.
We offer advice on wildlife conservation, low-impact travel strategies, and the long-term viability of the natural places we visit as part of our purpose.
Study up on ecotourism: Traditional Owners: https://www.ecotourism.org.au/
Australia Tours specifically acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the Traditional Owners of the regions we traverse. We kindly request that all visitors keep in mind the profound spiritual value of each site and Indigenous cultural sensitivities.
It is important to watch all animals with deference and without disturbing them. It is advised that visitors proceed at a leisurely pace, make as little noise as possible, and refrain from touching, feeding, or otherwise engaging with animals, especially birds. Human touch can spread disease, alter behaviour, or trigger violent reactions.
Native animals may only be handled or fed by certified wildlife professionals. Human food can alter wildlife’s natural feeding patterns and harm their health.
If you notice an animal that appears injured, distressed, or at risk, please alert your guide, a National Park Ranger, or Visitor Centre staff immediately.
Visitors must obey all instructions from the tour operator, stay behind barriers, and stay on designated walking pathways to protect fragile ecosystems. Vegetation damage, disturbance of animal habitats, and exposure to dangers such as slippery ground, falling branches, loose boulders, and steep slopes can result from veering off course.
Plants, flowers, leaves, deadwood, and other natural materials should not be removed or collected. The local ecology depends on these components.
Every car has an onboard trash can. Fruit skins, bread, and other scraps are not natural to these areas and can attract pests, spread illness, or harm wildlife, so it is not advisable to dispose of any organic or food waste outside.
On our Grampians Tour, we highly advise bringing a reusable water bottle. Refill stations are easily accessible on our cars, and bottled water adds substantially to landfill waste. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.
Every guide is currently certified in Level 2 First Aid. If you become ill or are hurt during the tour, please let your guide know. Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions should bring the required medication and inform the guide at the start of the day.
It is requested that smokers stay away from other passengers and only smoke in approved locations. All cars and lodging establishments, including permanent campgrounds, are off-limits to smoking. Although we plan frequent comfort stops, we cannot guarantee any specific smoke breaks. Cigarette butts should always be disposed of properly and safely.
What wineries do we visit?
Availability, group size, seasonal events, and cellar-door operations all affect our winery timetable. Our three tasting experiences are sourced from Irongate Estate, Savannah Estate, Constable, Tempus Two / Roche, Mount View, Tintilla Estate, Gun Dog, Mistletoe, and other boutique wineries. We work with a wide variety of Hunter Valley locations.
Is lunch provided on this tour?
Lunch is included, yes. Visitors can spend their leisure time at Hunter Valley Village, where they can pay for meals at the bars, restaurants, and cafés. The tour does not include admission to Hunter Valley Gardens.
What is a suitable age for this tour?
Participants must have a valid photo ID and be at least eighteen years old. Since there are no kid-friendly activities on the agenda, it is not suitable for babies or anyone under 18.
How much luggage can I bring on tour?
Only hand baggage and small daypacks should be brought on board due to the limited capacity. Before starting the journey, large suitcases or full backpacks must be kept in luggage lockers or at your lodging.
How fit do I need to be to join this tour?
Only a moderate level of fitness is needed for this tour. It is intended for a laid-back day spent with loved ones. Although certified service animals are welcome, please let us know when making your reservation, as the vehicle is not wheelchair accessible.
Do we visit the Hunter Valley Gardens?
Even though the gardens are in the area, our schedule does not include them. We do not enter the gardens during the tour, but we do make a nearby lunch break at Hunter Valley Village.
What happens if it rains—will the tour proceed?
Indeed, the tour goes on in most weather conditions. Indoor tasting rooms are set up when necessary, and a warm glass of red is the ideal rainy-day treat. The operator will personally contact you if inclement weather forces a cancellation.
Responsible consumption of alcohol?
Anyone who seems drunk may be denied service by the operator for everyone’s safety. No reimbursement will be given to guests who are kicked off the trip for this reason. It is illegal to consume alcohol in moving commercial passenger vehicles.
How many people are on this tour?
On a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, tours may accommodate up to 14 passengers. The car has big windows for easy viewing and air conditioning.
Relaxed atmosphere with 6–14 guests.
Guided tastings at 3–4 selected wineries.
$25 value meal at Cypress Lakes (includes dietary options).
Educational session featuring local produce.
Expert host providing detailed commentary.
Air-conditioned, high-quality vehicle.
Selected central meeting and drop-off points.
Choice of tea, coffee, or a soft drink.
Extra refreshments not on the itinerary.
Personal coverage highly recommended.
Pre/post-tour transfers to meeting points.
Souvenirs and personal incidental costs.
Our winery’s selection varies based on group requirements and availability. Irongate Estate, Savannah Estate, Constable, Tempus Two / Roche, Mount View, Tintilla Estate, Gun Dog, and Mistletoe are just a few of the boutique cellar doors that we collaborate with. Three carefully chosen samples are served to guests based on experience and quality.
Hunter Valley Village serves café-style lunches, including salads, baguettes, burgers, pies, fish, chicken, chips, and a hot or cold beverage. There are gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Everyone must be at least eighteen and have a legitimate photo ID. This wine-focused trip is not suitable for young children or babies.
Only a small day bag (around 5–7 kg) should be brought. Due to vehicle space constraints, larger luggage must be stowed elsewhere before embarking on the tour.
Indeed. In the event of rain, the tour continues, with indoor options set up as needed. Cancellations will only be made due to extreme weather or safety concerns, and guests will be informed in advance.
