The Hunter Valley is the most popular and oldest wine region in Australia. There are around 150 cellar doors ranging from iconic brands to lesser known, boutique producers.
This is not a list of the most popular, biggest or oldest producers in the Hunter Valley. Nor is it a list of cellar doors with 5 star James Halliday ratings, although most of them receive great reviews from the wine critics. The ’20 of the Best Wineries in the Hunter Valley’ focuses on mostly boutique producers with great wines, served by friendly and knowledgeable people.
diVine tours is a local tour company, established in 2006 that specialises in wine tours. As a result, we have grown alongside Hunter Valley producers and built great relationships. Our Gourmet Wine Tour visits some the best wineries in the Hunter Valley like these listed below.
15 of the best wineries in the Hunter Valley
Blueberry Hill
A cellar door surrounded by their vineyard and a beautiful backdrop, the Brokenback Range. Blueberry Hill grow and produce wines from your classic Hunter Valley grape varieties along with Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. A relaxed wine tasting experience in their cosy cellar door or outside amongst the vines.
999 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin
02 4998 7295
Briar Ridge
Set in the scenic Mount View sub region of the Hunter Valley, this quality producer is known for it’s exceptional Semillon and Shiraz. Briar Ridge also offers a diverse range of alternative varieties including Fiano, Albarino and Tempranillo. Why not try their gourmet cheese and antipasto platters while taking in the lovely garden and mountain views.
593 Mount View Road, Mount View
02 4990 3670
Capercaillie Wines
Friendly, knowledgeable staff will great you at this boutique cellar door in Lovedale. Their portfolio of award winning wines include the classic Hunter Valley grape varieties as well as lesser known varieties like Gewurztraminer and Chambourcin.
4 Londons Road, Lovedale
02 4990 2904
De Iuliis
We grow seriously good grapes in unique and iconic Hunter Valley vineyard sites, then throw out the rule book and focus on making exceptional wine that everyone can enjoy. It’s an award-winning formula producing wines with a high-brow taste and down to earth price.
1616 Broke Road, Pokolbin
02 4993 8000
Ernest Hill
Experience personal family service in relaxed atmosphere overlooking the vineyards. Situated at the gateway to the Hunter’s famous Pokolbin region this boutique cellar door produces award winning classic Hunter Valley varieties and a broad range of popular dessert wines.
307 Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba
02 4991 4418
Glenguin Estate
Home of Aristea Shiraz and hand crafted wines made with knowledge and passion. Featuring the most unique and intimate cellar door experience in the Hunter Valley
997 Milbrodale Road, Broke
02 6579 1009
Gundog Estate
As one of the region’s most innovative wine producers, Gundog Estate specialises in the production of contemporary styles of Semillon and Shiraz. Sourcing fruit from some of the best vineyards in the Hunter Valley, Canberra District, and Hilltops, the diversity and quality of our award-winning range is sure to delight. The personalised and relaxed ambience of the Gundog Hunter Cellar & Gourmet Pantry is complemented by our cheese and charcuterie plates, and carefully sourced fine teas and coffee.
101 McDonald’s Rd, Pokolbin
02 4998 6873
Hart & Hunter
Hart & Hunter was formed around the idea of sourcing the best parcels of fruit from the best possible vineyard sites to make a Single Vineyard Wine. Our fruit has come from some amazing parcels of land in Pokolbin that year after year turn out incredible wines truly indicative of their terroir. Our aim is to always credit the wine to the vineyard, to let it stand on its own. Lifted primary fruit, tannin structure and fresh natural acidity form the backbone of our wines.
463 Deaseys Road, Pokolbin
02 4998 7645
Ivanhoe Wines
Boutique cellar door nestled in against the Broken Back Mountain Range. The Ivanhoe Vineyard is set upon an 80-acre estate with vines ranging in age from 10-75 years old, the fruit of which reveals rich colours, great tannins and intense flavours. They offer a broad range of white, red, sparkling and fortified wines.
525 Marrowbone Road, Pokolbin.
02 4998 7325
Keith Tulloch Wines
Fourth generation, family owned vineyard and winery, that have the freedom to make wines with a unique stamp of personality, power and integrity – away from the mainstream, and with an individual style and flair.
989 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
02 4998 7500
Petersons Wines Hunter Valley
Petersons Wines have been at the forefront of the wine industry in the Hunter Valley since 1971 when it was established by Colin Peterson and his parents, Ian and Shirley. Since the first vintage in 1981, Petersons have become recognised for producing premium, award winning wines; a tradition that continues today.
552 Mount View Road, Mount View
02 49 901704
Piggs Peake Winery
Piggs Peake has a reputation for bending and twisting the rules of winemaking. That’s not to say the classics don’t exist, they do. So if you are looking for classic wines, unusual varietals or something you’ve never experienced before, you should drop by for a tasting.
697 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
02 65 747 000
Tinklers Wines and farm produce
Tinklers is a family owned and operated vineyard, winery and cellar door in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley. With over a 100 years farming experience, we produce award winning wines in small batches from fruit grown on our Pokolbin vineyards. Our hardwood cellar door, nestled beneath century old peppercorn trees resonate with a long family history in Pokolbin. We offer a variety of estate grown produce throughout the year.
53, Pokolbin Mountain Road, Pokolbin
02 4998 7435
Tintilla Estate
Tintilla Estate is an enticing, family vineyard that is passionate about the unique character of Hunter wines and seek to deliver individual, hand crafted wines that reflect the Single Vineyard Pokolbin terroir. They are the pioneers of Sangiovese in the Hunter Valley and along with their estate grown olives and other condiments, gives you a sense you’re somewhere in Tuscany.
725 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
02 6574 7093
Vinden Estate
Established in 1998, Vinden Estate is now under the guidance of the second generation wine maker Angus Vinden. Since taking over in 2015 has maintained the original label ‘Vinden Estate’ which possess a traditional Hunter style as well as producing his offshoot label allowing a more experimental approach ‘The Vinden Headcase’; balancing tradition with innovation.
138 Gillards Road, Pokolbin
02 4998 7410
Common Cellar Door Questions
There are about 150 cellar doors in the Hunter Valley. Wineries are where the wine is made. Some brands don’t own a winery and pay someone else to make their wine for them.
It’s hard to have a number 1 when there are so many great producers. There are many different factors that make up my favourites; such as their wines, staff and the tasting experience.
No, although it is becoming more common over time. It used to be just for larger groups but know it’s we’re seeing tasting fees applied to all customers. Wine tasting fees in most cases will be refunded with the purchase of wine. The cost is usually about $5 per person and some cellar doors may charge more for their premium wines.
Generally, I would say no more than four. Two before lunch and two after. But this depends on how many wines you try at each place and your lunch (or long lunch) of course. Other factors like your alcohol tolerance and using the spittoons or not, also make a difference.
