6 of the Best Hunter Valley Tours from Sydney 2024
Have you been wondering the Best Hunter Valley Tours from Sydney? I’ve got you covered!
There are so many Hunter Valley wine tours from Sydney to choose from, but you can trust me when I say that I’ve done the hard work for you.
As an Aussie who has spent a lot of time travelling around Australia, I’ve made it my mission to explore the country’s best wine regions and find out which Hunter Valley tours from Sydney are worth your time and money.
Whether you’re looking for a gourmet food and wine experience, a romantic getaway with your partner or an educational day out with friends, there is something for everyone in the Hunter Valley.
From private tour groups to large group bookings, I have hand-picked some of the best Hunter Valley Wine Tours from Sydney to help make your time in this gorgeous region even more enjoyable.
So if you’re looking for the perfect way to spend your next weekend getaway, look no further than these incredible winery tours!
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My Top 3 Picks: Hunter Valley wine tours from sydney
6 of the Best Hunter Valley Tours from Sydney
1. Hunter Valley Wine Tour From Sydney Including Lunch, Cheese, Chocolate And Distillery
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 11 hours |📍 LOCATION: Hunter Valley | ✅ Book it!
Want to see and taste the very best of the Hunter Valley? Pack as much in as possible on this small-group Hunter Valley day trip from Sydney. Discover a range of culinary delights and explore the most prestigious boutique wineries in the region.
In addition to a gourmet lunch, you can also sample local cheeses, chocolates and fudge. Another thing that sets this tour apart is the opportunity to visit a distillery and taste a range of different alcoholic beverages.
“ Fabulous day from start to finish. Wonderful scenery and we had such beautiful weather. There was plenty of choice in the wines to taste and the lunch was generous and tasty. We were well looked after by our guide Mark who was friendly and informative. Would highly recommend!” -Wendy_T (read more reviews)
As you make your way to the gorgeous Hunter Valley, admire the endless vineyards and beautiful rolling hills. In the morning, you will visit boutique Hunter Valley wineries, tasting different white and red wine varieties while also learning about the wine making process.
Take in the scenic views once again as you stop for lunch with your small group at a local restaurant. Be sure to leave room for your afternoon trips to a local cheese shop, as well as a chocolate and fudge factory.
Lastly, switch things up as you arrive at the Hunter Valley Distillery for an organic vodka tasting experience. You might also be able to sample some gin and other spirits.
Important details
- Start time: 7:15 to 7:45 am – Christ Church St Laurence at 7:15 am, St Andrews Cathedral at 7:30 am, or Macquarie Place Park at 7:45 am
- Duration: 11 hours
- Includes: Paired tastings of wine and cheese as well as wine and chocolate, transportation in a luxury carbon-neutral Mercedes Benz with a professional driver and guide, a restaurant lunch with a glass of wine or beer, a visit to three boutique cellars for wine tastings, a behind the scenes peek at wine production, entrance fees, and additional tastings of organic vodka, gin and spirits
2. Day Trip With Chef-Led Hunter Valley Gourmet Food And Wine
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 11 hours |📍 LOCATION: Hunter Valley | ✅ Book it!
Follow along a professional chef for a day as you embark on a gourmet food and wine tasting tour of the Hunter Valley. Your inner foodie will love you for it!
After a stop to the Sydney Fish Market, head off to some of the top boutique wineries in the region. Indulge in local delicacies for lunch, such as pan-fried barramundi, kangaroo steak and fresh sushi, expertly paired with fine wines.
Having a professional chef as your guide and getting his unique perspective makes this one of the most informative and top-rated Hunter Valley wine tours. It’s also a great choice if you’re a sociable person and you want to meet some fellow travellers.
“Traveling with chef Jimmy to the Sydney fish market and Hunter Valley wine region was one of the best tours imaginable! Along the way he cooked for us and taught us how to make sushi. At the boutique wineries we had a chance to pair wines with the wonderful foods he prepared. He was super organized and very knowledgeable, navigating smoothly through the city into the beautiful countryside. I would highly recommend this tour for a lovely day trip from Sydney.” – Ana_G (read more reviews)
This unforgettable Hunter Valley day trip begins with a visit to the Sydney Fish Market, the third-largest fish market in the world. Here, you’ll find out what to look out for when buying fresh seafood, as well as learn how the seafood auction works. As the chef picks up ingredients for the lunch ahead, you can grab yourself a coffee.
Next, take a short stroll by the Hawkesbury River as a hot breakfast is prepared for you. Once you’ve filled up your belly in preparation for all the wine later on, you’ll be on the road to the Hunter Valley in a comfy air-conditioned vehicle.
You’ll spend the bulk of the day visiting three separate wineries, meeting the owners and sampling some of their finest wines. At the second and third wineries, specific wines have been selected to best pair with your seafood lunch.
Water and snacks are provided for the drive back to Sydney.
Important details
- Start time: 6:30 am – Pick-up from a list of various major hotels throughout Sydney
- Duration: 11 hours
- Includes: Breakfast and lunch, snacks, bottled water, wine and food tasting, an air-conditioned vehicle, and select hotel pick-up and drop-off
3. Private Hunter Valley Lunch Tour By Helicopter
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 5-6 hours |📍 LOCATION: Hunter Valley | ✅ Book it!
An extra special option for private Hunter Valley wine tours from Sydney is this unforgettable helicopter adventure. Operated by Sydney HeliTours, you’ll take a helicopter ride from Sydney Airport to the Hunter Valley with your expert pilot and guide.
Admire beautiful views of the city and the Hunter Valley region from above before stopping for a wine tasting and gourmet three-course meal. If you have limited time in Sydney and can’t go on a full-day trip, this tour is perfect.
“The ride is fantastic and pilot is superb. Navigating across the terrain to the wineyard is pulchritudinous. The lunch is fantastic and it’s definitely worth it. And not to mention the wines, you can drink as much as you can…” – MunFai_C (read more reviews)
Arrive at the Sydney Airport helipad for a safety briefing and photo op before boarding. You’ll be given a headset to wear during the flight so you can communicate with the pilot, who will also point out amazing sights like the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the Hawkesbury River, and the stunning coastline of the Northern Beaches.
After an hour-long flight, you’ll land in the Hunter Valley to begin your wine tasting. Sample some Semillon and Shiraz, which the region is famous for, and other award-winning wines.
Next, it’s time for lunch among the vineyards at one of the Hunter Valley’s most reputable restaurants. Using seasonal and local ingredients, the chef will prepare a gourmet three-course meal for you. While waiting, sip some more complimentary wine.
To end this magical day, your return helicopter flight back to Sydney will take you over more amazing views and landmarks once again.
Important details
- Start time: 11:30 am – Sydney HeliTours at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport
- Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Includes: A private return helicopter flight from Sydney to the Hunter Valley and back, a three-course lunch with a bottle of wine, commentary from the pilot, wine tasting upon request, selected CBD hotel pick-up and drop-off or free parking for those who choose to drive to the meeting point
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
4. Luxury Hunter Valley Wildlife & Wine Tasting Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 10 hours |📍 LOCATION: Hunter Valley | ✅ Book it!
Interested in going on one the most luxurious Hunter Valley group wine tours? Take on two of the most incredible Hunter Valley activities – wildlife spotting and wine tasting – in one adventure-packed day.
Stop by a wildlife park to see native Australian animals in their natural environment and have morning tea before heading off to some boutique wineries. In addition to tasting delicious wines, you’ll get the chance to learn about this iconic wine-producing region.
This small-group tour ensures personalised attention from the knowledgeable and engaging guide who will lead you throughout the day. This is definitely one of the most chill yet well-structured Hunter Valley wine tours from Sydney.
“Overall a fantastic way to spend a day! The Wildlife Park was fun and petting a koala and kangaroo was definitely a highlight. Sam kept the dav moving and fun. The Hunter valley is beautiful and the wineries so lovely and each unique. Again Sam is a great tour guide and made the day all around fantastic.” – Carol H (read more reviews)
With over 12 years of experience, Kangarrific Tours has fine-tuned this amazing tour to create a memorable experience. With a luxury minibus and a local guide picking you up near Central Station, your day will be stress-free.
On the drive to the Hunter Valley from Sydney, you’ll take a rest stop at a wildlife sanctuary and meet with a koala and its ranger. Friendly kangaroos and wallabies will also be hopping around. While here, indulge in a selection of local cheeses, olive oils and chocolates.
Enjoy your first wine tasting at Pokolbin Estate Vineyard or a similar boutique vineyard, before stopping at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort for a delicious lunch in the countryside. Lastly, pop into Wombat Crossing Vineyard for another great wine tasting.
Important details
- Start time and location: 7:30 am – 497 Pitt St, Haymarket
- Duration: 10 hours
- Includes: Professional commentary and a luxury minibus with air-con, reclining seats, free WiFi, USB charging and a cooler
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
5. Small-Group Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 11 hours |📍 LOCATION: Hunter Valley | ✅ Book it!
Are you looking for value for money, a fun day with a small group of like-minded travellers, and a chance to taste up to 20 different wines? This small-group excursion is another great option for Hunter Valley wine tours from Sydney.
Visit both wineries and breweries, as well as artisan shops and cheese stores across the region. Take a behind-the-scenes winery tour, indulge in a gourmet lunch of Aussie favourites like potato crumbed barramundi and pork loin, and relax in comfort on a round-trip coach. Bring your own water bottle to balance out the wine!
“Kris was a great guide. He was full of interesting facts and thoughtful of everyone’s needs. We had a great day with like minded people, a lovely lunch and of course a selection of Hunter Valley wines, chocolate and delicious cheeses to sample!” – Rosemary_M (read more reviews)
Begin your Hunter Valley winery tour at De Iuliis, which has been rated a 5-star winery since 2010. Move on to the Hermitage Road Cellar Door, which showcases smaller winemakers from the Hunter Valley, including Winmark, Stormy Ridge, Domaine de Binet, Helé Family and more. This tasting comes with selected local cheeses that pair perfectly.
Choose from six different mains for lunch at Hunter Valley Resort + Farm, accompanied by a glass of wine or beer. After your meal, you’ll visit Hunter Valley’s only certified organic distillery. Taste their award-winning Copperwave Distilled Gin and other top shelf spirits, from vodka to liqueurs and schnapps.
The last winery on the agenda is Pokolbin Estate Vineyard. This casual tasting comes with chocolates to create unique taste sensations. Once you’ve had enough to drink, take the opportunity to look around the Olive Centre and discover locally-made products like olive oil, olives, jams, chutneys, chilli products and dukkah.
Important details
- Start time: 7:15 to 7:45 am – Christ Church St Laurence at 7:15 am, St Andrews Cathedral at 7:30 am, or Macquarie Place Park at 7:45 am
- Duration: 11 hours
- Includes: Paired tastings of wine and cheese as well as wine and chocolate, a visit to three boutique cellar doors, spirit tastings (vodka, gin and schnapps), lunch, and an experienced and informative driver and guide with a great music playlist
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
6. Hunter Valley Highlights Private Wine Tour From Sydney
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH: 10 hours |📍 LOCATION: Hunter Valley | ✅ Book it!
If you’re seeking private Hunter Valley wine tours where you can learn a lot about Australia’s oldest wine region, look no further. This is also an ideal option for Hunter Valley wine tours for couples.
While the region is known for its Semillon and Shiraz, you’ll uncover some of the other unique wines the Hunter Valley has to offer. In addition to visiting some of the best boutique wineries, you’ll also discover some amazing local gourmet food producers.
“We had a great day in Hunter Valley and definitely developed a greater appreciation for Australian wines. Coming from the California wine country, we already knew a lot about wine–but we surprised how much we DIDN’T know about wines from this area … This is a must-do activity if you have time.” – Dianne_S (read more reviews)
Your trip begins passing by through Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The first official stop is Briar Ridge Vineyard in Mount View, followed by nearby Hanging Tree Wines in Pokolbin. Indulge in some whites and reds before popping into the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop, which sells Australian and imported artisan cheeses and other nibblies.
For lunch, you’ll head to Cafe Enzo or another agreed upon venue that suits your tastes. Enjoy a delicious meal made with locally-sourced produce and take the opportunity to ask your guide any questions.
Afterwards, visit the picturesque Capercaillie Wine Company in Lovedale. At your private seated wine tasting, familiarise yourself with some of Capercaillie’s award-winning reds, whites, sparkling wines and dessert wines.
Before the ride back to Sydney, treat yourself to a different kind of tasting at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company. This gourmet range of chocolates and fudge is made on-site, and you can even sit down and sip a hot chocolate.
Important details
- Start time: At your selected time, this is a private tour – Selected hotel pick-up
- Duration: 10 hours
- Includes: Private transportation plus selected pick-up and drop-off from various hotels, insights from a passionate and knowledgeable, and free bottled water
FAQs About hunter valley wine tasting tours
Is there an age limit for Hunter Valley wine tasting tours?
Yes, you must be 18 or over to participate in a wine tasting tour.
What type of foods will be served during the Hunter Valley wine tasting tours?
Most tours offer food and beverage pairings that match the different types of wines being tasted. This can range from cheese and bread platters, antipasto platters and other light snacks. Some tours also have lunch included or will make a stop somewhere for you to enjoy lunch.
is hunter valley worth visiting
The Hunter Valley is definitely worth visiting. It’s a stunning region in Australia, located just two hours north of Sydney. Home to some of the finest wineries in the world, it’s perfect for a romantic getaway or a fun day out with friends.
From winery tours and live music events to hot air balloon rides and cheese-tasting experiences, there is something for everyone in the beautiful Hunter Valley. With its rolling hills and lush vineyards, it truly is an unforgettable experience that you’ll never forget!
how long to drive to hunter valley from sydney
Driving from Sydney to Hunter Valley takes around two and a half hours by car. There are roads with different speed limits so the exact time of the journey may depend on which route you take. If you want to save time, it is best to use the fastest route available.
An alternate option would be taking the train from Sydney Central Station, which takes just under two hours to reach Cessnock Station in Hunter Valley.
Final Thoughts: wine tours in the hunter valley
With the Hunter Valley always providing a unique and amazing experience for its travellers, a wine tour is the perfect way to take it all in.
You can get a true taste of the beautiful Hunter Valley countryside by booking one of the many vineyard tours on offer.
Take part in exploration of some of Australia’s finest wineries and sample some of the best wines available from local producers. And with so much to explore, you’d be silly not to make time for at least one glass of vino during your stay.
So don’t wait any longer – book your wine tour today and sit back, relax, and enjoy a glass or six (responsibly!) of some of Australia’s best wines.
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