Young people enjoying a wine tasting next to the vineyards at Hope Estate
Photograph: Destination NSW
Photograph: Destination NSW

Where to drink, eat and stay in the Hunter Valley

Found north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s biggest wine regions, boasting gorgeous scenery, impressive culinary offerings and – of course – killer drops

Avril Treasure
Contributor: Olivia Gee
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Ahhh, wine country. The Hunter Valley’s fertile fields have given birth to more than 150 wineries that roll across the green hills of this popular region, just two hours' drive from Sydney. Proud growers and winemakers have been squeezing the good stuff out of grapes for close to 180 years, and it has earned the Hunter region solid street cred on both Australian and international vinous scenes.

But despite the well-deserved nickname, this wine country offers more than just bottled grown-up grape juice and gorgeous scenery. Spend a few days here and you'll stumble across many excellent restaurants that rival those found in The Big Smoke. 

And when you come and stay for a long weekend, the luxe accommodation options will blow every other glamping experience or couple's retreat out of the water.

So, if you're looking for things to do in the Hunter Valley, we've got you covered with our guide on where to drink, dine and stay. Our writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have gallivanted around this dreamy neck of the woods to bring you what's good.

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The Hunter Valley's best wineries

Everyone who visits the Hunter Valley should enjoy a full day of wine tasting. The Hunter’s big four are their: semillon (which is crisp and citrusy in its youth and honeys with age); a peachy chardonnay; lively verdelho; and a medium-bodied, savoury shiraz.

And while it’s true you could spend weeks adventuring around the hills knocking on cellar doors, we know not everyone’s got time for that. So, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite spots to check out. Come thirsty, book a group tour (we went with Grape to Glass wine tours and they were ace) and get ready to drink some seriously good vino. 

Margan Wines and Restaurant in Broke is a must-visit, with owners Andrew and Lisa Margan committed to sustainable winemaking processes. Kick things off with a tasting, stroll around the working kitchen garden, and then sit down to an incredible, fresh and bright veg-forward meal.

Housed in the original Pokolbin Church that was built in 1905, Usher Tinkler Wines is a picture-perfect place to stop for a tasting. We love the glass back wall, which allows sunshine to pour through while showing off the lush countryside in all its glory. Tinkler’s wines are funky, interesting and blur the lines between traditional and contemporary winemaking, like the 2022 Death By Semillon drop. The team also does a banging salumi and cheese platter, too.

Stop by Mount Pleasant to sip award-winning shiraz by highly regarded winemaker Adrian Sparks overlooking lavender and vines. The historic winery has recently undergone a luxe refurbishment, and now boasts eclectic art and colourful furnishings.

There are a lot of excellent wineries and cellar doors in the Hunter Valley; it is wine country, after all. But if you’re keen to take your wine knowledge to the next level and have a good time while you’re at it, Thomas Wines is our pick. Award-winning winemaker Andrew Thomas specialises in the Hunter’s signature varieties, semillon and shiraz, and he’s one of the best there is. During your experience, you’ll learn more about the soil, the environment, and what makes the Hunter so special for growing grapes. And, you’ll get to taste the top drops from Thomas Wines, of course.

Perched high on a hill in Pokolbin, Bimbadgen Winery boasts stunning vistas and exceptional wine. There’s a cellar door if you feel like doing a tasting, and if you’re hungry, the on-site restaurant offers a seasonal four-course menu that celebrates the best of the land and sea.

First Creek Wines bottles 80 per cent of the Hunter’s vinos, but that doesn’t mean this big operation has lost its charm and soul, with their winemaker Liz Silkman as good as it gets. Our go-to: First Creek’s bright and delicious chardonnay. Their cellar door is open seven days a week. 

And while Brokenwood Wines may not have as much character as some of the wineries we’ve checked out, their drops go down a treat.

Your next port of call is Pepper Tree Wines. This cellar door is positioned on a lush estate, which has spectacular accommodation within spitting distance and some superb food on offer at the nearby Circa 1876. If you have a particularly keen interest in wine science, or want to test the tasting skills you’ve learnt so far, book in for the winery’s Vault Experience. The extremely knowledgeable yet laid-back staff will take you on a private tasting journey of the boutique winery’s premium labels, while providing some history about their three decades in the business and the master vigneron behind it all, John Davis.

Cleanse your palate with a craft beer at IronBark Hill Brewing Co. They make at least 12 beers and ciders – plus seasonal brews – including our favourite, the fruity and thirst-quenching Wheatermelon. Plus, there's an on-site restaurant serving delicious pizzas and they can host weddings, too.

Where to eat in the Hunter Valley

If you're looking for an extra special night, head to Exp, one of the Hunter’s best diners. The slick and intimate restaurant by talented chef-owner Frank Fawkner offers a multi-course menu featuring inventive, wow-inducing, and most importantly, delicious plates of food. There are a handful of tables for groups, but if you can, nab a seat at the chef’s table and enjoy a front-row view of the action.

Away for a romantic weekend? Make a booking at Muse Restaurant, one of the Hunter’s icons. This year, the fine diner celebrated 15 years, which is no small feat in the world of hospitality.  After one dinner here you’ll see why Troy Rhoades-Brown’s baby is still going strong.

The legend goes that Yellow Billy was a bushranger who roamed the Hunter region in the 1860s, sleeping in caves, living off the land and using fire to cook. Chef Sam Alexander and sommelier Pat Hester pay homage to him at their killer spot, Yellow Billy Restaurant in Pokolbin, where cooking over fire is at the heart of each dish. While you’re there, check out the lush kitchen garden and custom-made fire pit, which the team uses daily to bring smoke, char and character to proteins and veg.

You have to visit Bistro Molines, of course. The French-style bistro is the most beautiful restaurant in the region, channelling a Provincial farmhouse chic vibe. Think sweeping views of the Hunter’s vineyards, fresh flowers and bowls of citrus fruit, and sunlight streaming through the windows. The menu features the classics done well, but really, it’s all about those views. Here, you can pretend you’re in the South of France or Tuscany, albeit for a few blissful hours.

Looking for a casual bite to eat and drink? Jimmy Joans in Lovedale is our pick. We love the outdoor area which is perfect for afternoon cocktails, and the coffee is great, too.

Newcomer Lucky Duck – an Asian-inspired pop-up at Leaves & Fishes in Lovedale – is now staying because locals digged the tasty plates and we do too. The tropical garden is fun to explore and it's easy to feel you're in Byron, and not in the Hunter.

You don’t need to be a guest of Spicers Hunter Valley to dine at Italian diner éRemo Restaurant. So, if you’re craving a luscious pasta or beautifully cooked steak in a classy space after knocking back vinos all day, you know where to head.

Where to stay in the Hunter Valley

If you’re looking for a romantic escape, our pick would be Spicers Guesthouse. Found in Pokolbin, the five-star retreat is well located for all your activities in the Hunter Valley, but we love it for more than its address. Featuring elegant and stylish rooms, marshmallow-like beds, a dreamy pool and an on-site restaurant, you could spend your whole getaway at Spicers Guesthouse and have a rejuvenating time. Robe mandatory.

After peace, quiet and privacy? The Lane Retreat in Pokolbin offers that and more. The stand-alone modern studios feature vineyard and mountain views, a rain shower and a private deck so you can enjoy a glass of wine outside while watching the sun set.

Travelling with little ones? Rydges Resort Hunter Valley has its very own playground and waterpark. Plus, there's an on-site golf course and spa for the grown ups.

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