Hunter Valley Tours
A team member guides a guest in a wheelchair onto the minibus hydraulic lift, vineyard behind them

Wine tasting without limitation

Accessible wine tours of the Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is known for its beautiful scenery and delicious wine, and we believe those experiences should be without limitation. Book a tour with us and experience the joy of wine tasting.

Where we started

The first of its kind in the Hunter

Hunter Valley Tours commenced operation in 2015, and it was our passion to be the first privately owned, accessible, recreational tour service in the greater Hunter Valley. We provide accessible tours throughout the region, visiting organic and boutique wineries, distilleries and artisan producers across Pokolbin, Lovedale, Nulkaba and Cessnock.

We are proud to be known throughout the Hunter Valley as a reliable, fun, inclusive tour service that caters to everyone, not just a select group. Our belief is that everyone has the right to access and explore our wonderful country and experience the best wineries in the Hunter Valley, regardless of personal mobility restrictions.

A tour group, one guest in a wheelchair, in front of two Hunter Valley Tours vans

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See an accessible tour day

Two and a half minutes in the valley: the lift, the cellar doors, the tastings and the people, filmed on a real accessible tour. It says more than any list of features can.

How we make the day work for everyone

The bus

A late model Long Wheel Base Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a hydraulic lifter for easy, no-hassle, discreet access, an automatic slide-out step and rails, spacious seating and storage away from your seat.

The venues

We invest the time and attention to ensure every venue we visit is accessible. The boutique wineries on our tours can be reached by ramps and lifts, so the cellar door and tasting rooms are open to all our guests.

The team

Our guides undergo training in risk awareness, manual handling and transporting people using wheelchairs, including HLTWHS005 Conduct Manual Tasks Safely through a Registered Training Organisation, so safety, dignity and comfort are always maintained.

Your requirements

If you have specific accessibility requirements, tell us when you book. We are experienced and happy to help make sure you experience everything this beautiful region has to offer.

A tour group waves beside the Peterson House barrels, one guest in a wheelchair front and centre

Recognised in the accessible travel space

Recommended by AccessibleTravel.Online

AccessibleTravel.Online, a platform dedicated to aiding travellers with disabilities, has published a letter commending Hunter Valley Tours for our efforts to accommodate all customers regardless of physical limitation, and kindly acknowledges HV Tours as mentors within the accessible tour space.

Read the AccessibleTravel.Online letter (PDF)

Our accessible work has also been recognised with the Accessible Travel Agency Award of Excellence 2021. See the 2021 award (PDF)

Community

Proud partners of the Newcastle Falcons Wheelchair Sports Team

HV Tours provides transport for the Newcastle Falcons Wheelchair Sports Team to all of their games. As dedicated supporters of community and inclusivity, this partnership underscores our commitment to accessible, reliable transport and to local sport.

We also support ConnectAbility Australia, Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue and the Higgins Crew netball teams. Community is not a marketing line for us; it is where the business came from.

Four friends, one using a wheelchair, in front of a modern cellar door

Beyond wine tours

Cruise ship and airport transfers

Skip the cramped taxi. Book the accessible minibus and travel together with your fellow holiday makers, comfortable and safe, all the way to the terminal.

Special interest transport

Need to be somewhere, or looking for someone to accompany you with travel assistance? Our accessible minibus and experienced team will get you from point A to point B safely, comfortably, and with good company along the way.

Accessible accommodation

We happily point guests to accessible stays we know: 27 Rows on Hermitage Road, Blue Cliff Retreat, Chateau Elan, Spicers Guesthouse, Crowne Plaza, Grand Mercure at HV Gardens, Willow Tree Estate, Wine Country Motor Inn in Cessnock and more. Ask us when you book.

Mobility equipment locally

Hunter Appliances and Mobility in the Hunter (4990 9320) can deliver walkers, shower chairs and other aids to your accommodation, and Wicked Wheelchairs (07 5500 0882) build custom chairs with personality. Two local businesses we are glad to recommend.

Most of our shared tours are accessible products. Planning a private day? Tell us what you need when you enquire and we will do our best to make the day work.

Got questions about your Hunter Valley wine tour?

We have a wealth of knowledge about the local wine region, boutique wineries and artisan producers here in the Hunter Valley. Get in touch to talk through your own requirements and we will shape the best wine tour we can for you.