Pickup from Pokolbin
Pokolbin wine tours
The Pokolbin wine region is a haven for wine lovers, with Chardonnay, Semillon and Shiraz the most popular varieties. It is home ground for us, and a guided wine tasting tour is the best way to follow the grape's journey from vineyard to bottle.
The heart of the Hunter, on your doorstep
Let Hunter Valley Tours be your local guide through some of the most stunning vineyards in Australia. Pokolbin is a two-hour drive from Sydney and about one hour from Newcastle, with a wine tasting history that dates back more than 150 years, when the first Semillon vines were planted.
The region's volcanic soils and humid weather make the perfect environment for wine growing, and long-established names like Drayton's, Lake's Folly, Lindeman's, Tulloch and Tyrrell have spent generations perfecting the craft. We take you to a hand-picked selection of cellar doors, and we are on hand to recommend Pokolbin's best places to go while you are here.
See the group tour options or tell us what you have in mind and we will shape the day around you.
How the day works from Pokolbin
Pickup and return
We collect you from your Pokolbin accommodation and bring you home at the end of the day. Pickup is free within the local area, a 12km radius of Hunter Valley Gardens, and most Pokolbin cottages and villas fall inside it.
Among the vines already
Staying in Pokolbin puts you in the middle of more than 150 wineries. That means less time on the road and more time at the cellar doors, tasting with the people who make the wine.
Pickup times
Pickups run from 9am, with your first cellar door pouring at 10am. We confirm your exact time the night before by text, email or phone. Booking within 12 hours? Call 0456 737 888 first.
Choose your day
Join a shared small-group tour or book a private day for your own group. Not sure which suits? The group tours page lays out every option.
More to do in Pokolbin
Pokolbin is the ultimate destination for wine lovers, and with more than 150 wineries you could easily spend a whole trip exploring the vineyards. There is plenty more to see and do here too, so if you are staying a while, here are a few local favourites.
- Fine winery dining: take in the views at Amanda's on the Edge, dine at Esca Bimbadgen or try native-inspired food at Kawul on Pokolbin Mountains Road.
- Casual bites: 4 Pines at The Farm for the community feel, Lovedale Cafe for healthy food and good coffee, or gifts from the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop.
- Wine tasting master class: learn to taste and identify a range of wines from local Hunter Valley wineries.
- World-class golf: Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club, The Vintage and Hunter Valley Golf Course are all within 20km of Pokolbin.
- Hot air ballooning: float over the vineyards and mountains with Balloon Aloft or Hunter Valley Ballooning.
- Cellar door hopping: with over 150 wineries, the boutique producers are often the ones without the biggest signs.
- Popular grape varieties: whites include Chardonnay, Semillon and Verdelho; reds include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
- Where to stay: B&Bs, boutique hotels and historic farmhouses dot the landscape, from Sovereign Hill Country Lodge to Burncroft Guesthouse.
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.