The Pokolbin wine region is a haven for wine lovers — Chardonnay, Semillon and Shiraz being the most popular varieties. It’s no secret that the Hunter Valley is the greatest wine-producing region in Australia. With a history of winemaking that dates back more than 150 years when the first Semillon vines were planted, a wine tasting tour in Pokolbin will be the highlight of your trip to the Hunter Valley.
While here, let Hunter Valley Tours be your local guide through some of the most stunning vineyards in Australia as you follow the grape’s journey from vineyard to bottle. So you can make the most of your time in Pokolbin, we are also on hand to recommend some of Pokolbin’s best places to go and things to see for you to explore while you’re here.
The ultimate wine tasting experience in the heart of Pokolbin
Pokolbin is a two-hour drive from Sydney and about one hour away from Newcastle, making it the perfect location for a day trip. The area has plenty of options for accommodation, eating out and entertainment, including wine schools, world-class golf resorts and family-friendly activities.
Wineries are open year-round but the region experiences hot summers and cold winters so you should choose when to visit based on your own preference. Through the months of April until October, you are most likely to experience good weather teamed with cloudy afternoons and a gentle sea breeze for your Pokolbin wine tasting tour and other activities.
What makes Hunter Valley wine so special?
The Hunter Valley wine region is famous for its award-winning wines, which have been produced in the area since the 1800s. The region’s volcanic soils and humid weather make for the perfect environment for wine growing with local wine growers, including some long-established and reputable brands like Draytons, Lake’s Folly, Lindeman’s, Tulloch and Tyrrell, having spent generations perfecting the wine production process.
Popular grape varieties and wine styles in Pokolbin
The most popular white grape varieties in the Hunter Valley include Chardonnay, Semillon and Verdelho with popular red wine varieties including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Chardonnay accounts for more than 70% of the produce in the area and is notable for its rich, oaky flavours.
Best things to see and places to go in Pokolbin
Pokolbin is the ultimate destination for wine lovers. With more than 150 wineries, the region is a tourist hotspot where visitors can easily spend an entire trip exploring the many vineyards the area has to offer, but while taking a wine tour in Pokolbin there are also plenty of other things to see and do here.
Here are some additional activities and places to go while in Pokolbin.
Enjoy the local cuisine with wine pairings at one of Pokolbin’s high-quality restaurants
Good wines deserve good food to accompany them, so it goes without saying that there is no shortage of outstanding restaurants in Pokolbin.
Take in the breath-taking views of Pokolbin’s vineyards at Amanda’s on the Edge, enjoy fine dining at winery restaurant Esca Bimbadgen or experience native-inspired food at Kawul on Pokolbin Mountains Road.
For more casual dining stop by 4 Pines at The Farm for soaking up the community feel, call into Lovedale Café for some healthy food options and exceptional coffee or pick up gifts at the Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop.
For a full list of amazing dining options in Pokolbin visit;
www.agfg.com.au/restaurants/newcastle-hunter/pokolbin
Take a wine tasting master class
When travelling, there is always an opportunity to learn new skills and develop a new appreciation for the things you love.
We believe that in order to truly appreciate wine, you must first be able to identify the common characteristics. By taking a wine tasting master class in Pokolbin, you will learn how to taste and identify a variety of wines from local Hunter Valley wineries.
Get competitive on one of Pokolbin’s world-class golf courses
Pokolbin may not be the first place you think about when considering a round of golf but many are surprised to find that the area is a golfer’s paradise with three world-class golf courses (Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club, The Vintage Golf Course and Hunter Valley Golf Course) all within 20kms of Pokolbin.
Soar above Pokolbin’s rolling vineyards with a hot air balloon ride
The rolling landscape of Pokolbin is even more impressive from above. Enjoy a hot air balloon ride to take in aerial views while floating over the local vineyards, farmland and mountains.
Some of the most popular companies offering hot air balloon rides in Pokolbin include Balloon Aloft and Hunter Valley Ballooning.
Combine these great experiences with a wine tasting tour in Pokolbin
Travel through rolling vineyards and the scenic Hunter Valley countryside on your way to Pokolbin, one of the oldest and most prestigious wine regions of Australia — and of the world.
Whether you’re stopping for a quick sample of the local produce while passing through Hunter Valley’s wine region or looking to join a full day wine-tasting excursion, a Pokolbin winery tour is the best way to get to know the region’s famous wines.
Hunter Valley Tours offers 3 different packages for visitors to choose from and can create a personalised tour where you can explore some of Pokolbin’s best wineries. When you book a wine tasting tour with us, all you have to do is sit back and relax while taking in the stunning vineyard views.
What to expect on a wine tour
Hunter Valley Tours will accompany you to one or more wineries. Our wine tours in Pokolbin offer more than just taking in the views of the vineyards and tasting the wine. During our wine tour, you can immerse yourself in the complete wine tasting experience.
The vineyard and wine-making process
With the aid of our knowledgeable guide, you will discover wines made from grapes cultivated in Pokolbin and get a complete understanding of the vineyards, cultivating, harvesting, wine making and the winery itself.
The history of the wine making in Pokolbin
During your wine tasting tour in Pokolbin, you will learn about the different variety of grapes that are grown in the region and how local wines are made.
Many winemakers follow a family tradition for their produce so it’s not uncommon for the family history of the vineyard to be an interesting part of your wine tour experience.
Sampling the wines
Everybody’s favourite part of the wine tasting tour – sampling the wines! As we visit a selection of wineries, cellar doors and vineyards, you will get the opportunity to taste some of Hunter Valley’s most superior boutique wines.
During the wine sampling, you will also have the option to taste local cheeses or chocolates to accompany your tasting.
You can view our long list of places we can visit for wine tasting tours in Pokolbin here.
Pickups and drop-offs
We offer pickups and drop-offs from your accommodation in Newcastle, Maitland, Singleton and the Pokolbin wine tour vineyard areas. Our wine tasting tours in Pokolbin are suitable for large or small private groups of 7 to 48+ people.
Prices for our full day Pokolbin wine tours start from as low as $190.00 per person and can be booked online in advance.
Where to stay in Pokolbin
There are many beautiful places to stay in Pokolbin and throughout the Hunter Valley wine region. An abundance of B&Bs dot the landscape, boutique hotels can be found in Pokolbin centre and historic farmhouses and vineyards are available for wine enthusiasts who want an up-close view of the vineyards.
Hunter Valley Tours offers wine tour package deals for our customers and can assist you with finding suitable accommodation in the area. Some of the most popular places our guests stay include Sovereign Hill Country Lodge and Vineyard, Burncroft Guesthouse, Hunter Valley Resort and Unwind Hunter Valley Accommodation.
How to get to Pokolbin
Driving
The Hunter Valley is located in the Newcastle and Hunter region of New South Wales, approximately 160km away from Sydney and takes a two hour drive along the motorway. You can also opt for the scenic route by taking the Calga exit for Tourist Drive 33 which leads you through Wollombi and then on to Pokolbin.
Train
Many intercity trains run between Sydney and Singleton, which is a 25 minute drive away from Pokolbin. You can also catch the NSW TrainLink Regional train service to Hunter Valley, which stops at Maitland, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Scone and Aberdeen.
Plane
If you are reaching the area by plane, there are a number of direct flights to Newcastle Airport from all major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Brisbane. At the airport, you can find many options for car rental as well as taxi services.
Getting around Pokolbin
Once you have arrived in Pokolbin, you have many options for getting around. There are a number of tour operators, such as Hunter Valley Tours, that offer transport to activities or you can opt for renting a car to drive yourself. There are also public transportation options and local taxi services available.
Contact us to schedule a wine tasting tour in Pokolbin
Hunter Valley Tours is your go-to guide for wine tasting tours in Pokolbin. If you would like to book a Pokolbin wine tasting tour, get more information or have any questions then you can contact our team by calling 0456 737 888 or emailing us at info@hvtours.com.au.
