Here are some of Hunter Valley’s most popular wines.
Visiting Hunter Valley means enjoying a sip or two (and maybe more) of the best wines this beautiful region has to offer. Hunter Valley is known for its wines and is in fact considered as the birthplace of Australian wines. With more than 200 years of wine history, it is not surprising that the region is a paradise for wine enthusiasts.
Why Go Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley?
A visit to Hunter Valley is incomplete without experiencing what its over 150 cellar doors offer. As the oldest wine region in Australia, it is renowned for its highly celebrated wines, from Semillon and Shiraz to new and emerging varieties.
Wine tasting is not just about drinking a glass of wine and savouring its aroma and flavour. Wine tours are usually full-day trips packed with different activities. Those who take the tour can learn about the entire wine-making process, discover the proper way of holding a wine glass, and find out which wines to pair with various foods. It is always an entertaining experience, not to mention gastronomically satisfying.
Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wines
To get the most out of the Hunter Valley tour, visit the vineyards that produce the best wines in the region.
For those who are planning to take a tour of Hunter Valley, here’s a list of the award-winning wines that should be included in the wine-tasting tour of the region:
Tyrrell’s 2013 Belford Semillon
It is named the Best White Wine during the 2022 CCL Hunter Valley Wine Show. According to Tyrell’s, the grapes used for the Belford Semillon originated from the Belford vineyard and were planted in 1933. Belford vineyard is located in the northernmost part of Tyrell’s Hunter Valley Vineyards. Here, the soil is described as light and sandy—almost like talcum powder in consistency.
How does it taste? Houn Hooke of The Real Review says it is deliciously fruit-sweet in the middle and, at the same time, lemon-juicy. The colour is light and bright yellow, although it is also described as pale straw with a tint of green when poured into a glass.
Tyrell’s has been producing wines since 1858. Because of its over 160 years of wine experience, it has received over 5,000 trophies and medals. In 2010, it was named by James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion as “Winery of the Year.”
De Iuliis Wines 2019 Limited Release Shiraz
The CCL Hunter Valley Wine Show awarded it as the Best Red Wine of 2022.
The De Iuliis vineyard is located in the lower Hunter Valley, particularly on Lovedale Road. In 2022, De Iuliis Wines was named the Cellar Door of the Year, proving its commitment to produce excellent quality wines and showcasing the very best of what the region has to offer.
De Iuliis Shiraz is both subtle and powerful. There are hints of blackberry, raspberry and dark cherry combined with an intensely spicy and pepper-like aroma.
2021 Limited Release Albariño of Briar Ridge Vineyard
The wine is the winner of the prestigious 2023 Other White Wine (& Blends) Wine of the Year by The Halliday Wine Companion Award, which recognises the best of the best in the country’s wine industry.
A niche variety, the Albariño is said to have originated from Spain, particularly in Rais Bixas and is considered one of Spain’s most fashionable white wines. A varietal, it is super aromatic and floral yet creates an incredible taste due to its freshness and vibrancy.
According to Briar Ridge Vineyard, the 2021 Limited Release Albariño has intense lemon zest, grapefruit, and tropical notes.
Brokenwood 2014 Sunshine Vineyard Semillon.
It was awarded as Semillon of the Year during the 2023 Halliday Wine Companion Awards. According to the Halliday, the magic of this wine is its age of 7 years. It has an aroma characterised by a bouquet of lemon zest and toast and a taste of mouth-watering citrus with some hints of honey. This wine is best paired with Asian food, particularly fresh-shucked oysters, and seafood.
Brokenwood Wines is relatively new, having started only in 1970. Among its most popular wines include Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, ILR Reserve Semillon, and Cricket Pitch Range.
Silkman Wines 2021 SILK Chardonnay.
This is the Best Chardonnay of 2022 according to the CCL Hunter Valley Wine Show. Owned and operated by Shaun and Liz Silkman, Silkman Wines started its first vintage in 2013. In 2016, Halliday Wine Companion named it one of the 10 Best New Wineries in Australia. In 2015, Halliday named the 2014 Silkman Reserve Chardonnay as the Halliday Chardonnay winner.
Silkman Wines chardonnay has notes of citrus and creates a creamy mouthfeel when tasted.
Book Wines Tasting Tour with Hunter Valley Tours!
Come and taste the exquisite wines of Hunter Valley! Hunter Valley Wine Tours offers personalised wine-tasting tours, shared or private, in the regions of Hunter Valley, Lovedale, and Pokolbin. You can book a half-day tour or even plan your own private excursion.
Check out one of our most popular tours – a local wine and food experience. Here, you will get to taste the finest wines and more. You will also be treated to a sumptuous lunch and visit a cheese outlet and a chocolate store.
Why Choose Hunter Valley Tours
Apart from the awards that we have received, the feedback of our clients matter to us the most. We have a 5-star TripAdvisor rating and a 5-star rating on Google. Our guides are professionals. They will allow you to enjoy your time so you will not feel that you must hurry during the whole experience. We likewise offer personalised and friendly service to all our clients, regardless of age and ability.
Call us now at 0456 737 888 or email info@hvtours.com.au, and let us help you plan your next exciting Hunter Valley wine tour. We will make sure that going to Hunter Valley is one of the best experiences that you will ever have.