Explore Hunter Valley’s blossoming wine region and enjoy a day filled with award-winning Australian wines and gastronomic delights in the beautiful New South Wales countryside.
On your wine tasting tour in Hunter Valley, you can discover everything from the correct way to hold a wine glass and which wines to pair with different foods, to seeing the entire wine making process from vineyard to bottle.
What happens during a wine tasting with Hunter Valley Tours?
Our wine tours are designed to be sociable, fun and informative for everyone. You do not need to have prior knowledge of wine; our experienced tour guide will be on-hand to talk you through the process of winemaking in the Hunter Valley.
You will have the opportunity to learn about everything from grape-crushing, fermentation, barrel ageing, sparkling wine production, bottling and labelling. Not only will our guides tell you all about the Hunter Valley’s wine industry but they’ll keep you entertained throughout the day.
Our wine tasting experiences will take you on an adventure to wineries, cellar doors and vineyards producing superior boutique wines so you can learn and taste as you go, whilst the vineyard tours show you how wines are made right here in the Hunter Valley.
Who should attend a wine tasting tour?
Whether you’re the kind of person who grabs the first bottle you see on the supermarket shelf, or you consider yourself to be a bit of a wine connoisseur, our wine tasting tours at Hunter Valley vineyards and wineries offer something for everyone.
On weekdays, we have the flexibility to offer you a unique tour with no set routes, so we can swap in or out cellar doors to suit your preferences.
What is the proper etiquette for wine tasting?
Look: Before drinking you should take a close look at the colour, clarity and overall appearance of the wine.
Swirl: Swirling helps to determine the alcohol content of the wine. The more droplets that stick to the side of the glass indicates higher alcohol content.
Smell: It’s important to take in the aromas of the wine to help you anticipate the taste.
Sip: The final step is to take a sip of wine. Make sure to savour the taste by allowing it to roll around in your mouth for a few seconds.
Am I expected to buy anything during the wine tasting tour?
Buying a bottle of wine is totally optional. If you find a wine you enjoy, you are welcome to purchase a bottle to enjoy at a later date. Wine also makes for an excellent gift or souvenir if you are on a trip away from home. You are under no obligation to make any purchases during the tour, you can simply taste the wines and without parting with extra cash.
Can I drive after the wine tasting?
We advise anyone attending a wine tasting to make arrangements so they do not have to drive home. All participants should be aware of Hunter Valley drink driving rules. If you book a tour that visits many wineries, then it’s always best to be on the safe side and have a designated driver or book our transfer service to and from your accommodation.
Our pick up service is available in Cessnock, Millfield, Pelton, Lovedale, Rothbury, Maitland, Singleton and Newcastle. You can book your transfer service here.
Can I book a private wine tasting tour?
We offer private VIP tours to accommodate up to 11 guests who are looking for the ultimate wine tasting experience. These tours offer wine lovers the opportunity to visit their favourite wineries in a more intimate setting.
Hunter Valley Tours’ exclusive wine tasting package includes:
- Free pickup and return from your local accommodation.
- A tour guide
- Up to 4 or 5 boutique cellar door visits if time allows
- $5 Tasting fees x 4*
- Up to one hour stop for lunch
- Cheese, Olives and Chocolate tastings – tastings may be unavailable due to Covid-19 health restrictions
- Optional tasting at the Hunter Distillery for locally made and bottled 100% organic vodka, schnapps or gin.
Know someone who loves their wine?
Book them a wine tasting experience with Hunter Valley Tours and get them to take you along! We have a range of tours to choose from including full day 5-Star tours with lunch to half-day no-frills guided wine tasting tours. If you have any questions about our wine tours or transport services, contact us today on 0456 737 888 or via our online enquiry form.
