Australia’s oldest wine region — 150+ cellar doors, paddock-to-plate restaurants, cheese, chocolate and craft beer, just two hours from Sydney.
The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region and its most complete food-and-wine trail: more than 150 cellar doors cluster around Pokolbin and Broke, alongside hatted restaurants, artisan cheese rooms, chocolate makers, olive groves and craft breweries. Just two hours north of Sydney, it’s the country’s classic gourmet weekend.
What to taste
The Hunter is famous for its Semillon and Shiraz — start at the historic estates like Tyrrell’s and Audrey Wilkinson, then graze your way through the Hunter Valley Cheese Company, Binnorie Dairy and the chocolate and fudge shops. Book a long lunch at one of the region’s celebrated restaurants.
How to do the trail
Base yourself in Pokolbin and get around by hired bike, shuttle or a designated driver — cellar doors are close together. Allow a full weekend. Pair it with more wineries and road trips across NSW.
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Facilities
Cellar doors, restaurants, cafes, accommodation across Pokolbin & Broke
Insider Tips
Book restaurants and popular cellar doors ahead on weekends. Use a shuttle or designated driver, and buy a cheese-and-wine picnic for the vineyards.
Getting There
About 2 hours’ drive north of Sydney via the M1; nearest town Cessnock. Hire a driver or shuttle to taste safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Hunter Valley wine region?
Around Pokolbin and Broke near Cessnock, about a 2-hour drive north of Sydney in New South Wales.
What wine is the Hunter Valley known for?
Semillon and Shiraz above all — the Hunter’s aged Semillon is world-renowned — along with Chardonnay and Verdelho.
How many cellar doors are in the Hunter Valley?
More than 150, most clustered close together around Pokolbin, making it easy to visit several in a day.
How do you get around the Hunter Valley food trail?
Hire a bike, book a wine-tour shuttle or use a designated driver — cellar doors are close but tasting means you should not drive.
