Five Hunter Valley wineries to visit on a weekend adventure
Want to take your own wine country caravanning adventure, why not hit NSW's Hunter Valley?The Hunter Valley Region is blessed with gorgeous scenery combining natural bushland with established vineyards, but also easy proximity to Sydney either up the M1 freeway or more adventurously, the Putty Road further to the west. Whatever the route, plan ahead by booking tastings and lunch, draw straws for a designated driver and consider one or all of these top five picks for wineries to visit.
You can enjoy what the Hunter Valley has on offer whether you're there for a day trip, weekend escape or a little longer as part of an Australia wide RV adventure.
Pepper Tree Wines, Pokolbin
Few wineries are as quintessentially picturesque as Pepper Tree, and its position in the heart of Pokolbin makes it a natural target for anyone travelling to the Hunter Valley. The cellar door is a dinky-di weatherboard shed surrounded by gardens and lawn where you can taste the current range. The Vault is a very special area within that has relaxing spaces and the chance to taste some of Pepper Trees older vintages. You’ll have to book ahead for both, but it’s worth the effort for special treatment.
Krinklewood, Broke
Krinklewood brings a touch of Provence to the Hunter with its south-of-France inspired courtyard and cellar door décor, not to mention its range of totally biodynamic wines. The setting is sublime, yet so too are the options of a simple $10 tasting, which is sometimes shifted into the winery itself for that authentique experience, or a platter of local cheeses and charcuterie to go with a glass of rosé, sparkling or any other of their classic Hunter varietals.
Wandin Valley Estate, Lovedale
After an invigorating morning of wine tasting, a proper lunch is on the cards and few places are more pleasant than Wandin Valley Estate’s restaurant in the vineyards. The Wandin Kitchen produces delicate dishes sourced largely from local produce and the expansive views of the Brokenback Ranges from the winery encourage long lunches, not quick bites. Those after just a traditional tasting will find the roomy and yet convivial cellar door just the spot to hoover the full range of Estate and Reserve wines.
Scarborough Wine Co, Pokolbin
One of the nicest things about Scarborough’s cellar door is you won’t be jostling elbow-to-elbow at the counter with bus tour groups. No, these folks take wine-tasting seriously so book in for an ‘experience’ that includes a seat, a table, cheese platter and examples of Scarborough’s three wine ranges, or something tailored to suit aficionados of Chardonnay, reds or a mélange. The Pokolbin winery has a dreamy location in the heart of the Hunter, and with an expert on hand to guide you through the tasting it’s a relaxed and educational encounter.
Margan Wines, Broke
Margan isn’t just a winery but a destination in itself thanks to a magnificent restaurant, beautifully manicured grounds and of course, estate-grown wines from 100 hectares of vines near Broke. You can book a tasting in the cool rammed-earth cellar door, a long lunch or dinner in the award-winning restaurant or perhaps try the ultimate experience: a tour of the kitchen garden, orchard and vineyards followed by a five-course degustation. The only thing you’ll wish for is more time to enjoy Margan.
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