THE MAP | Hunter Valley Wine Country

Experience the ultra-premium range of single vineyard wines at our Cellar Door.

CLASSIC HUNTER WINES

The Hunter Valley is renowned for producing some of the world's best and most distinctive styles of Semillon, Shiraz and Chardonnay which are the hallmark of this region.

The most recognised of these is Hunter Valley Semillon, a truly outstanding wine in terms of quality and taste, with a style that has not been replicated anywhere else in the world. Other varieties grown include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chambourcin and Sangiovese amongst the red wines and Verdelho, Viognier, and Gewurztraminer amongst the whites. The region is also home to a talented list of winemakers who are at the forefront of innovative and new varieties and styles such as Tempranillo and Pinot Grigio.

Semillon - Australia's gift to the world

Hunter Valley Semillon is a unique white wine which keeps improving with age and is considered to be the highest quality and best example of dry white Semillon wine produced anywhere in the world. When young, Hunter Valley Semillon is deliciously crisp with abundant citrus aromas and flavours that pair magnificently with seafood. With age, Hunter Valley Semillon develops its unique complex toast, vanilla and honey flavours, giving it depth and richness.

Shiraz - Australia's favourite red variety

Shiraz is the Hunter's premium red variety and the most widely planted grape variety in Australia. The typical young Hunter Valley Shiraz is a medium bodied wine showing red and dark berries, spices and a great deal of tannin. With age, the wines become a far more complex, full bodied, yet smooth and richly flavoured wine with some earthy tones.

Chardonnay - The most noble of wines

For many casual drinkers, Chardonnay is the quintessential white wine. In general, it is a dry wine but possesses much broader flavours and a much softer, lavish, fruit driven style than many other whites. Chardonnay is now one of the most widely-planted grape varieties worldwide and is an important component of many sparkling wines around the world, including Champagne.

A little known fact is that the Hunter Valley happens to be the birthplace of modern Chardonnay – producing Australia's first Chardonnays in the 1970's.

Verdelho - Australia’s niche white

wine variety

Verdelho is a typically fresh, and flavoursome wine, with a lovely balanced palate of fruit. The characteristics of Verdelho vary significantly according to the climate and growing conditions as well as when the grape is picked. From cool to warm climates the varietal character will change from herbaceous, grassy and spice through to the more tropical flavours of pineapple, melon, guava and fruit salad. These fruity white wines are perfect for summer or lunchtime meals – pairing well with seafood, lighter meats such as veal, pork, or chicken and hard cheeses.

LOCAL NEARBY TOWNSHIPS

Cessnock

Named after Cessnock Castle in Ayrshire Scotland, the city of Cessnock was originally developed as a private village on the road that is now known as the “Convict Trail” – the original Sydney to Hunter Valley road built by 3,000 convicts.

Cessnock then became a major mining centre at the turn of the century, but wine and tourism soon became the major industries for the area. With the vineyards being so close to the town, Cessnock very quickly became recognised as the “gateway” to the wine region and now includes a number of fine hotels, motels and guesthouses as well as a number of restaurants, pubs and galleries.

Kurri Kurri

Rich in heritage with country pubs dating back to the early 1900’s and a railway museum, Kurri Kurri is renowned for its magnificent outdoor murals illustrating the area’s history and culture. Established in 1902 to service the local Stanford Merthyr and Pelaw Main collieries and mining communities, Kurri Kurri is also home to the annual Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival.

Singleton

Founded in 1820 on the banks of the Hunter River, Singleton is a delightful mix of heritage, country charm and modern sophistication. From Singleton you can tour a host of boutique wineries and fine dining restaurants, or step back in history with one of the museums.

Discover the spectacular Broke Fordwich wine region and take in its authentic wine experiences in this picturesque corner of the Hunter Valley. Renowned for high quality, single vineyard, estate grown wines, and innovative winemaking practices, the region is home to a range of diverse grape varieties, all suited to its unique climate and diverse landscape. Set against the striking Brokenback Range, rich in culture and heritage, it’s the ultimate country escape to explore, savour and unwind.

Why Drive When You Can Take a Wine Tour?

The Hunter Valley is home to approximately 140 wineries offering a wide variety of wines to choose from. Add to this over 60 restaurants and cafes, a large number of gourmet food providers and now also 4 brew-houses. With so many choices, things to plan, places to see, wine and food options and the myriad of things to do while here, it can often prove to be overwhelming and difficult to navigate your way around.

With a wine tour this problem is solved and you can begin the process of learning more about wine and local produce, the Hunter Valley's wine history and how to taste wine all at your own pace – all without the concerns of drinking and driving.

Winery tours can take you places where you often would not think of going yourself. Each tour is different, and some tours also specialise in getting you behind the scenes, perhaps an opportunity to have a private barrel room tasting or even meet the wine makers, brewers or local providores – all of whom are only too pleased to share their stories with you and tell you the secrets behind what makes their produce so special.

The best wine tours offer the most convenience and