Curated Guide: Cellar doors to visit in the Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region, situated less than 3 hours north of Sydney, it is a well-known region for both tourists and Sydney siders looking for a weekend getaway. Dense with over 100 vineyards, many of the Cellar Doors are family wine businesses and well known in the industry, this region boasts some incredible producers to keep a note of when you’re planning your next visit.
This guide is a little snapshot to help plan some stops in the region and the cellar doors where the experience really makes the visit. After all its about you getting to discover new wines and to get to know what the region has to offer from their producers.
So what varieties are you likely to see in the region?
Semillon is one to know before you arrive to the region, this grape variety thrives here, and the region is known for producing world class wines from this variety. Young and fresh with vibrant citrus flavours but also with the ability to age up to 20 years where the wine will develop delicious toasty and nutty flavours.
Although Semillon has the Hunter Valley’s heart, brilliant medium-bodied Shiraz is also produced here, perfect for pairing with food and is very similar to the style produced in the Rhone Valley, France.
Other varieties you will see in the region includes Verdelho, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Sangiovese, Tempranillo and Albariño.
If you are planning a few cellar door visits make sure you have pre-planned a designated driver in your group or arrange a tour guide/shuttle for the day.
Glandore Estate
At the base of the Brokenback range is Glandore Estate Wines, sit back and enjoy the views as you are guided through their tastings – choose from either a standard wine tasting or for the ultimate experience, they also offer a chocolate and wine pairing.
Glandore Estate is a stop you could go to and spend hours at, you will certainly get the Hunter Valley experience in your visit here. Their staff are friendly and provide an insight on their wines that everyone can relate to. The list is endless of their wines you can try so you are bound to find a few that you would like to purchase! Top picks of their wines were their Pinot Gris, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese – absolute stand outs!
Refer to their website for updates, bookings and tasting prices:
Phone: 02 4998 7140
Visit: 1595 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Leogate Estate
A favourite but for a good reason, anyone who we've spoken to who has been to Leogate Estate has the same expression. As you enter into the long driveway to the cellar door, the grounds and location itself will capture your heart.
Stop for a wine tasting where you will experience the difference in their wines from a Verdelho, Pinot Gris, Semillon, Shiraz, Rosé and a standout selection of red wines. Taste through the selection of their wines while conversing with their staff, the tasting is $10 and is accompanied by a small cheese plate.
Stay on for lunch or dinner at their restaurant on-site, The Gates Restaurant, for the ultimate food and wine experience!
Refer to their website for updates, bookings and tasting prices:
Phone: 02 4998 7499
Visit: 1693 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2325
Scarborough Wines
A boutique family run cellar door, Scarborough Wines is elevated with incredible views of the Hunter Valley. The cellar door here has a different and unique vibe, it feels incredibly homely almost like you are welcomed into their very own home!
Offering a range of tastings to pick from at different price ranges so there really is something for everyone. Tastings start from $20 per person and we recommend allowing an hour for it. Some top picks from their tasting to look out for is their offshoot red blend (absolute fav), offshoot Chardonnay and their Semillon range.
Refer to their website for updates, bookings and tasting prices:
https://www.scarboroughwine.com.au/
Phone: 02 4998 7563
Visit: 179 Gillards Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Winmark Wines
Situated in the sub-region of Broke a slight drive from central Pokolbin, premium Chardonnay is what Winmark are all about. Chardonnay is picking up a lot more momentum in recent years and Winmark are spot on with a classic example of the variety.
If you are a Chardy fan you will be in your element here, and if you’re not so much, then this producer will certainly convert you!
Refer to their website for updates, bookings and tasting prices:
https://www.winmarkwines.com.au/
Phone: 02 9997 5373
Visit: 189 – 229 Wollombi Rd, Broke NSW 2330
Bimbadgen
Bimbadgen stems from the indigenous language meaning ‘Place of Good View’, the cellar door is situated on top of a hill providing a stunning view over the region. There is really something for everyone from wine tastings starting from $10, to a pizzeria on site, drinks and picnic on the lawn or head here for the ultimate dining experience at their Esca Restaurant.
The wines themselves exemplify quality with a broad range to choose from in the tastings. All-time favourites to try would be their Sparkling Rosé NV, 2018 Chardonnay, 2018 Shiraz Viognier and 2018 Palmers Lane Shiraz – a few there to guide you in your conversations with their cellar staff.
Refer to their website for updates, bookings and tasting prices:
Phone: 02 4998 4600
Visit: 790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Talits Estate
Situated on a picturesque block with a blush pink building, this is one winery any Instagram-er will love! Aside from the aesthetics, the winemaker Daniel Binet is well versed in the wine industry and has been producing award winning wines with a classic Hunter Valley touch. The land is what makes these wines stand out from the rest. Some top recommendations would be their Merlot wines, Sparkling Rosé of Merlot and their 2018 Pinot Shiraz.
Refer to their website for updates, bookings and tasting prices:
Phone: 0472 500 662
Visit: 722 Milbrodale Road, Broke Fordwich NSW 2330
Piggs Peake
A fun cellar door with a theme of pig puns to label their wines, such as Pig Sword, Wiggly Tail and Pigs Breath!
This boutique winery sources grapes from Moree, Mudgee, Orange, Young, McLaren Vale and the Hunter Valley and this allows them to pick the best of the best fruit for their wines and be agile in the wines they produce. You’ll find the wines will be blended from different regions, creating exceptional wines.
Refer to their website for updates, bookings and tasting prices:
Phone: 02 6574 7000
Visit: 697 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Of course, there are so many other fantastic cellar doors in the Hunter Valley so be sure to follow our @curated_drops Instagram page to keep up to date on these.
Thanks to all the cellar doors for going that extra mile to give us the best wine experiences!
Cheers,
Curated Drops
*This post is not sponsored or affiliated with the cellar doors mentioned. This is an independent review. Please check product and service offerings, opening times and booking requests prior to arriving. Always drink responsibly and in moderation.
