On your next Sydney tours, take a 2-hour drive from the beloved city heading northeast to reach Australia’s premier and pioneering wine region: the Hunter Valley.
James Busby first brought vine cuttings from Europe and planted them in the fields of Hunter Valley in 1832.
Today, there are over 120 wineries and vineyards across the Hunter Region. Spice up your Hunter Valley tours with a sip of Semillon of which the region is known for producing this iconic wine variety. Although there are also other varieties including Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Verdelho, when you hear the name Hunter Valley it sounded Semillon.
I have listed some of the best wineries in the region. It is not definitive though. Of course, each cellar door has its distinct style and taste. So, it is pretty much subjective to come up with a certain list.
Audrey Wilkinson Winery
Quaint, elegant, and classy. That’s Audrey Wilkinson Winery, one of the oldest vineyards in Australia. Audrey Wilkinson first planted his vineyard in 1866. The winery that is named after him produces Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer wines. And they all stand out as one of the best in the region. Sample a glass of their Hunter Semillon or bring home a bottle of Gewurztraminer.
Gartelmann Wines
The winery is a known producer of Shiraz and Semillon wines. But they are also proud of their Merlot, Chardonnay, and Petit Verdot. Plus, they showcase some gourmet products in their small but quaint cellar door. Check out their menu and pair your tasty meal with a fine selection of their sensational wines.
Bimbadgen Winery
Swirl a glass of their Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho, or Shiraz Viognier. Taste their wines with style in an airy tasting room. Shiraz Viognier is a must-try as well as their Estate Chardonnay. Also, the Bimbadgen Estate boasts of the impressive views of vineyards and amazing landscapes. Up north there’s the Barrington Tops and down south the Brokenback range. Several concerts have been held in this picturesque estate.
Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard
Experience France in this Hunter Valley winery. Lovely gardens and a rustic cellar door that produces one of the best Rosé, Shiraz, Semillon, and Chardonnay in the region. It’s in the name — biodynamic! Whatever that means, it would be great to visit this winery and check out how they grow their vines. Have some chit-chat with the owner of this family-owned winery over a glass of Rosé.
Pepper Tree Wines
This cellar door is famous for its Tallawanta Grand Reserve Shiraz. Do you want the combination of picturesque views and fine wines? Pepper Tree Wines is the best place to be. Of course, you can’t simply walk away without grabbing a bottle or two of their best craft. Try a glass of their Tallavera Shiraz or swill a bottle of Semillon with the company of friends. It would be best to pair the wine with a platter of their exquisite food.
