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Hunter Valley – Awaken your senses with chocolate, cheese & award-wining wine!
Highlights
- Explore historic wineries and savour the rich heritage of winemaking in the picturesque Hunter Valley.
- Stroll through rolling vineyards and soak in breathtaking views that invigorate the senses.
- Indulge in a gourmet lunch at a beloved local restaurant, paired with your choice of beverage.
- Sample exquisite chocolates and cheeses from renowned local producers, enhancing your culinary experience.
This indulgent Hunter Valley Day tour invites guests to awaken their senses while exploring one of Australia’s premier wine regions. The experience begins with visits to some of the oldest wineries in the valley, where the rich history of winemaking is brought to life, alongside tastings from the next generation of innovative winemakers.
Panoramic views of rolling vineyards set the scene as guests stroll among the vines, soaking in the beauty of the region. A highlight of the day is a delicious lunch at one of the Hunter Valley’s most beloved restaurants, accompanied by a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink.
No visit to the Hunter is complete without sampling its other gourmet delights, including a stop at the renowned Hunter Valley Chocolate Company or one of the area’s acclaimed cheesemakers.
As the tour concludes, guests depart with a deeper appreciation for the region’s flavours, having tasted, seen, smelt, felt, and heard the essence of the Hunter Valley.
Itinerary highlights
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard, set in the heart of the Hunter Valley, is one of Australia’s most historically significant wineries. Established in 1866 by the Wilkinson family, it stands proudly as the oldest vineyard site in Pokolbin.
The vineyard’s namesake, Audrey Wilkinson, was instrumental in shaping its legacy, introducing innovative winemaking techniques such as cement fermenters and steam-powered crushers — advancements well ahead of their time.
Today, visitors are welcomed by panoramic views over rolling vineyards and the Brokenback Mountain Range, providing a stunning backdrop for a premium wine-tasting experience. The vineyard is celebrated for its award-winning wines, particularly its outstanding Semillon, which has garnered national and international recognition.
Guests can explore the charming cellar door, learn about the vineyard’s rich heritage, and enjoy guided tastings led by knowledgeable staff.
The historic significance, combined with its continued commitment to quality, makes Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard not only a cornerstone of Hunter Valley winemaking but also a destination where history, innovation, and world-class wines converge for an unforgettable experience.
Draytons Wines, with a heritage spanning over 170 years
Draytons Wines, located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, holds the distinction of being the oldest winery in Pokolbin and one of the oldest in Australia.
With a heritage spanning over 170 years, the winery masterfully blends generations of winemaking expertise with modern techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to craft exceptional wines, liqueurs, and fortified tawnys.
The Drayton family’s journey began in 1853, when they first arrived in the Hunter Valley and planted the foundations of what would become one of the country’s most iconic and respected wine brands.
Over five generations, the family has built a legacy rooted in passion, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to quality, earning numerous awards and widespread acclaim.
Proudly 100% Australian family-owned and fully independent, Draytons Wines continues to uphold its tradition of excellence while embracing innovation.
Visitors to the winery can enjoy tastings that reflect the region’s unique terroir, explore its rich history, and experience the warm hospitality for which the Hunter Valley is renowned.
This blend of deep heritage, dedication to quality, and family stewardship makes Draytons a cornerstone of Australian winemaking and a must-visit destination for wine lovers.
Enjoy lunch in the Hunter at Hunter Valley Resort
Hunter Valley Resort, set in the heart of Pokolbin, offers a memorable dining experience surrounded by 100 acres of stunning countryside. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the Brokenback Range and, on clear days, the distant Barrington Tops, creating an idyllic backdrop for a relaxing meal.
The 1-course lunch features fresh, locally sourced produce that highlights the flavours of the Hunter Valley. A seasonal menu is thoughtfully crafted to pair perfectly with the region’s award-winning wines, with options ranging from hearty mains to lighter dishes and vegetarian selections, each prepared with care and attention to detail.
Perfect for couples, families, friends, or corporate groups, this experience blends fine food with warm country hospitality. Located just two hours north of Sydney by car or accessible via The Wine Train, Hunter Valley Resort offers not just a meal, but an opportunity to slow down, savour the moment, and immerse in one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions.
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company
Hunter Valley Chocolate Company is a renowned icon of the region, celebrated for its innovation, craftsmanship, and dedication to quality. Visitors to the factory store are treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the bustling kitchen, where master chocolatier Peter and his team handcraft signature creations.
Using only the finest Belgian and Swiss couverture chocolate, premium Australian dried fruits and nuts, and unique distilled pure fruit oils, they produce indulgent treats that have become a hallmark of the Hunter Valley.
Guests can watch the artistry of chocolate making in real time before relaxing in the on-site café to savour an array of chocolate-inspired delights. Beyond its tempting selection, the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company also offers a variety of wedding and corporate packages, as well as beautifully presented gift hampers and baskets suitable for any occasion.
With chocolate being one of the most universally loved gifts, the company’s offerings cater to every celebration. Whether indulging in a tasting, exploring the factory, or taking home a handcrafted gift, visitors experience a perfect blend of gourmet excellence and Hunter Valley charm.
Tour details
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Available from 14 August 2025 to 31 December 2026
Features
Service facilities
Actively welcomes people with access needs.
General access
- Asks all visitors if there are any specific needs to be met.
Operation information
Brighton Tours
Brighton Tours provides the widest selection of guaranteed daily departures from Sydney’s CBD to a variety of bucket list destinations across regional New South Wales, Australia. Operating immersive, full-day tours to the Blue Mountains, Port Stephens, and the Hunter Valley every day, the company also offers a Sydney City Night Lights tour, twice-weekly departures to Canberra, and a range of seasonal experiences.
Itineraries span from half-day city sightseeing to extended full day tours covering the breadth of NSW. Brighton Tours’ team of carefully selected, highly trained drivers and guides ensures each journey is both informative and memorable, creating lasting holiday experiences.
Travelling in a modern fleet of luxury coaches and seven-seat Mercedes vans, guests enjoy exceptional comfort along with complimentary bottled water and snacks.
With a focus on quality, service, and unforgettable adventures, Brighton Tours invites travellers to explore its full range of experiences by visiting the official website for detailed tour information.
Memberships
- Australian Tourism Export Council
- International Cruise Council of Australasia
- New South Wales Business Chamber
- Regional Tourist/Tourism Association/Organisation
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