by Lucy Mitchell
Newcastle is the perfect gateway destination for beaches, terrific cafe culture and the stunning Hunter Valley – which, of course, is one of Australia’s premier wine regions. If you are planning on visiting the Hunter specifically to go on a wine-tasting tour, you’ll be treated to a relaxing getaway filled with picturesque vineyards and top-notch drops of red, white and rosé.
Fancy a dash of tipple? This guide will help you plan the ultimate wine tour, covering not only our cellar door but also various other wineries in the region. If you consider yourself a connoisseur or an oenophile or simply are just keen on the odd sip, we want to help you make the most of your time while in Newcastle’s wine country.
How to get to Newcastle
Before you can try the wines, you need to make your way into Newcastle, which, for many people coming from out of state, involves flying into Newcastle Airport. The likes of Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar and others offer regular flights throughout the day from many destinations, including Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Cairns, the Gold Coast, and Lord Howe Island. If you are coming from within NSW, you can jet in from Sydney or Cobar.
Once you arrive in Newy, services like Redspot’s Newcastle Airport car hire can provide you with a vehicle to drive into the Hunter Valley. If your car doesn’t have a satellite navigation system, make sure you use Google Maps or an app like Waze to direct you to your first port of call.
Exploring Hunter Valley’s Best Wineries
The Hunter Valley is just a 45-minute drive from Newcastle and is home to some of Australia’s oldest and most celebrated wineries. Here are a few must-visit spots for an unforgettable tasting experience:
Scarborough Wine Co.
Of course, we would start with us! Proudly family-owned, our Scarborough on Gillards Road tasting room is the place to try our signature Chardonnay. Alternatively, treat your taste buds to some of our Offshoot range, which includes a Vermentino, Verdelho, Off-Dry Semillon, Rosé and Tempranillo Joven.
Our tasting experiences include a seated flight of wines accompanied by a gourmet cheese platter—perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely and indulgent experience.
You can book a tasting session here.
Other Wineries
There are, of course, several other excellent wineries in the Hunter Valley, and it would be remiss of us not to mention them.
Some of the main ones you should visit include:
- Tyrrell’s Wines
One of the most iconic names in Australian winemaking, Tyrrell’s has been producing award-winning wines since 1858. Their cellar door offers an intimate tasting experience where you can sample their renowned Semillon and Shiraz and learn about the vineyard’s rich history. - Audrey Wilkinson Winery
Set on a hill with panoramic views of the valley, Audrey Wilkinson Winery is as famous for its breathtaking scenery as it is for its premium wines. Their wine tastings include guided insights into their winemaking process, and they offer picnic hampers that pair perfectly with their range of crisp whites and robust reds. - Brokenwood Wines
If you’re looking for a mix of modern sophistication and classic Hunter Valley charm, Brokenwood Wines is a must-visit. Known for their famous Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, they offer a variety of tasting experiences, from casual bar tastings to exclusive private sessions with their expert sommeliers. - Bimbadgen Estate
For those who want to pair fine wine with outstanding food, Bimbadgen Estate offers a premium wine-tasting experience alongside its highly acclaimed restaurant, Esca. Their stunning vineyards provide a picturesque backdrop for long, relaxed lunches complemented by their signature Chardonnay and Shiraz.
Planning Your Newcastle Wine Tour
To make the most of your Newcastle wine tasting tour experience, you would be well advised to plan an itinerary in advance. Here are a few tips to ensure you get the most out of your visit:
- Choose Your Wineries Wisely
While we mentioned four of them above, there are actually more than 150 wineries in the Hunter Valley. Therefore, you should take the time to choose the best ones for you to visit based on your wine preferences. It doesn’t matter if you enjoy full-bodied reds, crisp whites, or sparkling wines, each vineyard has its own specialty. So, do some research to find out where you should go. - Book Your Tastings in Advance
Most of the popular wineries require bookings, especially on weekends. Therefore, to avoid the disappointment of missing out, check online or call ahead to secure your spot. Some wineries, like ours, also offer guided tours and behind-the-scenes experiences, which you may want to factor into your planning. - Enjoy Wine and Food Pairings
To really enjoy the Hunter Valley wine experience, you should indulge in a wine and food pairing package.
Many wineries offer cheese, charcuterie, or full degustation menus that perfectly complement their wines, so do some research to identify ones you like the look of.
- Drink Responsibly
If you are driving to any of the Hunter Valley wineries, it is important to remember that you should not consume too much alcohol during your time at the wineries. In NSW, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for most drivers is under 0.05, and you could face serious consequences if you blow a higher reading than this during an RBT. For this reason, it might be worth arranging for a taxi to take you to and from your overnight accommodation during your time in the Hunter Valley.
