Audrey Wilkinson Wines

Sweeping views to take your breath away attract visitors to Audrey Wilkinson Wines for the panoramas alone. Wrapped in colonial style and infused with history stemming from 1866, the cellar door rests high on a hill overlooking the valley to the rippling Brokenback Mountain Range.

Tasting experiences suit intimate, private wine tours of eight or less people, where you’ll indulge in creating wine-soaked memories. Picture enjoying the green melon and stone fruit aromas of a dry white as you gaze across the vineyard. That’s right, you’ll never want to leave. Before you do, wander around the winemaking museum to delve into the Wilkinson family history, including viewing the heritage-awarded original open cement vats that were part of the original wine making operation that have been preserved for today.

Tulloch Wines

Nibble grilled figs and cured meats paired with fruity prosecco at Tulloch Wines, while pondering the history of the Tulloch family that stretches back to 1838. It’s the Pokolbin Dry Red Shiraz and Hunter River White labels that shot the name to prominence in the 1950s.

Impeccably landscaped grounds join picturesque indoor and outdoor tasting areas suitable for private or shared bus tours of up to 20 people. Soak up the summer sun outside with the zesty sherbet flavour of the Hunter River White Semillon. On crisp winter days, sip Hector Shiraz for a taste sensation of lavish black and red berries. Or have both, in any season, plus so much more.

Bimbadgen Cellar Door

With a dash of modern rustic charm and large doses of panoramic views from up high, Bimbadgen is beautiful inside and out. The indigenous name means ‘Place of Good View’ and that’s what you get from the iconic bell tower and tables in the gourmet Esca Bimbadgen Restaurant.

Ideal for small, private wine tours, Bimbadgen offers viewing platforms to delve into the operating side before or after treating your taste buds. Think golden chardonnay with a touch of oak and delicate melon aromas.

The Bimbadgen woodfired pizzeria is a private tour favourite and groups request a visit here quite often. They are never disappointed as you can savour the freshly cooked flavours of authentic Italian pizzas brought to life only moments before in their woodfired pizza oven… you can even watch your lunch cook whilst savouring a glass of Bimbadgen’s famous chardonnay or a bottle of Blanc de Blancs with your best friends on a hen’s party!

Oakvale Wines

Who can say no to a cabernet shiraz rich with black currant and rhubarb deliciousness? You’ll find it at Oakvale Wines, where a philosophy of minimal intervention means less preservatives and more sustainable products. With Australian Organic Certification, their modern winemaking practices offer an authentic expression of the vineyards. Sit outside to admire them on private tours that suit small to medium groups of 12 or less.

Vamp by Lisa McGuigan

Splash out on a private tour with a celebration of wine (and a celebration of yourself, of course!) at the up-market Vamp by Lisa McGuigan. You’ll step into her world of fashion, music and art as much as you’ll enjoy both local and international wines. The elegant cellar door interior favours black accents with stylish drop lights. Fitting surrounds indeed to sample delights such as the famous Black Moscato with irresistible hints of Turkish delight.

Pokolbin Estate

Don’t be surprised if your taste buds don’t know where to start at Pokolbin Estate. From Hunter Valley kalamata olives to creamy honey mustard dressing, the gourmet Hunter Olive Centre competes for your attention with the wine and rolling countryside views.

Admire the vines responsible for handpicked and crafted drops, such as Boujee Bubbles with a lemon sherbet zing. The estate is ideal for small or large group wine tours. Expect to leave with bags of takeaway goodies.

If you love incorporation food into your wine tastings, then private tours are in for a treat with cheese and preserved meat grazing boxes as well as chocolate paddles available that have been expertly paired with their wines.

Have a pregnant friend as part of your hen’s party? Or a non-drinker? Or even the kids? Pokolbin Estate has you covered with Juice and Lollies paddles available so everyone can participate in the tasting fun!

Ernest Hill Wines

You’ll feel the family vibe at Ernest Hill Wines. The family-run boutique winery features presenters who bring passion and education to wine tasting experiences for both small and large private or shared Pokolbin wine tours. Gape at the sweeping vineyard and valley views as you gather around charming barrel tables outside. As you taste, you’ll learn about premium drops such as their Chicken Shed Chardonnay, matured for six months in old French oak barrels. The result? Lime and fig with a touch of toastiness to thrill your palate.

True chardonnay lovers are in for a treat with their premium Alexander Chardonnay which truly speaks out with it’s vanilla characters and depth of flavour. If you think chardonnay isn’t for you then it’s time to taste and change your mind!

First Creek Wines

Best for private tours of up to 15 people, First Creek Wines greets you with a lovely veranda overlooking grazing kangaroos on the grounds. And, a whole lot of award-winning expertise.

The family owned and operated winery is home to Chief Winemaker Liz Silkman, a winner of Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year no less than three times. You’ll leave with memories of soft, creamy Botanica Chardonnay and the mocha spice hint of Regions Hunter Valley Shiraz.

Cider and spirits

Pokolbin wine tours aren’t all about wine if you don’t want them to be. You can pop cider on the menu at Pokolbin Cider House, where traditional Sweet Apple cider rests beside The Dark Grape and Passionate Fruit Perry on tempting tasting paddles. Small Mouth Vodka serves up handcrafted and preservative free masterpieces such as Shimmering Passionfruit Vodka. At Newcastle Distillery, learn about your favourites over sips of strawberry gin and salted caramel liqueur.

Taste Pokolbin food trails

Pairing food and wine is one of life’s great ‘little pleasures’ and Pokolbin exceeds the dream with charm and views to match. Devour artisan chocolates, relish local cheese and try innovative cuisine at lunch stops on Pokolbin wine tours.

4 Pines at the Farm Brewhouse

One such place combining all the delicious things is 4 Pines at the Farm Brewhouse… a tap room, bistro and cellar door with 360-degree vineyard views. Order a fruity and floral Pacific Ale or a Choc Mint Slice cocktail to enjoy as you peruse the menu. Should you choose garlic prawns drenched in Hunter Valley olive oil and chilli flakes? Or a pork belly burger with onion rings and hot sauce mayonnaise? You could always go for both.

Harrigan’s Hunter Valley

Cocoon yourself in the rustic atmosphere of Harrigan’s Hunter Valley, with roaring fireplaces, cosy booths and live music (especially on Saturdays!) to accompany scrumptious food. Sunny days are for sitting outdoors with a slice of award-winning beef and Guinness pot pie. If you’re in the mood for fish, try grilled barramundi drizzled with chilli lemon butter sauce. Just make sure you leave room for pavlova with double cream and passionfruit syrup.

Nineteen Bar and Bistro

New on the Pokolbin foodie trail is Nineteen Bar and Bistro within The Vintage Estate, and it’s the place for you if you’re seeking a bit of something for everyone. Savour Hokkaido Japanese scallops at The Bistro + Upstairs deck. The Sports Bar + Beer Garden is for craft beer fans, with live sports on the big screens and views of the estate outside. Caramelised onion with fig relish, blue cheese, walnuts and rocket is just one tasty treat from the woodfired pizza menu.

Baume Restaurant

Local ingredients, love and care combine to create mouth-watering dishes such as succulent, six-hour slow braised, Italian-style lamb shoulder at Baume Restaurant. The stylish venue thrills taste buds beside the Ben Ean Cellar Door hosting a range of wines and cheeses from the Fat Cow Cheese shop. If pizza is calling your name, know that the dough is made in-house and baked in a Moretti pizza oven for authenticity. I’m always thrilled when our private tour groups wish to go here as their pizzas are amongst my favourite in the valley. It takes a lot to impress me when it comes to pizza as it’s not my normal “go to” comfort food. It takes a good pizza to tempt me to indulge. The cooked pizza dough itself is actually as good and as memorable as the topping! Totally yum!

The Goldfish Bar and Kitchen

The vintage glamour of the 1920s blends with a vine-covered deck to create an enticing recipe for drinking and dining at the Goldfish Bar and Kitchen. Did someone say cocktails? You’ll find all the classic favourites, but you don’t need an excuse to try signature delights such as the sweet vodka and peach schnapps-infused Bubble-Gum Unicorn. The food is made for sharing, so everyone can try flathead tacos, marinated pork ciabatta and tempura cauliflower. It’s located at the lavish Roche Estate right in the heart of Pokolbin so it’s easy to get to … especially with your private wine tour driver from Tastes of the Hunter Wine Tours ready for your group.