Award Winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience

If you’re heading to Australia’s famous Hunter Valley, this award-winning full-day experience offers a well-balanced mix of tasting, sightseeing, and local flavor. For $152.55 per person, you’ll spend roughly 7 and a half hours exploring small boutique wineries, sampling craft spirits, indulging in local cheeses, and even enjoying a relaxed lunch with a view of the vineyards. Led by knowledgeable guides like Julie or Craig, the tour is limited to just ten participants, ensuring a personal touch that larger groups simply can’t match.

What we love most about this tour is its focus on supporting small, locally owned wineries—you’ll skip the big commercial brands in favor of authentic, often family-run vineyards. Plus, the chance to see wild kangaroos and other wildlife adds a memorable, natural dimension to your day. On the flip side, the lunch — a casual picnic or dining stop — may not suit every palate, especially if you’re craving a gourmet feast, but it’s a fair trade for the overall value. This experience is perfect for wine lovers, foodies, and anyone eager to experience the true personality of Hunter Valley beyond tourist hotspots.

Key Points

• Boutique Focus: Visit small, family-owned wineries and support local producers.
• Authentic Tasting Experiences: Samples from genuine cellar doors and local spirits.
• Inclusive and Personal: Small group size offers a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere.
• Wildlife Sightings: Spot kangaroos and enjoy Hunter Valley’s natural beauty.
• All-Inclusive Value: Tastings, lunch, snacks, and transportation are covered.
• Flexible and Convenient: Pickup from your accommodation makes logistics easy.

The Heart of Hunter Valley: Small Wineries and Cellar Doors

The tour kicks off around 9:30 am, with pickup from your accommodation—a great convenience that lets you relax right from the start. The focus here is on local, small-batch wineries, steering clear of the large brands typically found on shelves. This means you’ll often get to talk directly with the winemakers or family owners, gaining insights into their craft that you simply can’t get at the mass-market spots.

Many reviews praise the diversity of the wineries visited. One guest noted that the wines were “very unique” and that talking to the actual owners added a special, personal touch. We loved the way this approach gives you a flavor of true craftsmanship. The small group size, capped at ten, ensures conversations are relaxed and not rushed, letting you savor each tasting and absorb the stories behind each label.

Tasting and Spirits: Beyond Just Wine

After a few winery stops, the tour naturally includes a visit to the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company—a delightful break for those with a sweet tooth. Here, not only can you wander through the shop but often enjoy complimentary samples, making it a fun and flavorful interlude. It’s a perfect way to refresh your palate before heading to the next wine destination.

The subsequent stop at The Garden Cellars offers a different taste—boutique wines coupled with locally made spirits like gins and vodkas. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase last-minute gifts or special bottles to take home. Several reviews mention that this is the last chance to pick up unique souvenirs from the trip, which makes it a practical stop as well as a tasting one.

Cheese, Wildlife, and Local Delights

One of the tour’s highlights, especially for foodies, is Binnorie Dairy Lovedale. Known for its soft cheeses and state-of-the-art cheesemaking centre, this stop offers complimentary tastings that leave many guests raving about the quality and flavor of the local cheese.

Another memorable aspect is wildlife sightings—particularly kangaroos that are often seen hopping across the scenic vineyards. As one reviewer put it, “getting to see live kangaroos on multiple occasions was very much worth the money.” This adds a special, natural touch that sets this tour apart from more typical wine excursions.

Lunch with a View: Casual but Satisfying

The tour includes a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the vineyards. The food is described as suited for tour groups—think simple, hearty fare rather than gourmet dining. Some reviews pointed out that the lunch menu might be limited or not to all tastes, but most agreed it’s a good opportunity to relax and enjoy a glass of wine in a beautiful setting. For those seeking an elaborate feast, this might be a minor disappointment, but for most, it’s a fair exchange for the overall experience.

The Final Stop and Return Journey

The last stop is at The Garden Cellars again for last-minute purchases or just soaking in the views. The entire day wraps up with a comfortable, scenic drive back, typically arriving at your accommodation around 4:00 pm. The transportation, provided by friendly guides like Bruce or Ross, receives high praise for comfort and knowledge—making the journey as enjoyable as the stops themselves.

The Experience’s Overall Value

At just over $150, the tour offers excellent value for money given the inclusions—sampling at multiple spots, a leisurely lunch, snacks, wildlife viewing, and round-trip transport. Guests frequently comment on the variety of wineries visited and the quality of guides, with many mentioning their hosts’ friendliness and knowledge.

While the lunch could be more upscale, the experience more than compensates by offering authentic, hands-on visits to lesser-known wineries, which many reviews describe as the true highlight. The small-group format fosters personal conversations, making it feel more like a day out with friends rather than a scripted tour.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour appeals most to wine enthusiasts keen to explore boutique wineries and food lovers interested in local cheeses and chocolates. It’s ideal for those who appreciate authentic experiences and prefer an intimate, relaxed atmosphere. If wildlife sightings, scenic vineyard views, and talking to winemakers sound appealing, this tour will satisfy those cravings. However, if you’re looking for a gourmet, fine-dining experience, you might find the lunch a bit modest.

This full-day wine and food tour strikes a fine balance between fun, education, and relaxation. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who value supporting small producers, enjoy personal interactions, and want to experience the diversity of Hunter Valley beyond the big-brand wineries. The inclusions—tastings, snacks, wildlife, and a scenic lunch—make it an excellent value, with guides like Julie and Craig earning praise for their warmth and expertise.

If you’re looking for an authentic, personable taste of Australia’s premier wine region, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated snapshot that’s both enjoyable and enriching. It’s a great way to fill a day with memorable sights, flavors, and stories—perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager to connect with local culture.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:30 am and returning by around 4 pm.

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transport from all Hunter Valley accommodations is provided, making logistics effortless.

How many wineries will we visit?
You’ll visit several boutique wineries, with the itinerary including four main stops plus additional tastings at chocolate and cheese shops.

Are meals included?
Lunch is included, typically a casual, scenic meal at a local restaurant, with a glass of wine. Snacks and tastings at other stops are also covered.

Can I purchase wine or spirits during the tour?
Absolutely. Most stops—especially The Garden Cellars—offer the chance to buy bottles and local spirits, making it a great souvenir stop.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
While the lunch is suited for groups, not all dietary needs may be catered to. It’s recommended to contact the provider ahead of time to discuss specific requirements.

How many people are on each tour?
The tour is limited to a maximum of ten participants, ensuring a personal experience with plenty of interaction.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring comfortable clothes, a camera, and some cash or cards for any additional purchases. An umbrella might be handy if the weather turns.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
While the tour operates in most weather conditions, the best time is during the spring and autumn months when the scenery is especially beautiful and wildlife sightings are common.

This Hunter Valley tour offers a rare chance to see the region’s true character—small wineries, local delicacies, and the natural beauty of Australia’s wine country. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious newbie, it’s a day filled with flavor, scenery, and friendly faces.