Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s premier wine regions, known for its lush vineyards, award-winning wineries, and excellent food. But it’s also a fantastic spot for more than just wine tasting — craft beer lovers and those looking for a mix of drinks and culinary delights will find plenty to enjoy here. What makes Hunter Valley especially appealing is its variety of guided tours that combine tastings, behind-the-scenes experiences, and local food pairings, all in a relaxed setting. We especially like the Hunter Valley Wine Tour from the Hunter with Wine Craft Beer Cheese Chocolate because it offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s best, from wines to artisanal foods.
If you’re trying to decide which tour suits your interests, whether it’s a comprehensive wine experience or a focus on craft beers, this guide will help you navigate your options. We’ve included a mix of options that cater to different budgets, group sizes, and tastes, so you can pick the right one for your trip.
Quick Overview of Hunter Valley Drinking Tours
The best drinking tours in Hunter Valley combine wine, craft beer, and sometimes brewery visits with local food tastings and behind-the-scenes tours. The Hunter Valley Wine Tour from the Hunter with Wine Craft Beer Cheese Chocolate is a top choice for its comprehensive itinerary and small-group intimacy. For those who want to explore both wine and beer with a focus on quality and variety, the Hunter Valley: Beer & Wine Group Tour offers a shorter, more casual experience. Lastly, if craft beer is your main interest, the Hunter Valley: Hop Hunter Brewery Tour delivers a behind-the-scenes look at local breweries with tastings and a hearty lunch. Read on for the details on each.
1. Hunter Valley Wine Tour from the Hunter with Wine Craft Beer Cheese Chocolate
At number one, this full-day tour offers a rich sampling of Hunter Valley’s best wines, combined with the chance to try local cheeses, chocolates, and craft beers. The tour lasts roughly 8 hours and includes transportation, so you can relax and enjoy without worrying about driving.
You’ll visit 3-4 boutique cellar doors, where your guide will arrange tastings of varietals like semillon and verdelho. One of the highlights is the opportunity to sample craft beers and locally made cheeses, perfect for those wanting more than just wine. The small group size — limited to 20 people — means a more personalized experience. The reviews reflect this: travelers praise the guide for storytelling, the variety of tastings, and the relaxed atmosphere.
What makes this tour stand out is its curated approach: you get a taste of everything, plus the chance to purchase local products directly from producers. The tour’s well-paced schedule and inclusive tastings make it great for first-timers and seasoned connoisseurs alike.
Bottom Line: It’s a fantastic all-in-one experience that balances wine, food, and craft beer, perfect for those wanting a comprehensive Hunter Valley taste.
2. Hunter Valley: Beer & Wine Group Tour
Coming in second, the Hunter Valley: Beer & Wine Group Tour is ideal for travelers who want a mix of wine and craft beer without the full-day commitment. This 6.5-hour tour already shows the region’s versatility by including visits to both popular wineries and local breweries.
The tour features visits to award-winning wineries and includes a vineyard or winery production tour, giving you a behind-the-scenes insight into the winemaking process. The highlight for many is the lunch with wine or beer, which allows you to sample local brews alongside your meal — a big plus for beer lovers. The small-group setting ensures a relaxed pace and more personal interaction, and the pickup and drop-off service adds convenience.
While some reviews note the tour’s shorter duration, the quality of visits and tastings make it worthwhile. It’s especially suited for those who want a balanced experience with less time commitment, or for travelers who prefer to include both wine and beer on the same day.
Bottom Line: This tour offers good value for those who want a taste of Hunter Valley’s wine and craft beer scene in a relaxed, shorter outing.
3. Hunter Valley: Hop Hunter Brewery Tour
For craft beer aficionados, the Hop Hunter Brewery Tour is a must. This 6-hour experience visits 3 independent breweries, giving you the chance to see behind the scenes and sample a variety of fresh, local brews.
The tour stands out with its behind-the-scenes brewery tours, which allow you to learn about brewing techniques directly from the brewers. The included lunch helps keep your energy up while you explore, and the focus on independent breweries means you’re tasting some of the region’s most innovative beers. The single review praises the high quality of the experience and the engaging guides.
This tour is best suited for those who prefer craft beers and want an in-depth look at the brewing process. It’s a good choice if you’re more interested in beer than wine, but still want a well-rounded day in Hunter Valley. Since it’s a smaller, more focused experience, it may appeal to those who prefer a more intimate tour with specialist knowledge.
Bottom Line: A great pick for craft beer lovers who want to explore Hunter Valley’s local breweries and enjoy a hearty lunch in the process.
$165 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Hunter Valley Drinking Tour
When selecting the best tour, think about your priorities: Are you after a full-day, all-inclusive experience? The Hunter Valley Wine Tour with Food and Beer is perfect if you want a little of everything. If you prefer a shorter, more relaxed outing mixing wine and beer, the Hunter Valley: Beer & Wine Group Tour fits well. For serious craft beer fans, the Hop Hunter Brewery Tour offers a deep dive into local breweries.
Budget is another consideration. The wine and food tour costs around $122, offering good bang for your buck with multiple tastings and food pairings. The beer and wine tour at $148 provides a slightly shorter experience but includes a comprehensive winery visit. The craft beer-focused tour is at $165, reflecting its specialized nature.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot. Also, consider your fitness level — most tours involve a fair amount of walking and tasting. Check if dietary restrictions or specific interests matter, and communicate these with your guide if possible.
Final Thoughts
Hunter Valley offers a range of drinking tours that cater to wine enthusiasts, beer lovers, and those seeking a mix of both. For a well-rounded experience, the Hunter Valley Wine Tour from the Hunter with Wine Craft Beer Cheese Chocolate is hard to beat. If craft beer is your passion, the Hop Hunter Brewery Tour delivers a behind-the-scenes look at local breweries. For a shorter, more casual outing, the Hunter Valley: Beer & Wine Group Tour hits the right notes.
No matter which you pick, scheduling your tour ahead of time will ensure you get the most out of Hunter Valley’s fantastic drinks scene. Now, all that’s left is to raise a glass to a memorable day in one of Australia’s top wine regions. Cheers!