Award Winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience

A Full-Day Hunter Valley Wine and Food Adventure

Imagine spending a leisurely day exploring some of Australia’s finest small wineries, sampling delicious local chocolates and cheeses, and enjoying scenic vineyard views—all without the hassle of planning it yourself. That’s exactly what this Award Winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience offers, and it’s consistently rated a perfect 5 stars by travellers.

What we love about this tour is how it balances intimate, authentic experiences with the convenience of round-trip transport and expertly curated stops. The guiding hands of knowledgeable hosts, the focus on boutique wines, and the chance to see wild kangaroos are just a few highlights that make this tour stand out.

However, if you’re someone with specific dietary requirements or expecting a gourmet, multi-course lunch, this tour might require some customization or prior communication. But overall, it’s ideal for wine lovers wanting a relaxed, insightful taste of Hunter Valley’s best-kept secrets.

This tour suits those who enjoy small group travel, authentic local experiences, and a bit of fun in a stunning setting. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned wine collector, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Small-group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Visits to boutique wineries offer genuine tastings and conversations with wine makers.
• Inclusive food and drink such as lunch, chocolates, and cheeses enhance the tasting journey.
• Wildlife sightings like kangaroos add a memorable touch to your day.
• Expert guides like Julie, Craig, and Bruce are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
• Convenient pickup from all Hunter Valley accommodations simplifies logistics.

A Closer Look at What Makes This Tour Special

Comfortable Transportation and Small Group Size

One of the best features of this tour is that it keeps the group small—capped at just ten participants. That means you’re not lost in a sea of strangers, and the guide can tailor the experience with more personal touches. The modern, comfortable van used by HV Tours is praised for its cleanliness and roominess, making the long day easy and pleasant.

Traveling with a small group also means you’ll have more opportunities to chat with the guide and other guests, creating a friendly atmosphere. Plus, with pickup from your accommodation, you avoid any stressful transport arrangements—just sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Visiting Boutique Wineries with Passionate Winemakers

Instead of the big commercial brands, this tour focuses on small, locally owned wineries. These smaller cellars tend to emphasize quality, craftsmanship, and unique styles that you might not find in stores. As one reviewer noted, the wineries visited are “real boutique wineries where you can talk to the owners and see the real life of owning a vineyard.”

Having the chance to connect directly with winemakers adds a layer of authenticity to your tasting experience. You’ll be able to ask questions about their craft, learn about their vineyards, and taste wines that are often not available outside the region.

Tasting a Diverse Range of Wineries and Products

The itinerary includes several stops over the course of the day, each offering different varieties of wine, spirits, chocolates, and cheeses. The first stop is a visit to small-batch wine producers, avoiding the usual big brands. This is often highlighted as a favorite among travelers, with one reviewer saying, “We tried a stunning amount and variety, and the hosts were very welcoming.”

Food and Confections: Chocolate and Cheese

Beyond wine, the tour stops at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company for sweet treats and Binnorie Dairy for soft cheeses. These are not just add-ons—they’re integral parts of the experience. The chocolates are often accompanied by free samples, and the cheese tasting is relaxed and informative. Many guests appreciate the chance to take home some boutique products as souvenirs.

Scenic and Wildlife Encounters

The Hunter Valley is known for its rolling vineyards and lush landscapes, which you’ll get to soak up during the tour. Several reviews mention spotting wild kangaroos and other Australian wildlife, which adds an unexpected element of excitement. The natural scenery enhances the overall relaxed vibe of the day.

Lunch with Vineyard Views

A relaxed, casual lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the vineyards is included. While not all dietary needs are guaranteed to be catered to, most guests find the meal satisfying. One reviewer mentioned the lunch was “a picnic in a vineyard,” which sounds like a perfect way to unwind amidst beautiful scenery.

The Day in Detail: What You Can Expect

Morning Pickup and Wineries

The tour kicks off at 9:30 am, with pickup from your accommodation—whether you’re staying in Pokolbin or nearby. Once on board, the guide (like the enthusiastic Julie or Craig) kicks off the day with friendly conversation and an overview of the plan.

The first stop is a visit to small boutique wineries, focusing on locally owned operations rather than the big brands. These visits are often the highlight, offering intimate tastings with owners or winemakers who are proud to share their craft. Guests typically appreciate the variety—some wineries showcase reds, while others might focus on whites or specialty varieties.

Chocolate and Cheese Breaks

Mid-morning, it’s time to indulge at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, where wandering through the shop is part of the fun. Guests often comment on the delicious free samples and the ability to pick up unique chocolate treats.

The next stop is Binnorie Dairy, where you’ll enjoy a relaxed tasting of soft cheeses. It’s a chance to learn about cheese production and maybe pick up some gourmet souvenirs.

Spirits and Last-Minute Gifts

The third stop, The Garden Cellars, introduces guests to boutique spirits like gins and vodkas. This stop provides an opportunity to purchase last-minute gifts or enjoy a final tasting of local spirits that are often not found at larger wineries.

Lunch and Scenic Views

After a morning of tastings, the tour pauses for a leisurely lunch overlooking the vineyards. Most guests find the meal satisfying and a nice break before more tasting stops. Some reviews mention the lunch as a highlight, with views enhancing the experience.

Afternoon Stops and Wildlife Sightings

Post-lunch, the tour continues with visits to more boutique wineries or scenic spots. Travelers often report seeing kangaroos and other native wildlife, making the experience uniquely Australian.

Final Stop and Return

The last stop is at The Garden Cellars for any last-minute purchases of wine, spirits, or souvenirs. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation, typically around 5 pm, leaving you with plenty of memories and maybe a few new favorites.

Value for Money and Overall Experience

At $152.55 per person, this tour offers excellent value. The inclusion of multiple tastings, a casual lunch, chocolates, cheeses, and transportation makes it a comprehensive day out that covers a lot of ground without feeling rushed.

Multiple reviewers emphasize the quality of the guides, especially praising Julie, Craig, and Bruce for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to craft a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The small group size ensures personalized attention, which many find makes the experience more genuine and enjoyable.

The focus on boutique wineries means you’re getting an authentic taste of the region, often visiting places you’d never find on your own. The chance to chat directly with winemakers, sip local spirits, and sample gourmet chocolates and cheeses elevates the experience beyond just wine tasting.

A Few Considerations

While most reviews are glowing, a couple of guests noted the lunch could be more gourmet or tailored to dietary needs. The tour does not cater to all special diets automatically, so prior communication may help if you have specific requirements.

Weather can also impact the day—since the experience relies on outdoor visits and wildlife sightings, poor weather may affect the overall enjoyment or lead to a reschedule. However, the tour provider offers flexible options for cancellations or rescheduling.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to explore small, authentic wineries with knowledgeable hosts. It also appeals to food lovers who enjoy chocolates and cheeses, and those who want a relaxed, scenic day in the Hunter Valley without the stress of planning.

If you prefer a more structured, full-service gourmet experience, this tour might feel a little casual, but for many, that’s part of its charm. It suits travelers who appreciate genuine local experiences, wildlife viewing, and intimate conversations with winemakers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided?
Yes, round-trip transportation from all Hunter Valley accommodations is included, providing a hassle-free way to enjoy the day.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, starting at 9:30 am and ending around 5 pm.

Are dietary requirements catered for?
Most dietary needs are not automatically catered to, so it’s best to contact the tour operator in advance to discuss specific concerns.

Can I visit larger, commercial wineries on this tour?
No, the focus is on small, boutique wineries and locally owned cellar doors, offering a more authentic experience.

What’s included in the price?
Tastings at multiple wineries, chocolates, cheeses, bottled water, a casual lunch overlooking vineyards, and transportation are included. Personal purchases are not.

Is there wildlife viewing?
Yes, guests often see kangaroos and other native wildlife during the day, which adds a uniquely Australian touch to the experience.

Final Thoughts

This guided Hunter Valley wine and food tour offers a rewarding day for anyone wanting a genuine taste of regional Australia. With its small-group setup, expert guides, and focus on boutique producers, it provides a relaxed yet immersive experience that balances tastings, scenic views, and local culture.

While not a gourmet, multi-course feast, the combination of wine, chocolates, cheeses, and wildlife sightings makes for a memorable day out. The value for money is evident in the variety of stops, the quality of the hosts, and the convenience of included transport.

Ideal for first-time visitors, couples, or small groups looking to explore Hunter Valley’s authentic side, this tour promises a friendly, informative, and fun journey through Australia’s premier wine region.

Ready to explore Hunter Valley’s best-kept secrets? This tour is a delicious, scenic, and sociable way to spend a day in wine country.