Hunter Valley is renowned for its excellent wines, craft beers, and excellent food pairings, making it a top spot for beverage lovers. Unlike other wine regions, Hunter Valley offers a diverse range of tasting experiences that include not just wine but also craft beers and local cheeses. We particularly like the Hunter Valley Wine Tour from the Hunter with Wine Craft Beer Cheese Chocolate, which combines wine tasting with local culinary treats and craft beer. This tour’s small-group size and wide variety of tastings make it a standout choice for those wanting an authentic, flavorful day in the region.
If you’re after a broader tasting experience that includes both wine and beer, or you love brewery visits, Hunter Valley has a lot to offer. Whether you prefer the guided wine journey or the craft beer scene, these tours offer a good balance of local flavor, expert hosts, and memorable scenery.
Quick Overview
This list covers the best drinking tours in Hunter Valley, including a comprehensive wine and culinary experience, a mixed group tour with wine and beer tastings, and a brewery-focused day. Each offers different highlights — from boutique cellar doors to behind-the-scenes brewery visits — catering to various interests and budgets. Check out the options below to see which adventure fits your style.
1. Hunter Valley Wine Tour from the Hunter with Wine Craft Beer Cheese Chocolate
This popular 8-hour tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Hunter Valley’s liquid delights. Traveling in a small group of up to 20 people, you’ll visit 3-4 boutique wineries for tastings of Semillon, Verdelho, and other varietals. The tour also includes tasting local cheeses, chocolates, craft beers, and even some vodka or liqueurs, making it a culinary journey as much as a wine tour.
What makes this tour especially appealing is its intimate setting and carefully curated stops. The guide shares engaging stories about the region’s winemaking history and current trends, adding context to each tasting. Customers consistently praise the guide for their friendly demeanor and storytelling skills. Many reviews highlight the winetasting at unique cellar doors with beautiful views, and the cheese and chocolate tastings are a delightful bonus.
Priced at $129.10 per person, it offers excellent value for a full day of tastings, food, and fun. The limited size ensures a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those who want a personalized experience without the larger bus crowds.
Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive, small-group experience that combines wine, food, and craft beer, this tour hits all the right notes.
2. Hunter Valley: Beer & Wine Group Tour
For around 6.5 hours, this group tour offers a balanced mix of wine tastings and craft beer sampling. Perfect for those who want to explore both worlds, the tour includes visits to award-winning wineries and a visit to a brewery or vineyard where you get a behind-the-scenes look at the production process — a rare chance to see how your favorite drinks are made.
The itinerary features a vineyard tour, multiple tastings of wine and spirits, and a 1-course lunch with wine or beer, giving you a proper break to enjoy Hunter Valley’s scenery and flavors. An added perk is the optional beer tasting, which can replace one of the wine tastings if you prefer a more hops-focused experience.
This tour includes convenient pickup and drop-off, making it hassle-free. The reviews highlight its excellent organization and the diversity of tastings, with many guests appreciating the opportunity to sample both wine and craft beers in one day.
Cost-wise, it provides good value, especially considering the inclusion of a proper meal. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a flexible, social experience with an emphasis on both wine and beer.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who enjoy variety and want to taste Hunter Valley’s best wines and craft beers while relaxing in a friendly group.
3. Hunter Valley: Hop Hunter Brewery Tour
This 6-hour tour is perfect for lovers of craft beer. Visiting three independent breweries, the tour includes behind-the-scenes access and tastings of a variety of craft beers. The visit often includes a lunch at one of the breweries, giving you a chance to enjoy local food paired with fresh brews.
What makes this tour different is its focus on local, independent breweries rather than large commercial operations. Guests often mention the insider knowledge gained during brewery tours, which elevates the experience beyond just tasting. The guide’s enthusiasm and expertise make the behind-the-scenes visits engaging and informative, appealing especially to beer aficionados.
Guests rate this tour highly, with many noting the quality of the beers and the relaxed atmosphere. It’s a shorter day, so it’s particularly suited for those who want a beer-centric experience without a full wine tour. The tour is also well-rated for its lunch, which helps keep everyone energized.
Bottom line: If craft beer is your main interest, this tour offers a focused, fun, and authentic taste of Hunter Valley’s burgeoning brewing scene.
How to Choose Your Hunter Valley Drinking Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your main interest and how much time you want to spend. If wine tasting combined with culinary delights appeals most, the Hunter Valley Wine Tour from the Hunter with Wine Craft Beer Cheese Chocolate is a great pick. It offers a comprehensive experience with a small-group setting and delicious extras.
For those who want both wine and craft beer, the Beer & Wine Group Tour provides a good balance, especially if you’re interested in learning about the production process and enjoying a proper lunch.
If your focus is craft beer alone, the Hop Hunter Brewery Tour is the best choice. It delivers a behind-the-scenes look at Hunter Valley’s local breweries and a relaxed day exploring the hops scene.
Consider your budget, whether you prefer small groups or larger tours, and your interest in food pairings or brewery visits when choosing. Booking early is wise, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date.
To sum it up, Hunter Valley offers a diverse array of drinking tours that cater to wine lovers, beer enthusiasts, and culinary explorers alike. For a full day of variety, the wine and food tour is hard to beat. If you’re passionate about craft beers, the brewery tour will satisfy your curiosity. And for those wanting a quick yet immersive experience, the brewery visit promises plenty of tastings and behind-the-scenes insights.
No matter what you choose, these tours promise a memorable day sampling Hunter Valley’s best beverages. Just remember to book ahead, bring your appetite, and be ready to enjoy some of Australia’s most celebrated drinks.