Our Picks For The 5 Best Full-Day Tours In Hunter Valley

Hunter Valley is a standout destination for full-day tours, especially for lovers of wine, cheese, and good food. Its rolling vineyards, boutique wineries, and culinary delights make it a natural choice for those wanting a comprehensive taste of Australia’s wine country in just one day. We’re particularly fond of the Uncork the Hunter Full Day Hunter Valley Winery Tour because of its small-group intimacy and cheese & wine masterclass, which offers a hands-on experience that feels both personal and delicious. For a broader exploration that includes chocolates, spirits, and tastings at multiple small wineries, the Award Winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience is a top pick. Both tours emphasize local, boutique producers, making each experience authentic rather than commercialized.

If you’re after a truly flexible, private experience tailored to your preferences, the Full Day Private Wine Tour Exclusively Tailored To Suit You stands out for its customization and private transport. For those looking for a more relaxed, boutique adventure with tastings at a handful of special spots, the Hunter Valley Full Day Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Tour offers a delightful mix of food and drink in a small-group setting. Below, you’ll find detailed reviews of each, helping you choose the best fit for your Hunter Valley adventure.

1. Uncork the Hunter Full Day Hunter Valley Winery Tour

At number 1, this full-day wine tour offers an excellent balance of wine tasting, food experiences, and hassle-free logistics. For around $157, you get approximately 7 hours of touring with hotel pickup and drop-off included—which makes it especially convenient if you’re staying in Hunter Valley or nearby. What sets this tour apart is the focus on personalized attention in a small group limited to 15 people, ensuring you get a more intimate experience. The highlights include a cheese and wine masterclass at Two Fat Blokes, where you’ll learn to pair 9 cheeses with 9 wines, and a visit to Hunter Beer Co for a relaxed brewery (or wine/cider) tasting.

The tour’s reviews reflect consistent praise, with guests emphasizing the knowledgeable guide and smooth itinerary. One traveler noted, “Prompt pick-up with a very knowledgeable guide. An enjoyable day with an excellent lunch,” while others appreciate the balanced mix of tasting and learning. The inclusion of a cheese & wine pairing and local brewery visit creates a well-rounded, engaging day.

Bottom line: This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts who want an intimate, educational experience with excellent food and wine pairings, all with the convenience of hotel pickup.

2. Award Winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience

At number 2, the Award Winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience offers a slightly longer day—about 7.5 hours—and a comprehensive itinerary that includes visiting local wineries, chocolates, and spirits. For $161.38, you’ll explore small, locally owned wineries that focus on boutique, craft production, avoiding the mass-market brands. This tour also ensures intimacy with a cap of 10 participants and round-trip transportation from all accommodations, making it ideal for travelers seeking comfort and ease.

The itinerary includes stops at the Hunter Valley Wineries, the Chocolate Company, the Garden Cellars, and Binnorie Dairy. Visitors rave about the diversity of tastings, with many noting the well-organized schedule and the opportunity to sample everything from boutique wines to gin and vodka. One reviewer describes it as “a well-organized and interesting day with a good mix of wine, chocolate, and cheese.” The guide’s local knowledge shines, making every stop feel special.

Bottom line: This tour is great for food and wine lovers who want a balanced, relaxed day with multiple tastes and a small-group experience, perfect for those wanting to explore both wine and local artisan treats.

3. Hunter Valley: Uncork the Hunter Full-Day Wine Tour

Positioned at number 3, this full-day wine tour offers a VIP experience with tastings at Hunter’s top wineries and a cheese & chocolate masterclass. For about 7 hours, you’ll enjoy personalized guided visits to some of the region’s most renowned producers, with a focus on gourmet food pairings and expert insights. The tour’s highlight is the gourmet grazing box lunch, which complements the tastings and creates a true culinary experience.

This tour is especially suited for those wanting a luxurious, guided experience with a focus on high-end wineries and gourmet pairings. The team’s passion is evident, and the exclusive VIP tastings give a sense of indulgence. While specifics about the price aren’t listed here, the focus on premium experiences makes it a good choice for travelers looking to splurge a little.

Guests mention that the guides are passionate and knowledgeable, and the gourmet grazing box is a nice touch for a relaxed yet upscale day. The tour’s unique focus on wine, cheese, and chocolate makes it perfect for foodies.

Bottom line: If you want a VIP, gourmet-focused day with expert tastings and a relaxed vibe, this tour hits the spot.

4. Full Day Private Wine Tour Exclusively Tailored To Suit You

At number 4, this completely customizable private tour gives you the freedom to choose your own itinerary. With a flexible schedule from 3 to 12 hours, and a cost of $265.38 per group (up to 4 people), it’s designed for travelers who want total control. The driver can take you to over 200 different venues—wineries, breweries, distilleries, and more—according to your preferences.

This tour is perfect for small groups or couples who know exactly what they want to see, whether it’s specific wineries, distilleries, or food stops. The tour’s flexibility is its greatest strength, making it ideal for special occasions or those with very particular tastes. Many reviews highlight the driver’s local knowledge and the personalized experience, with one saying, “Our driver was very helpful and went out of his way,” and “we built our own perfect day.”

The main drawback is that it’s more expensive per group, but the tailored experience often justifies the price. It’s best suited for travelers who want a customized, private day in Hunter Valley.

Bottom line: For those who prefer to craft their own wine adventure and don’t mind paying a premium for exclusivity, this private tour offers unmatched flexibility.

5. Hunter Valley Full Day Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Tour

Rounding out the list at number 5, this boutique full-day tour combines wine, cheese, and chocolates for a well-rounded tasting experience. For $121.21, you’ll spend about 7 hours enjoying visits to handpicked boutique wineries, a cheese & wine pairing at Binnorie Dairy, and a taste of Belgian and Swiss chocolates at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company.

The tour is praised for its small group size and relaxed pace. Visitors can expect to explore local, family-owned wineries, and enjoy tastings of premium wines, artisan cheeses, and spirits. One reviewer noted the “lovely stops at boutique wineries, with a delicious cheese experience,” emphasizing the personalized and intimate nature of the tour. The inclusion of spirits like vodka and gin adds extra variety, making it appealing for those wanting a broader taste of Hunter Valley’s producers.

The main strength is its focus on local, artisanal products, with a good balance of wine and food stops. It’s particularly suited for travelers on a budget who still want a high-quality experience.

Bottom line: This is an excellent choice for foodies and wine lovers looking for a relaxed, small-group tour with a good mix of tastings without breaking the bank.

How to Choose

Choosing the best Hunter Valley full-day tour depends on your priorities. If you want an intimate, educational experience with cheese and wine pairings, the Uncork the Hunter Full Day Hunter Valley Winery Tour is a top pick. For those who want variety and artisanal food and drink, the Award Winning Full Day Wine and Food Experience offers an engaging, small-group journey. If privacy and customization are key, the Full Day Private Wine Tour provides the flexibility you need.

Consider your budget, preferred pacing, and interest in food versus wine. For instance, if you’re traveling with family or a small group seeking a flexible itinerary, the private tour is ideal. Conversely, if you’re a serious wine enthusiast eager for guided VIP tastings and gourmet pairings, the VIP-style tour might suit you best.

Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and tailor your experience.

In The Sum Up

Hunter Valley offers a diverse range of full-day tours suited for different tastes and budgets. For a balanced experience with learning and tasting, the Uncork the Hunter tour stands out. For those wanting a mix of boutique wines, chocolates, and spirits, the Award Winning Full Day Experience hits the mark. If a personalized private day sounds best, the Tailored Private Tour provides complete flexibility.

No matter your choice, Hunter Valley’s wines, cheeses, and scenic countryside are sure to make your day memorable. To get the most out of your visit, consider your interests and book early—these tours fill up fast. Now, all that’s left is to plan your perfect Hunter Valley day trip.