Our Picks For The 11 Best Tours In Pokolbin

Pokolbin is a standout spot in Australia’s Hunter Valley, offering a wide variety of tours that showcase the region’s acclaimed wines, delicious foods, and scenic landscapes. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a foodie, or someone looking for a relaxing day out, Pokolbin’s tour options deliver authentic experiences with just enough luxury and local charm. We especially like the Hunter Valley Half-Day Tour with Cheese and Wine for its private tastings without the crowds, and the Horse Drawn Carriage Tour for its unique, leisurely pace among vineyards. The region’s mix of small boutique wineries and charming local producers makes it perfect for exploring with guided tours that combine education and enjoyment.

If you’re choosing a tour, think about what appeals most—are you after a quick taste, a full day of indulgence, or a scenic ride? Our picks include options for different budgets, time frames, and interests, ensuring there’s something for all.

Quick Overview

In this guide, we cover 11 of the best tours in Pokolbin, spanning half-day wine tastings, food pairings, scenic carriage rides, sunset horseback riding, and even overnight experiences. You’ll find tours that focus on wine, cheese, and chocolate, as well as more exclusive behind-the-scenes winery visits. For example, the Pokolbin: Hunter Valley Half-Day Tour with Cheese and Wine offers private boutique tastings in just four hours, perfect for a quick gourmet escape. On the other hand, the Sydney: Hunter Valley Overnight Wine Tour with Tastings gives you a full two-day immersion. Read on to find the perfect fit for your trip.

1. Pokolbin: Hunter Valley Half-Day Tour with Cheese and Wine

For about 4 hours, this half-day tour takes you through three boutique wineries with private tastings that avoid the usual crowds. What makes this tour stand out is the focus on pairing wine and local cheeses, helping you understand how to maximize flavor combinations. The guide takes you to the fun Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Kitchen, where you might even spot kangaroos during a quick stop.

Guests consistently praise the intimate tasting settings and the opportunity to learn about wine matching from experienced hosts. It’s perfect for those short on time but eager to sample some of the best wines in the Hunter Valley. The relaxed pace and close proximity to Pokolbin make it a good choice for a quick but meaningful experience.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for a half-day outing that combines quality tastings with a bit of wildlife spotting and local flavor.

2. Hunter Valley: Wine, Spirits, and Cheese Tour with Lunch

Spending 6 hours, this small-group tour offers a comprehensive taste of Hunter Valley’s wine, gin, and spirits. The tour visits three wineries for white and red wine samples, with an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at wine production. Unique to this tour is the tasting of organic vodka, schnapps, gin, and liqueurs served in test tubes—making tasting both fun and informative.

The included 1-course lunch paired with a glass of wine or beer is a highlight, along with chocolate, cheese, and wine pairings. Guests often comment on the friendly guide and the generous spirit tastings. This tour suits those wanting a full-day experience with a focus on premium drinks and local food.

Bottom Line: Ideal for curious drinkers who want to explore wine and spirits in depth, with a delicious lunch to round out the day.

3. Hunter Valley: Wine, Gin, Cheese and Chocolate Tour

On this 6-hour day trip, you’ll visit three boutique wineries for tasting, with hotel pickup in included. What sets this apart is the combination of wine, gin, cheese, and chocolate—a true indulgence for lovers of all things gourmet. The tour also includes a relaxed lunch with wine or beer, giving you time to soak up the atmosphere.

The highlight is trying locally made spirits, cheese, and chocolates, all paired with regional wines. Guests appreciate the smooth logistics, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making this a stress-free day. If you want a balanced mix of liquid and edible delights, this tour hits the mark.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want an all-encompassing tasting experience with a focus on quality and variety.

4. Pokolbin: Harvest the Hunter Horse Drawn Carriage Tour 3hrs

Imagine exploring the vineyards from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage on this 3-hour scenic ride. Starting at 426 McDonalds Rd, this tour combines horse-drawn carriage rides with tastings at two different wineries. You’ll learn about regional wine-making while enjoying wine, cheese, and chocolate samples along the way, making it a hands-on, relaxed experience.

Guests love the romantic atmosphere and the chance to see the landscape unfold at a gentle pace. The tour’s unique mode of transport provides a different perspective from typical bus tours, making it ideal for couples or small groups craving something charming and memorable.

Bottom Line: A distinctive, comfortable way to soak up the Hunter Valley’s scenery and flavors on a scenic carriage ride.

5. Hunter Valley: Sunset Horse Riding Tour 90min

For a more active experience, this sunset horseback ride lasts about 1.5 hours and takes you through the bushland and farmland of Hunter Valley. Riding at dusk, you’ll be mesmerized by the sunset over the Broken Back Range, a breathtaking backdrop for your ride.

While it’s a shorter tour at 90 minutes, it offers a serene connection with nature and a chance to see wildlife as the day winds down. It’s suitable for riders with some experience—being aware that pregnant women or wheelchair users aren’t recommended. Guests describe the experience as peaceful and beautifully scenic.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a peaceful, scenic ride to end the day in style.

6. Hunter Valley: Tastes of the Hunter Half Day Tour

This 4.5-hour tour is a tasting-focused adventure that includes premium wines, spirits, cheese, and chocolates. Starting with a guided spirits tasting at a local distillery, it then moves on to a boutique cellar for cheese and wine pairing. The tour also features artisan chocolates matched with local wines, making it a true gourmet experience.

It’s perfect for travelers who want a guided, relaxed exploration of the Hunter Valley’s best flavors, with return transfers from Lovedale, Pokolbin, and other nearby towns. Reviewers give it a perfect 5/5, citing the well-paced itinerary and friendly staff.

Bottom Line: An excellent half-day option for food and wine lovers who want a guided, all-in-one tasting experience.

7. Hunter Valley: Wine, Food, and Behind the Scenes Day Tour

This tour offers 6 hours of gourmet exploration, including a behind-the-scenes look at a working winery. You’ll enjoy wine, cheese, and charcuterie pairings, plus a tasting of four artisan pies with wines. The experience dives into how textures and flavors interact in food, with a focus on dumplings and other regional specialties.

What makes it special is the opportunity to meet the winemakers and see the production process firsthand. Guests appreciate the intimate, educational atmosphere, making it ideal for those interested in both food and wine craftsmanship.

Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies and wine enthusiasts who want an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at winemaking.

8. Hunter Valley: Private Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Tour

For couples or small groups seeking a personalized experience, this private tour offers door-to-door service and visits to three boutique wineries for tastings. You’ll also stop at a local cheese shop or Hunter Valley Chocolate Shop to indulge further.

The private nature of this tour means you can customize your experience and take plenty of Instagram-worthy photos along the way. It’s great for those who prefer a quieter, more tailored approach to tasting the region’s finest offerings.

Bottom Line: An ideal choice for privacy-conscious travelers who value flexibility and personalized service.

9. Sydney: Hunter Valley Overnight Wine Tour with Tastings

This 2-day tour from Sydney is perfect for those wanting a deep dive into Hunter Valley. It includes wine, beer, and spirit tastings, plus an overnight stay at the well-rated Marbles on Lovedale. The trip also features stops at historic sites and scenic drives through the countryside.

While more expensive, this tour offers a comprehensive experience that’s suited for serious wine lovers or travelers with extra time. The two days provide a relaxed pace to explore the region thoroughly.

Bottom Line: Best for those who want to combine sightseeing and tastings over a full weekend.

10. Exclusive Behind the Scenes Winery Tour with Cheese Pairing

This 2-hour private tour gives you a detailed look inside a winery, including a barrel tasting and a premier wine and cheese pairing. Starting at 576 De Beyers Rd, this tour emphasizes learning about the winemaking process and sampling wines directly from the barrel.

Perfect for those who want a more intimate, educational experience, it’s suitable for private groups and includes a visit to the historic Post Office Block Shiraz vineyard. Reviewers note the personalized attention and delicious pairings make it a worthwhile investment.

Bottom Line: Excellent for wine aficionados seeking an in-depth, behind-the-scenes experience.

11. Pokolbin: The Mother Vine Experience | Tour and Wine Tasting

Focusing on Pinot Noir, this 2-hour experience begins with a vineyard tour and ends with a guided tasting of Pinot Noir and blends, paired with a charcuterie and cheese board. Located at 401 Marrowbone Rd, it offers a relaxed setting to learn about clonal selection and winemaking techniques.

Guests particularly enjoy the generous food pairings and the historic setting of the vineyard. It’s suited for Pinot fans or travelers interested in the story behind the wine. The tour is ideal for those who want a more intimate, educational experience.

Bottom Line: A must-do for Pinot lovers and those seeking a relaxed, informative winery visit.

How to Choose Your Perfect Pokolbin Tour

When selecting the best tour, consider your budget, interests, and available time. For a quick taste, the Hunter Valley Half-Day Tour with Cheese and Wine offers great value. If you want a full day of tastings and exploration, the Wine, Spirits, and Cheese Tour or Behind the Scenes Day Tour are excellent choices.

For those craving a scenic, leisurely experience, the Horse Drawn Carriage or Sunset Horse Riding will suit. If privacy or a tailored experience is important, consider the Private Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate Tour.

Timing also matters—book early during peak seasons (spring and summer) to secure your spot, and check availability for tours with specific times.

Final Thoughts

Pokolbin offers a wide range of tours that cater to different tastes, whether it’s a quick half-day, a luxurious overnight, or an intimate behind-the-scenes look. The region’s boutique wineries, local produce, and scenic landscapes make it a top choice for wine and food lovers alike.

For couples seeking romance, the Horse Drawn Carriage or Sunset Horse Riding are perfect. If you’re a serious connoisseur, the Behind the Scenes Winery Tour offers a deeper dive into winemaking.

Whatever your style, booking early guarantees you’ll secure your preferred date and experience. Take your pick, and enjoy exploring this beautiful corner of Australia’s wine country.