Hunter Valley: Wine Tour with 2-Course Lunch, Choc & Cheese

Planning a day trip from Sydney that combines award-winning wines, gourmet lunch, and sweet and savory treats? This Hunter Valley tour offers a delightful way to experience some of Australia’s most celebrated food and wine without the hassle of planning your own itinerary. It’s a full 11.5-hour adventure, perfect for those who want a taste of rural charm, stunning scenery, and authentic culinary experiences.

Two things we particularly love about this tour: first, the selection of renowned wineries with guided tastings that give real insight into Australia’s wine scene; second, the combination of gourmet lunch paired with local wines—a true highlight that elevates the experience beyond just sipping. A potential drawback? It’s a long day, and with so many stops packed in, it can feel a bit rushed if you prefer slow, unhurried visits.

This tour suits wine lovers, foodies, and anyone eager to see the Hunter Valley’s scenic vineyards with guided ease. It’s especially appealing if you’re visiting Sydney and want a comprehensive, well-organized day outside the city hustle.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides enhance the experience with interesting stories and local insights.
• Stunning Vistas: The wineries, especially Audrey Wilkinson, offer breathtaking 360-degree views.
• Tasty Pairings: The lunch, paired with local wines, provides great value and a true taste of Hunter Valley cuisine.
• Sweet & Savory: Chocolate tasting at Hunter Valley Chocolate Company and cheese tasting at Binnorie Dairy add layers of indulgence.
• Comfortable Transport: Modern coaches with USB rechargers and reclining seats make the long day more pleasant.
• Long but Rewarding: At over 11 hours, it’s a full-day commitment but packed with authentic experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: A Well-Structured Wine Journey

The day begins early, with pickup options from various Sydney hotels or a designated meeting point at Central Station. This flexibility is helpful, especially if you’re staying in the city and prefer not to arrange your own transportation. The journey across the Sydney Harbour Bridge kicks off an exciting day, with a short comfort stop to stretch legs and take in the views.

First Stop: Audrey Wilkinson Winery

Just after arriving in the Hunter Valley around 10 am, your first stop is Audrey Wilkinson Winery, perched on the foothills of the Brokenback Range. This winery is one of Australia’s oldest, established in the 1860s, and it’s famous for its elegant wines and panoramic views. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting that not only introduces you to their wines but also shares stories behind the estate’s long history.

The experience here is ideal for those who appreciate a sense of place—the views are as much a part of the charm as the wines. Reviews highlight the “breathtaking 360-degree scenery,” making it a memorable start.

Second Stop: Mount Pleasant Wines

Next, your group heads to Mount Pleasant Wines, another pivotal winery with a storied past. Here, you’ll sample a variety of estate-grown and single-vineyard wines, including Australia’s oldest Pinot Noir. The wine tasting is carefully curated, giving you the chance to compare different styles and learn about the craftsmanship involved.

Guests often mention the chance to taste the vines that produce the wine, which adds an extra layer of appreciation. One reviewer noted, “we got to taste 7-8 wines at each stop,” emphasizing the generous tastings.

Lunch at Voco Kirkton Park Hotel

Around 12:15 pm, it’s time for a two-course gourmet lunch at the elegant Voco Kirkton Park Hotel, a beautiful country manor setting. The meal is paired with local red and white wines chosen to complement each dish. Feedback describes the lunch as “tasty and well-presented” with “lots of options,” though some mention that certain dishes could be more flavorful. The experience of dining in a scenic, sophisticated setting makes it worthwhile.

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Afternoon Indulgence: Chocolate and Cheese

Post-lunch, the tour shifts to sweet and savory indulgences. The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company offers a delicious chocolate tasting, with many reviewers highlighting how “friendly staff” and “delicious chocolates” made this a delightful stop. It’s a perfect break to satisfy your sweet tooth amid the vineyards.

Following this, the group visits Binnorie Dairy, renowned for award-winning soft cheeses. Here, you’ll enjoy a premium cheese tasting—a favorite among visitors seeking authentic, local produce. Multiple reviews praise the “excellent cheese selection” and “knowledgeable staff,” making this a fitting conclusion to the tasting parts of the day.

Return Journey

The tour wraps up around 3:45 pm for the return to Sydney, arriving back at Central Station by approximately 6 pm. The coach is described as modern and comfortable, with amenities like USB rechargers and reclining seats—helpful after a long day on the road. The group size tends to be manageable, and guides are appreciated for their friendliness and knowledge.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

Traveling in a state-of-the-art coach makes the journey comfortable, especially on such a long day. Since the tour departs early and returns late, most travelers find the timing suits those who prefer structured days over spontaneous wandering. Reviews mention that the bus ride is smooth, though a few note it can be cold due to air conditioning, so bringing layers is wise.

Group size is typically small enough for personalized attention, and the inclusion of USB rechargers makes charging devices convenient. Guides often receive praise for their friendliness and knowledge, which enhances the overall experience.

Pricing and Value

While the tour is a full-day adventure, it’s worth considering what’s included: transport, guided tastings at two historic wineries, a two-course lunch with wine pairing, chocolate and cheese tastings, and transportation back to Sydney. This all-inclusive approach offers solid value for those wanting a comprehensive experience without the hassle of organizing multiple visits or transportation.

Many reviews emphasize the generous tastings—at each winery, you get a handful of wines to sample, and the lunch includes multiple options paired thoughtfully with local wines. The added treats of chocolate and cheese round out the experience nicely.

Some travelers mention the long duration but agree that the well-paced schedule, beautiful scenery, and quality tastings make for a worthwhile day. It’s especially good for visitors who prefer guided tours over self-driving, freeing them to relax and enjoy.

What Reviewers Say

Guests consistently praise knowledgeable guides like Alfie, Chen, and Gordon for making the day fun, engaging, and informative. Several reviews mention that guides went “above and beyond,” ensuring everyone felt included and informed. The scenic wineries and delicious tastings are recurring highlights, with many noting the breathtaking views from Audrey Wilkinson.

Some criticisms touch on the blandness of the lunch or the perceived tourist trap nature of some tastings, but overall, the consensus is highly positive. Reviewers highlight the good value for money and the chance to see multiple top spots in a single day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Hunter Valley experience is ideal if you want a comprehensive, guided day that combines wine tasting, gourmet dining, and sweet and savory indulgences. It’s perfect for first-time visitors to the Hunter Valley who prefer an organized approach, or for those with limited time wanting to maximize their visit.

While the tour isn’t suited for children under 18 or those with mobility issues, it’s well-suited for adults who appreciate wine, food, and beautiful scenery. The long hours suggest it’s best for active, curious travelers eager to learn and indulge.

The Sum Up

This Hunter Valley tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day that balances scenic beauty, top wines, and authentic local treats. The thoughtful inclusion of a gourmet lunch paired with wines, followed by chocolate and cheese tastings, makes it stand out as a food and wine-focused experience. The modern coach, friendly guides, and carefully curated stops ensure a comfortable, informative journey.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to explore Hunter Valley’s best wineries, learn about Australian wines, and indulge in delicious local foods, this tour is a great choice. It suits those wanting to experience the region’s highlights without the stress of planning, and who enjoy guided group tours full of interesting stories and scenic views.

For travelers who value good value, knowledgeable hosts, and authentic tasting experiences, this tour delivers plenty of memorable moments—making it an excellent addition to any Sydney itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 11.5 hours, starting early in the morning and returning around 6 pm.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup (or meeting point at Central Station), transportation in a modern coach, guided wine tastings at two wineries, a two-course lunch with wine pairing, chocolate tasting, cheese tasting, and return to Sydney.

Are there any hotel pickups?
Yes, pickups are available from many Sydney hotels between 5:30 am and 6:30 am. If your hotel isn’t listed or you book late, you can meet at Central Station’s Western Forecourt Coach Bay #8.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for adults over 18, especially those interested in wine and gourmet food.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, a charged smartphone, and layers for variable weather. No food or drinks are allowed in the vehicle.

Are the stops flexible?
The itinerary is fixed, but each stop offers enough time for tastings and photos. The schedule is quite packed to fit everything in.

What’s the pace of the day?
It’s a full and busy schedule with about 2.5 hours of coach travel, so be prepared for a long day. Some find the early start worth the experience.

How many people typically join?
Group sizes are generally manageable, with reviews highlighting a friendly, intimate atmosphere.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a guided tour, customization isn’t available. However, the stops are carefully selected to showcase Hunter Valley’s highlights.

What if it rains?
The tour operates rain or shine, so be prepared for the weather with appropriate clothing.

This tour strikes a good balance between guided insight and the chance to enjoy some of Australia’s best regional specialties. Whether you’re a wine novice or a connoisseur, it offers enough variety and authenticity to make your Hunter Valley visit memorable.

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