mcguigan wine tour

McGuigan Wines

Wine Tasting at McGuigan

McGuigan Wines is an established winery nestled in the heart of Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, that has been operating since 1992. Known for their range of fine wines, they offer something for every taste bud. From non-alcoholic wine to full-bodied red wines, refreshing whites for those hot summer days, and sparkling and rosé to celebrate those special moments, McGuigan Wines has got you covered.

Their range of award-winning wines, including Bin 9000, The Shortlist, and Hand Made range, are sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseur. The winemaker, Thomas Jung, creates a variety of wines in a traditional Hunter style, such as Chardonnay, Semillon, and Shiraz, and is renowned for the Black Label range.

Visit McGuigan in Pokolbin

The Broke Road tasting room provides the perfect opportunity to taste the full range of wines on offer. McGuigan Wines offers different tasting options, from a simple walk-in bar tasting for small groups to intimate structured tastings or group bookings. For those with a sweet tooth, they even offer a wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting if you book in advance.

You can expect the following from a tasting at McGuigan:

Book a tasting at McGuigan

We recommend making a booking for all tasting experiences.

Ratings & Reviews

Mcguigan wine tasting review.

Lovely experience with knowledgeable staff and a great selection of wines made from grapes both local and from further afield. The Verdelho and Carmenere were the stand outs for me but there's plenty of quality throughout.

Wine Styles

Contact details.

447 McDonalds Road Corner of, Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia

(02) 4998 4111

[email protected]

mcguiganwines.com.au

Opening Hours

Visit other nearby wineries.

Restaurant · Winery Tours · Electric Car Charging

Space for Groups · Non-alcoholic Drinks · Modern Design

Meerea Park

Wheelchair Accessible · Modern Design · Restaurant

The Little Wine Co.

McGuigan Wine Cellar Door

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477 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320

• Tours and Experiences

Open daily 10 am to 5 pm

McGuigan Wines Website P: (02) 4998 4111

With four generations and over 100 years of winemaking to draw on, the McGuigan family has dedicated their life to bringing Australia and the world some of the best wine. McGuigan’s Hunter Valley roots is complemented by a progressive spirit, continuing to innovate and make the world’s favourite grape varieties accessible to wine lovers across the globe. It’s this point of difference that drives us to always make the best possible wine from regions around Australia, delivering unbeatable value, constantly exceeding customers’ expectations at every price and every occasion. Life’s complicated – enjoying wine shouldn’t be.

OUR CELLAR DOOR

Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, our newly refurbished cellar door is just a two-hour drive north of Sydney and open year-round daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

Our knowledgeable and friendly cellar door staff will guide you through a tasting of McGuigan wines from the always popular Bin 9000 Semillon to exclusive labels such as Mastercraft and our very special Personal Reserve. Everyone is welcome at the McGuigan Cellar Door with our relaxed main hall, specially designed wine-tasting area for up to 100 people and private tasting room for Vintage Club Members and invited guests.

We welcome group bookings by prior arrangement and are happy to tailor a tasting experience to your requirements. We also offer a range of other tasting experiences including Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Indulgence, and Hunter through the ages.

While at McGuigan Hunter Valley you can also experience the delights of the Hunter Valley Cheese Company. Here you will be able to enjoy the full cheese experience including tasting the great range of local hand-crafted cheeses. A selection a tasting options are available, as well as an Artisan Cheese & Cheesemaking Appreciation Workshop which includes a carefully selected wine matching with two of our McGuigan Wines.

OUR ENGRAVING MACHINE

Because... Let's make it personal!

Visit our Cellar Door to get your very own personalised bottle of McGuigan Wine! Our unique etching machine allows us to engrave your favourite wine with a special message, making the perfect gift for that special someone, or to mark an occasion or event.

Choose from a selection of messages to etch onto your bottle, with customised options available upon request. Enjoy a wine tasting with our friendly cellar door team while we etch your bottle on the spot, so you can take home your personalised bottle that same day.

Our engraving service starts from $15.

Visit us and personalise your wine bottle today!

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Lisa McGuigan Wines

Life's too short not to drink great wine.

Lisa's story

Lisa McGuigan is the fourth generation of the famous Hunter Valley winemaking family, following in the footsteps of her father Brian, grandfather Perc and great-grandfather Owen. Creative, entrepreneurial, and ambitious, her journey to becoming a winemaker wasn’t a direct path…

Discover Lisa's Wines

Lisa’s wine instincts are distilled from her family’s four generations of wine making in Australia’s Hunter Valley. However, true to her rebellious spirit, McGuigan curates her ranges unencumbered by geography, choosing the varietals she loves from the most reliable and renowned terroir all over Australia to give the brand its iconic quality.

Lisa McGuigan is a fourth generation winemaker from Australia’s Hunter Valley, blazing a new trail in wine. Whilst paying homage to the well-trodden path of her father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Learn more about Lisa

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Monday – Friday: 11am – 5pm

Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 5pm

Public Holidays: Check socials for information

(Yes, we are pet friendly!)

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2198 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320 P: 02 4998 7854

Liquor Licensing Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years.

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McGuigan Wines Cellar Door

Visit one of the world’s most awarded wineries that have over 100 years of winemaking experience.

You can’t go wrong visiting McGuigan Wines and tasting some of the most exquisite wines in the Hunter Valley. McGuigan Wines has continued to craft some of the most divine tasting wine from the Hunter Valley.

Enjoy the wine tastings

McGuigan Wines has all sorts of wine tastings you can book in and try. Or you can walk in and enjoy a free half hour wine tasting on a first come first served basis. If you’re looking for something more you can book an intimate or group tasting where a team member will guide you through the different wines.

Shiraz lovers will love the flight of shiraz tasting! Taste a selection of McGuigan’s vintage award winning shiraz from different ranges. And if you love your vintage wine, there’s a tasting where you try some of McGuigan’s award winning vintage wines.

Do you want to take something home after a tasting? Try the etch and sip experience where you do a group wine tasting and take home your personalized lase etched wine bottle!

Try the spirit and cocktail experience

A lover of spirits and cocktails? McGuigan Wines offers a guided tasting for some of the newest spirits and cocktail additions.

Indulge in a wine pairing experience

Enjoy a delicious wine pairing with cheese and chocolate! Discover how the different wines match perfectly with all kinds of cheese and chocolate.

Join the wine club

Be part of the McGuigan family and join the wine club to get exclusive benefits! You will get a percentage off all wines, free shipping, tasting packs four times a year, recipes paired with one of the wines, member only events and more.

The history of McGuigan Wines

McGuigan Wines has over 100 years of winemaking experience with now four family generations who have been involved. The McGuigan family has loved creating incredible wines for years and ensuring that customers like you enjoy the wines.

The wines of McGuigan

McGuigan Wines has a superb selection of amazing wines from red, white, sparkling, rosè, and dessert. McGuigan has wines for all occasions like the summer nights enjoying the light white wines or the rich bodied red wines to have over dinner.

Some of McGuigan’s best sellers include the Mastercraft Noon Harvest Merlot, Personal Reserve Hunter Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay, and Single Batch Rosè.

McGuigan Wines Map

Explore Our Hunter Valley Wine Tours Departing from Sydney

1 Day Hunter Valley Tour

Destination : Hunter Valley

Duration : 1 Day

Tour type : Day Tour

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Hunter Valley Wine and Foodie Experience

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Hunter Valley Wineries

Estimated reading time: 17 minutes

You can visit Hunter Valley the biggest and oldest wine region of Australia by taking a two-hour drive from Sydney. Here you can find the greatest number of cellar doors than any other wine region in the country. So, it’s common that tasting the wine to meet its flavour and character is a privilege sought by visitors here. The story of Hunter Valley wineries dates back to the early 1820s and over 150 wineries stand there today. This article will guide you to find the best of the best Hunter Valley wineries among that vast collection. So, you could get the best experience of a Hunter Valley wine tour .   

This article on the best Hunter Valley wineries will first introduce you to the Hunter Valley and will provide a Hunter Valley wineries list by LGAs. Then, it will look at the famous grape varieties you can find in the Hunter region. Following that will be the section where will discuss wineries. However, the word ‘BEST’ is subjective to the reader and a good winery for me not good for you. Therefore, we have decided to provide a criterion for the ‘BEST’.

James Halliday Wine Companion’s best Hunter Valley wineries

Best hunter valley winery with outdoor wine tasting.

• Best kids-friendly Hunter Valley winery
• Hunter Valley wineries with the best eco-friendly practices
• Hunter Valley wineries with restaurants  
• Single Vineyard Hunter Valley Wineries 

Table of Contents

History of Hunter Valley Wineries

The beginning.

The 1800s mark the beginning of a spectacular moment in wine history. A glorious reputation precedes the Hunter Valley region in Australia, which houses many wineries. The boom in popularity dates back to the 18th century when Lieutenant John Shortland of the British Empire discovered the Hunter River, then a flourishing site for timber and coal. Vast acres of grapevines started crowding the adjoining areas by 1823, with names like George Wyndham, James King, and William Keldham slowly gaining currency among the public. However, it is sometimes a hassle to investigate who planted the first vineyard, the name of James Busby, without much strain on the nerves, surfaces in our minds.

James Busby’s return to Hunter Valley

Busby’s return to the Australian countryside is celebrated even now, for it marks the monumental entry of Semillon, France, and Spain’s famous grapes. Hunter Valley expanded in size down the lane as 500 acres of registered vineyard started to grow under strenuous labour. In 1850, Dr. Henry Lindemann, a connoisseur of fine wine, earned the laurel for the exceptional quality of the wine. As a benefactor, Lindemann supervised and celebrated the development of the wine industry at its infancy stage back in the day. Lindeman paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps with Semillon, Verdelho, and Shiraz. Audrey Wilkinson, Maurice O’Shea, Murray Tyrrell, and other well-known Australian winemakers, along with Drayton and Tulloch, have revolutionized the practice of winemaking. All of their products in Hunter Valley are delectable in taste.

Tyrell’s HVD Vineyards and history

In 1908, Tyrell’s HVD vineyards introduced the oldest vineyards dabbling in top-notch Chardonnay in the world. Following his footsteps, Maurice o Shea of Mount Pleasant introduced new wine styles. His ever-growing penchant for Semillon acted as the catalyst for the setup of the infamous Lovedale vineyard. The Hunter Valley’s wine industry was booming by the end of the century, and the area became well known for superb Semillon, which Master of Wine Jancis Robinson referred to as “Australia’s gift to the world.” In the present times, alternative varietals like Tempranillo, Fiano, and Barbera have graced the stage while still maintaining the age-old charm of Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Semillon.

Climate, Soil, and Viticulture of Hunter Valley NSW

The Hunter Valley is about 160 kilometres north of Sydney, New South Wales’ capital. It exists in the foothills of the Brokenback Range, which is part of the magnificent Great Dividing Range. The region enjoys spells of hot, sultry days and cold nights in summer and winter. The Hunter Valley is lucky with a medium amount of rainfall in terms of rainfall, with the Lower Hunter region getting more than the Upper Hunter. Summer showers are a common occurrence, along with thunderstorms both of which are bad news to the local folks as it causes property damage or destruction of crops. However, it does mitigate the effects of high temperatures. Winemakers capitalize on the warm climate for maximum productivity.

The region is not plain or homogenous in terms of soil texture and quality. The soils in the Lower Hunter Valley vary from sandy alluvial plains and dense loam to friable red duplex soils. The rivers and creeks in the Upper Hunter contribute to the area’s black, silty loam soils, which mostly overlay on top of alkaline clay loam. Shiraz thrives in friable red duplex and loam soils, while Semillon favours sandy alluvial flats.

Flanked by 2,300 hectares of vines, the Hunter Valley produces a small percentage of Australia’s overall annual grape crush. It prioritizes quality over quantity and thus has only ever produced wines of supreme quality. It boasts a massive number of 100 vineyards and 150 wineries and contributes to Australia’s winemaking reputation and wine tourism. Semillon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz are the region’s signature varieties, accounting for slightly more than half of the wine produced.

Full list of Hunter Valley Wineries

The region of the Hunter Valley will be identified by local government areas (LGA) and districts bisected for categorizing the wineries. Broke, Lovedale, Mt View, Pokolbin (which means ‘A Very Hot Place’ according to Aboriginal people), and Rothbury are the areas where you will find most of the cellar doors located.

Wineries and Growers based in Hunter Valley Local Government Area (LGA)

Broke wineries

Lovedale wineries, mt view wineries, pokolbin wineries, rothbury wineries, what grape varieties you can taste in hunter valley wineries .

Let’s talk about the wine and the grape varieties they come from before we move to Hunter Valley wineries. Below are four classic grape varieties of Hunter Valley you must have a slip in your wine tour .

Semillon {she-mee-yon}

This wine is with qualities unseen in any other wine in the world. So, Hunter Valley prides itself on it. However, the Semillon grape came to Australia in the early 1800s from the South West of France. But now this white grape from Bordeaux has made a home in Australia. This rich, creamy, lemon-flavoured wine wonderfully pairs with rich seafood like fish pies and tuna carpaccio.

Chardonnay {shar-duh-nay}

Wine verities produced through this versatile grape under different styles can match any food. So, this grape is among the most planted white varieties in Australia. Chardonnay also came to Australia from France. It came in 1832 with the James Busby collection. The flavours of this wine range from apple and lemon to papaya and pineapple.  

Shiraz   {sheer-as}

This dark-skinned grape is from the Rhone wine-growing areas of France. But today it is the most celebrated red grape in Australia while representing 40% of red grapes in the country. This also came to Australia in 1832 with the James Busby collection. This is with a peppery, minty, or spicy flavour. So, it is better when paired with spicy Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. Read Best Hunter Valley Shiraz here.

Verdelho {ver-dell-oh}

This grape is from the Portuguese island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. It came to Australia around 1820. But now it thrives in the warm climate of Hunter Valley. This wine is with flavours ranging from tropical fruits such as guava, pineapple, and paw. This wine is better when paired with salads or spicy Thai foods for its rich texture.

What are the best Hunter Valley wineries?

Below are four of the best Hunter Valley wineries based on Halliday Wine Companion to visit on a wine trip . If you are not familiar with the wine rating guideline, please read here . Each and every one of them has a history and a story of its own.

McGuigan Wines

McGuigan Wines are famous as one of the top Hunter Valley wineries today. It started in 1880 with Owen McGuigan who made Hunter Valley his home. McGuigan Wines became the Australian Producer of the Year once. It also became the International Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 2009. The winemakers of McGuigan Wines celebrate the traditional production methods everyone loves. So, their collection of labels is in high demand too.

Opening hours;     Open 7 days from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. 

Address;                Corner of Broke & McDonalds Roads, Pokolbin NSW 2320

T.P.;                      +61 (0)2 4998 4111

Email;                   [email protected]

Halliday Winery ratings of Mcguigan wines

Excellent winery producing very high-quality wines and scoring 4.5 stars in the latest rankings. A winery with 4.5 stars usually has wines that score 90 to 95 or above.

Brokenwood wines

Brokenwood Wine is mostly famous for its Chardonnay, and this fame dates back to its very opening in 1970. This is also listed as a 5-star winery among the Hunter Valley wineries. The tasting room of Brokenwood wines offers its visitors a casual or private wine tour as per the demand. You can also join in on the tour, which lets you explore the varieties of the Winery if you wish. 

Opening hours; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday to Friday) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday)

Address;                401-427 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin, NSW 2320

T.P.;                      (02) 4998 7559

Email;                   [email protected]

James Halliday Winery ratings of Brokenwood wines Hunter Valley

5 Red Stars winery shows its exemplary quality and typicity of wines. To reach this level, at least 2 wines are required to reach 95 or above in the wine ratings. The 2018 Brokenwood Graveyard Shiraz is at the top of the list and won the ‘Wine of the Year 2021’ award too. Find the below video where James Halliday (Judge) and Iain Riggs (winemaker) explain the story behind this award-winning wine.

Tyrrell’s Wines

English immigrant Edward Tyrrell added this winery to Hunter Valley wineries in 1858. Now, this winery is in the hands of his fourth-generation family member Bruce Tyrrell. Tyrrell’s is also the home of Australia’s most-awarded wines. Tyrrell’s has been awarded over 5,600 trophies and medals Since 1971. In 2010 it also became the “Winery of the Year” in James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion. Tyrrell’s hopes continue its philosophy of producing high-quality wine that people love to drink for many more generations too.

Opening hours;     Open 7 days from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. 

Address;                1838 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320

T.P.;                      (02) 4993 7028

Email;                   [email protected]

Halliday Winery ratings of Tyrrell’s Wines Hunter Valley

Undoubtedly Tyrrell’s is one of the most successful wineries in the Hunter Valley which shows by their 5 Red Star rating from the wine companion ratings. Tyrrell’s are well-known for their single vineyard Semillons and Vat 1 Semillon is a winner of a number of wine competitions around the world.

Thomas wines  

Relatively young Thomas wine entered the Hunter Valley wineries in 1997. But it currently pioneers the two signature varieties of the Hunter Valley, Semillon, and Shiraz with other giants. It also became the Hunter Winemaker of the Year in 2008 and 2014. Thomas also became the Most Successful Exhibitor in 2011 and Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year in 2017. Apart from them, Thomas wines have also got nearly 500 trophies and awards since 1997. You can get a tasting experience at Thomas Wines under two main branches. So, ask for “The Discovery” or “The Journey” when you book it. 

Address;                28 Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin NSW 2320

T.P.;                      (02) 4998 7134

Email;                   [email protected]  

Halliday Winery ratings of Thomas wines Hunter Valley

Andrew Thomas, a well-known name in the wine industry has deep routes to McLaren Vale, then with Tyrrell’s wines. The 5 Red Star winery shouldn’t miss a tour to Hunter Valley if you are a serious wine drinker. Try Kiss Shiraz and Braemore Semillon which are the benchmark wines of Thomas Winery.

Recently we have done another write-up on the Halliday 5 star wineries of Hunter Valley and can read from the link.

We know that even though there are over 130 plus wineries in Hunter Valley, only a few of them has perfect outdoor settings. That’s why we have chosen Gartelmann wines from Lovedale. This Hunter Valley winery offers both an outdoor deck and indoor air-conditioned sitting for wine tasters. Having a glass of wine in your hand, sitting on the outdoor deck gives you the perfect unobstructed near 360 views of the countryside overlooking a very small lake. What else do you expect!!!

You can contact them via their Facebook page here – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gartelmann-Wines/652800601559819

The best kids-friendly Hunter Valley cellar door

Even though mom and dad love to have a date away from kids, it is not always possible if you have an extended family. So, you would like to find out what are the ‘ kid-friendly wineries in the Hunter Valley ’. We have already covered this topic extensively in one of our articles. However, the best of the family-friendly winery in the Hunter Valley is Tulloch Cellar Door located at 638 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin. They are one of the only wineries that offer Junior Tasting Sessions that combine with Kombucha.

Best organic and biodynamic winery in Hunter Valley

Organic food is a concept appearing around the world rapidly and it is not a strange word for people who love sustainable crops. Winegrowers also started using organic practices in their cultivation and production practices as the trend of biodynamic wines started to get popular. Hunter Valley is not a strange place for Organic wines and there are many renowned biodynamic wineries such as Krinklewood, Macquariedale, and Tamburlaine you can find for a wine-tasting session. However, our pick is Tamburlaine wines led by chief winemaker Mark Davidson. Give a try on the 2019 Reserve Hunter Syrah which gives a character of candied cherries and raspberries or the 2017 single vineyard Malbec with the spiced plum palate. The Reserve Aged Liqueur Muscat is a perfect add-on for your Christmas plum pudding as well.

Hunter Valley wineries with restaurants    

If you are looking to visit the best cellar door in Hunter Valley with an award-winning restaurant , you cannot miss Margan Wines at 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke. Located on the tranquil side of the Hunter Valley, this restaurant offers dining experiences for the most important life occasions. The Indulge Valentine’s Day menu is our favourite that begins with a refreshing Bramble Spritz Cocktail.

Margan’s restaurant is certified by Green Table Australia for their best environmentally sustainable practices and gained ISO14000.

Tips when doing wine tasting 

Tasting wine is something more than just having a slip of wine with your friends. It’s an occasion one lives and an art one loves. It’s always important that you dress for the event and avoid wearing fragrances. This is because the smell is a big part of the testing. So, you don’t want to ruin that with the aroma of perfumes. However, you will not be able to enjoy the occasion at all if you get drunk quickly. So, remember to take a break to eat and drink water in between tastings. 

How to hold a glass professionally if you visit Hunter Valley Wineries

Did you know there is a right way and a wrong way to hold a wine glass too? Always hold the glass by its stem. So, the heat of your hand will not warm the liquid quickly.

How to taste  

The tasting procedure has four steps in it.

• Look; The appearance gives a variety of clues about a wine. So, spend 5 seconds observing the wine.
• Smell; The smell can tell you a lot from the ingredients, and winemaking practices to the aging process. 
• Taste; Feel the taste, texture, and length of time that taste stays with you.
• Think; Think about the uniqueness of the slip you took and find the facts that impressed you.

Don’t forget to have fun in between all of this too and enjoy the moment with your friends. After all, that’s what matters most.

Related Hunter Valley Travel Articles

Hunter Valley Australia – The Oldest Wine Region of NSW Australia

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Seaside to Vineyard: A Guide to Seamless Hunter Valley Wine Escapes from the Central Coast

Tour duration – 6 to 8 hours depending on the pick-up location

Pick up and drop off – Sydney CBD OR Hunter Valley (Pokolbin/ Cessnok) – 15 km radius

Departure – 7.30 am from Sydney OR 9.30 am from Pokolbin

Return – 5.30 pm to Sydney OR 3.30 pm to Pokolbin

Inclusions – Wine tasting from 2 small boutique Hunter Valley wineries , paired with cheese or chocolate, visit to distilery, and bottled water

Exclusions – Lunch

Tour price – A$ 190.00 per person. (max 11 passenger private small group tours, the tour starts $1000+), prices may go higher for high-demand months/weeks.

Tour itinerary – Visit a trio of small boutique Hunter Valley wineries and pair wine with cheese or chocolate, stop over for lunch to taste local produce, and visit the Hunter distillery at the end of the tour to taste spirits and liqueurs .

What to wear – Jacket in the cooler months, comfortable footwear, comfortable walking trousers/shorts, camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

*** Inside winery visit – It’s a must to wear covered shoes due to WHS regulations.

Contact details – (+61) 0498507873 or [email protected]

Cancellation policy – 2 weeks’ notice; full refund. 7 to 14 days of departure – 50% cancellation fee. Less than 7 days, loss of full fee. Tasting fees and online transaction fees will not be refunded in any circumstance.

Tour duration  – 9 hours

Pick up and drop off  – Sydney CBD

Departure from Sydney  – 8.00 am

Return to Sydney  – 5.00 pm

Inclusions – Wine tasting, Expert guide, Luxury people mover, USB charging on-board, bottled water, hotel pick-up, and drop-off

Exclusions – Wildlife park entry, lunch, and cheese-tasting

Tour price – A$ 150 pp (max 11 passengers or tour starts $900+), prices may go higher for high-demand months/weeks.

Tour itinerary – Stop at Walkabout Wildlife Park , visit boutique Hunter Valley winery for tasting, and lunch, visit a chocolate shop, either visit 2 nd  winery, cheese shop, or distillery

What to wear  – Jacket in the cooler months, comfortable footwear, comfortable walking trousers/shorts, camera, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.

Additional information –

Wine tasting – We recommend Gartelmann wines at Lovedale Road due to its beautiful cosy atmosphere with outdoor seating. Other recommended wineries include Oakval, Ernest Hill & Capercaillie. 

Lunch options – Hunter Valley offers a vast variety of restaurant styles such as casual dining (Goldfish Restaurant at Roche Estate), Pub style dining (Harrigan’s Hunter Valley), or Bistro Molines for perfection. Let the guide know which restaurant you prefer for lunch.

Cheese tasting – There are 3 famous artisan cheese shops (Hunter Valley Cheese co, Hunter Belle Cheese, and Smelly Cheese Shop).

Beer tasting – The Mighty (formally Potters & Foghorn Brewery), Iron Bark Hill, Hope Valley, and Matilda Brewhouse are your options for beer paddle tasting.

Organic gin and vodka tasting – $5 per person at Hunter Distillery.

Walkabout Park entry – $30 per adult, and $15 for 3 to 15 aged

COVID-19- update for Hunter Valley Wine Tours – booking is essential for all of these venues.

Contact details  – (+61) 0498507873 or  [email protected]

Pick up and drop off – Sydney CBD OR Hunter Valley (Pokolbin/Cessnock) / 15 km radius

Departure – 7.30 am from Sydney OR 9.30 am from Pokolbin/Cessnock

Return – 6.00 pm to Sydney OR 4.30 pm to Pokolbin/Cessnock

Inclusions –

Tasting from 3 to 4 pre-selected cellar doors (wines, spirits, or beer), expert guide, luxury people mover, USB charging on-board, pick-up and drop off from accommodation and bottled water

Exclusions – Lunch, chocolate tasting, & cheese tasting

Tour Itinerary –

A usual Hunter Valley wine tour itinerary is picking up at a time suitable for the first tasting at 10 am from pre-selected Hunter Valley wineries , 2 nd tasting at 11 am, and 12.30 pm – 3 rd the tasting or lunch stop, depending on the timings for the lunch, 3 rd and 4 th tasting could be around 3 pm and 4 pm. We usually end the tour tasting spirits and liqueurs from Distilery.

Tour price – A$ 150 per person (maximum of 11 per group, $980++ tour starting price is you have a smaller group), prices may go higher for high-demand months/weeks.

*** If you need to customize the tour and want to do an inside winery visit, it’s a must to wear covered shoes due to WHS regulations. Usually, inside winery tours are available at 10.30 am or 12.30 pm (not included in the tour price)

Wineries  we visit – Our recommended wineries for this tour are Gartelmann wines Lovedale , Oakvale Estate , Capercaillie wines, and Ernest Hill vineyard.

Lunch options (excluded in tour price) – Twine Restaurant for a modern Australian Twist, Muse Restaurant at Broke Road, Goldfish Bar & Kitchen for a casual lunch, or Harrigans for a pub meal.

Cheese tasting – Cheese tasting at the Hunter Valley Cheese Co usually costs $7.95 for a Five Cheese Platter PP.

Beer Paddles – can choose beer tasting from Iron Bark Hill Brewhouse or Mighty Hunter Valley.

Hunter Distillery – This certified Organic distillery offers unique ‘test-tube’ tasting sessions for Gin, Vodka, Liqueurs, and Schnapps.

Cancellation policy – 2 weeks’ notice; full refund. 7 to 14 days of departure – 50% cancellation fee. Less than 7 days, loss of full fee. Tasting fees and online transaction fees will not refund in any circumstance.

• Sample the Hunter Half Day Tour
• Tastes of the Hunter Half Day Tour
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McGuigan Hunter Valley Cellar Door Wine Tour

When : Tour departs daily at 12 noon.

Location: McGuigan Wines – Cnr Broke & McDonalds Roads Pokolbin NSW 2325

Website: www.mcguiganwines.com.au

HOURS:  OPEN 7 DAYS

 A warm welcome awaits you at the McGuigan Cellar Door, located in the heart of the Hunter Valley on the corner of Broke and McDonalds Roads. Our knowledgable and friendly cellar door staff will guide you through a tasting of McGuigan wines from the always popular Black Label to exclusive labels such as Vineyard Select and our very special Personal Reserve. If you’re visiting the Hunter stop by and see the team, we’d love to meet you and share our wines. To gain the full wine experience, join our informative tour of the winery and learn how we get the grapes from the vine to the bottle.  Tours depart daily at 12 noon.

Everyone is welcome at the McGuigan Cellar Door with our relaxed main hall, specially designed wine tasting area for up to 100 people and private tasting room for Club 2000 members and invited guest.

While at McGuigan Hunter Valley you can also experience the delights of the Hunter Valley Cheese Company.  Here you will be able to enjoy the full cheese experience from sampling the great range to seeing how each cheese is hand crafted in the Make and Maturation rooms. There is a daily instructional cheese talk at 11.00am.

600+ 5 star reviews on Tripadvisor

Where are McGuigan Wines from?

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 10/14/2021

Reading time: 3 mins

McGuigan Wines has long been the beacon of Hunter Valley wineries, with over 100 years and four generations producing high-end vino.

Their passion for the craft and the fertile valley have always been at the forefront of production, creating vintages that have landed accolades like that of the International Winemaker of the Year at the International Winemaker & Spirits Competition held annually in London.

One of the things that makes McGuigan Wines so special is its incredible cellar door experience. Located just a two hour drive from Sydney, wine connoisseurs are treated to a refined tasting experience in an elegantly contemporary setting.

The immersive tasting experience seeks to evoke the flavours of its diverse range alongside sumptuous tasting plates with gourmet produce, complete with vintages that are only available for purchase at the cellar door!

A visit to McGuigan Wines is a must for anyone seeking to experience the true essence of Hunter Valley wine, and should be accompanied with these awesome experiences…

Complete the tasting party

The Hunter Valley isn’t just McGuigan Wines, of course: the region ranks alongside the Barossa Valley and Margaret River as one of Australia’s most revered wine regions, and so you can be sure that you are in for a tipsy day out tasting some of the region’s fine drops.

Although the region boasts an impressive 150 wineries, it is always good to select the best cellar door experiences to accompany your trip to McGuigan Wines. Our picks include Brokenwood (a top class modern producer), Krinklewood (fine wine in French Provencal gardens) and Usher Tinkler (delightful drops made sustainably and biodynamically).

Visiting these diverse cellar doors creates an all-encompassing Hunter Valley experience that encapsulates everything traditional, contemporary, sustainable and sumptuous about Hunter Valley wine and produce!

Don’t miss…

A sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Hunter Valley! It’s probably best to climb aboard before your big day of wine tasting tipsiness, and it will work to get you absolutely pumped for the fun ahead.

Soaring above the fertile regions bucolic bush, hills and vineyards, you will get a true sense of the beauty of this region that goes into its wonderful produce. But, as we said, you might want to do this before tasting day, unless you’re up to the challenge of waking early after your amazing Hunter Valley tasting sessions…

Related article: The Best Wineries to Visit in the Hunter Valley

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.

Explore Our Hunter Valley Wine Tours

Hunter Valley Wine Tour $195

Private Group Hunter Valley Tours

Hunter Valley Winery Tour from Hunter Valley $120

Hunter Valley Wine and Foodie Experience $225

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