Only a few hours from Sydney the Hunter Valley wine region is famous for its world class vineyards, beautiful landscapes and wine tasting experiences. Whether you want to visit boutique wineries, taste premium wines or indulge in gourmet meals a Hunter Valley wine tours from Sydney allows you to experience the best of it all.
Many wine lovers head to the Hunter Valley, but a private wine tour gives you a more intimate and personal experience. You’ll get to visit charming boutique wineries, meet knowledgeable guides and have an experience that larger groups can’t. These winery tours visit exceptional and budget-friendly wineries where you can taste award-winning wines, including dessert wines and wines exclusive to the region.
Why Small Group?
Travelling in a small group allows you to connect with the places you visit, and with fewer people, the experience feels more personal and bespoke. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or wine tasting with friends, a smaller group means more flexibility, access to boutique vineyards and more time to chat with winemakers at boutique cellar doors.
Here’s why small group wine tours to Hunter Valley Country are unique:
Boutique Wineries
On a small group tour, you get to visit family-owned wineries and boutique vineyards that larger tours often miss. These intimate stops allow you to taste bespoke wines and visit famous wine producers like Audrey Wilkinson and Ernest Hill Wines. You’ll get private wine tastings of exceptional wines, many of which are limited-release or made especially for the cellar door.
Smaller groups get to visit wineries with valley views where you can sit back and enjoy a glass of wine over the vines.
One-on-one with Expert Guides
In a small group, you’ll get personal service and one-on-one attention from your guides. They can tailor the tour to your group’s interests and give you more in-depth information on the winemaking process and the Hunter Valley wine culture. You may even get to go behind the scenes for a private tour of the cellar doors and learn more about the craft of your favourite wines.
Customised Itineraries
A small group tour also allows you to customise the itinerary. Want a mix of wine flights, chocolate tasting at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company or a stop at the Hunter Belle Cheese Factory for a cheese platter or cheese pairing? If you want to go all out, you can even stop at Muse Restaurant for a gourmet meal or Twine Restaurant for a wine and pizza lunch. Or, if you prefer something more casual, your tour might include a visit to Huntlee Tavern for lunch.
Comfort in a Beautiful Setting
With fewer people, small group tours are more relaxed, so you can really take in the views of the valley. Many tours have air conditioning and a concierge driver to make you feel extra comfortable. You’ll have time to enjoy each wine without feeling rushed and the smaller group size allows for more flexibility to stop wherever you want.
Quality not Quantity
A small group tour is all about quality, not quantity. Instead of rushing through multiple wineries in a day, these tours focus on a few select wineries where you can have an in-depth wine tours. You’ll visit wineries like Savannah Estate or Briar Ridge, where the tastings are more detailed, and you can chat with the winemakers. The cellar door experiences are educational and fun for wine lovers looking to get more out of boutique wines.
Key Highlights of a Hunter Valley Small Group Tour
| Key Highlight | Description | Examples | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Wine Tastings | Enjoy exclusive tastings of premium wines and bespoke wines unavailable to larger groups. | Tastings of limited-edition wines, behind-the-scenes access to boutique vineyards. | Focus on quality with in-depth discussions of the winemaking process and a personalized experience at boutique cellar doors. |
| Gourmet Lunches | Many tours include gourmet meals at local venues, offering perfect wine pairings. | Options range from casual lunch venues to high-end dining at Muse Restaurant or Twine Restaurant. | Meals often include gourmet pizzas, cheese platters, or gourmet burgers, paired with award-winning wines. |
| Scenic Stops | Discover more than just wineries by exploring scenic views, artisan cheese factories, and chocolate shops. | Stop at Hunter Valley Cheese Company, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, or local lookouts. | Tours offer a complete culinary experience, including cheese pairings and chocolate tastings, along with breathtaking views of the Hunter Valley landscape. |
| Memorable Experiences | Tours can include unique stops like chocolate factories, local brewery tours, or even a champagne breakfast at a top vineyard. | Visit Savannah Estate for sparkling wine, or combine the day with a brewery tour or chocolate factory visit. | Some tours feature visits to chocolate shops with an option to try edible glitter treats, or even a stop for a luxurious champagne breakfast. Enjoy a truly immersive day of indulgence. |
How to Book Your Small Group Wine Tour
- Book Early: Small group tours book up quickly, so if you have specific wineries in mind, like Roche Estate or your favourite wineries, book early to secure your spot.
- Tell Us Your Preferences: Want to focus on favourite wines or gourmet food? Let us know in advance and we’ll customise your tour for the best experience.
- Full Day of Wine Tasting: Many small group tours are all-day tours, so you’ll have a leisurely day to explore the region. You’ll taste wine all day and enjoy the wine and food of the Hunter Valley.
- Check the Weather: The Hunter Valley has a varied climate so make sure to check the forecast before your tour. Pack sunscreen, hats or umbrellas depending on the season to stay comfortable while visiting the vineyards.
- Extra Cash: While many tours cover tasting fees, you may want to buy boutique wines, artisan cheese or chocolates from your stops. Bring extra cash or plan for shipping options if you find a new favourite wine to take home.
FAQ
What’s included in a small group wine tour in Hunter Valley?
Most small group tours include transport, tastings at several wineries, a gourmet lunch and sometimes cheese or chocolate pairings. Some tours may also visit the Hunter Valley Cheese Company or the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company for tastings.
How many people are in a small group tour?
Small group tours are 4 to 12 people, so more personal.
Do small group tours cater to my wine preferences?
Yes! Many tours can be customised. Whether you like dessert wines, famous wine producers or boutique tours, these tours can be tailored to your tastes.
Are small group tours suitable for beginners or wine experts?
Small group tours cater for all levels of wine knowledge. Whether you’re a beginner or a wine expert, the guides will adjust the tour to suit your level of expertise.
What should I wear on a wine tour?
Dress casually and comfortably. Many wineries have outdoor areas, so wear layers and comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk through the vineyards.