Hunter Valley
New South Wales' Oldest Wine Region
On the lands of the Wonnarua people.
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Two hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is the oldest commercial wine region in Australia. Semillon is the local specialty, an Australian original that few other regions in the world try to replicate.
The Hunter Valley was first planted to vines by James Busby in the 1820s, making it the oldest wine region in Australia by several decades. The Pokolbin sub-region, around the towns of Cessnock and Pokolbin, is the heart of cellar door tourism. There are around 150 wineries in the broader Hunter and Upper Hunter regions, ranging from major brands like Tyrrell's and McGuigan to dozens of small family producers.
The regional white is unfermented Semillon, picked early at low alcohol and aged in bottle for five to ten years before release. It's a wine style that is essentially unique to the Hunter, partly because of the climate and partly because nobody else has the patience. The local reds are mostly Shiraz, often blended with smaller percentages of Cabernet or Merlot. Several wineries also produce Verdelho, an obscure Portuguese variety that does well in the Hunter's climate.
The drive from Sydney takes around two hours via the M1 and the Hunter Expressway. The region is busy on weekends but quiet midweek. The best months for visiting are autumn (March and April, around vintage) and spring.
Tourist locations
Places to visit in Hunter Valley.
6 locations to explore
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard
Hillside views, historic vines
Tasting fee applies (see website for current pricing)
Full guide arrow_forwardHope Estate
Winery, brewery, concert stage
Free entry (tasting fees apply)
Full guide arrow_forwardHunter Valley Chocolate Company
Handcrafted chocolate, 25 years
Free (tastings from $5)
Full guide arrow_forwardHunter Valley Gardens
Gardens, wonder and seasons
$42 adult (standard garden entry)
Full guide arrow_forwardTempus Two Cellar Door
Bold wines, striking architecture
$5 per person (waived with purchase)
Full guide arrow_forwardTyrrell's Wines
Australia's oldest family winery
$15 per person (standard tasting; premium experiences from $75)
Full guide arrow_forwardThings to do
Recommended Experiences
5 bookable experiences at or near Hunter Valley.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Hunter Valley.
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