The bar is set high here, as one of Australia’s most reputable vineyards you are guaranteed to be delighted by Brokenwood Wines famous chardonnays, Shiraz and Semillons. If you’re a die-hard oenophile, become a member and you’ll get the chance for a ‘tour and taste’ and it also gives you the chance to see the winemaking process.

Possibly one of the most famous wineries in the Hunter Valley and operating since way back in 1866, Audrey Wilkinson Winery is an unforgettable wine tasting experience. With 360 degree views from the vineyard of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges, you’ll be in for a real treat as you’re sipping on one of their wines straight from the cellars.

If you’re looking for a boutique Hunter Valley winery, then Briar Ridge is a quality producer to check out. It’s known especially for its Shiraz and Semillon but also offers an impressive variety including a crispy Pinot Gris, a fruity Verdelho and more. Not to mention the scenic surrounds of the Mountain View area of the Hunter Valley will have you pulling out the camera more than once.

Harkham Wines offers it all, where you can drink, eat and stay as long as you want. The family-owned and operated Hunter Valley winery has just about all you could want in a winery. Fruit that’s handpicked for quality, sustainably farmed and a process that features no chemical additions or flavour adjustments.

With stunning gardens and a quaint timber cabin as its base, the scene is set for the perfect wine tasting escapade. This Hunter Valley winery’s location alone is enough to warrant a visit and is best visited in the autumn months for those beautiful gold and red hues tinting the countryside hills. Pepper Tree Wines also offer a wine club so you can receive and taste their wines year-round.

If you’re into your organics, then Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard has you covered. As you can guess from the name, the winery produces certified organic wines right out of their sustainable and holistic vineyard. Set amongst French inspired Provencal gardens you’ll find the Wollombi Brook and the Brokenback Range serving as the perfect backdrop for sipping on some wine.

Another Hunter Valley Boutique Winery, De Iuliis grows some quality grapes from their vineyard and doesn’t carry a hefty price tag. Unbound by tradition and a driving force to push boundaries, De Iuliis implements some innovative ways of making their wine. Check out their signature Shiraz, rosé and Semillon for a taste of what De Iuliis is all about.

Founded in 1996, Gartelmann Wines has become a staple in the circuit of boutique wineries in the Hunter Valley. Taste a selection of wines from the multi award-winning Semillon and Shiraz to the Verdelho, chardonnay, merlot, cabernet and more. After some wine tasting, head on over to The Deck Café for a tasty breakfast or lunch just across from the cellar door.

Bimbadgen, indigenous for ‘Place of good view’ really lives up to its name. Overlooking the Hunter Valley with its distinctive bell tower, it stands out amongst the Hunter Valley wineries. Bimbadgen Winery produces some pretty incredible wines not just from their own cellar but from selected vineyards. For a real idea of how they get the grapes in the bottle, get up close with the winemaking action and take a tour through the open plan winemaking facility.

Since 1997, Tempus Two Wines has been a unique wine producer amongst the Hunter Valley wineries with sophistication and commitment to great wine. Sourcing fruit from Australia’s premium vineyard regions means their wines are crafted using the best ingredients with substance and style. The perfect place to spend the day tasting delicious wine and taking in all that the Hunter Valley has to offer.

Oakvale Wines has been grape stomping since 1893, and as one of the oldest working wineries in the Hunter Valley, they must be doing something right. Their vast catalogue of wine styles are crafted with the finest fruit selected from regional vineyards and are sure to offer something for every palate. Oakvales wines are sold exclusively from their cellar door, so pop down for a taste. It’s a $5 per person tasting fee which helps the winery fund their work with Meals on Wheels.

Tyrrell’s Vineyard has won many awards both international and domestic throughout their 160 years in operation and in 2010 was named winery of the year in James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion. Come and sample some of the award-winning wines from the cellar door and explore the winemaking experience. It’s not just a place to taste some incredible wine but it’s a piece of Australia’s history and a must-see the next time you’re driving through the Hunter Valley.