Cellar Doors

In the Hunter Valley, 'cellar door' isn't just an entrance—it's an invitation. With over 150 wineries scattered across the rolling hills, this is Australia's oldest wine region and a place where you can taste your way through everything from crisp semillon to bold shiraz, often with the winemaker themselves. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with many cellar doors offering cheese platters, olive oil tastings, and art galleries alongside the vino. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious novice, the Hunter's cellar doors are the heart of the experience.

Highlights & What to See

• Brokenwood Wines – A standout for its iconic Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz and a modern cellar door with a lovely verandah for a long lunch.
• Molly Morgan Vineyard – One of the oldest names in the valley, offering a rustic, heritage feel and excellent semillon in a beautiful garden setting.
• Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard – Perched on a hill with panoramic views, this historic winery has a museum, a tasting bar, and a picnic-perfect lawn.
• Drayton's Family Wines – Australia's oldest family-owned winery, where you can taste wines from vines planted in the 1850s—a true piece of history.
• First Creek Wines – Known for its relaxed, no-attitude tasting room and a great range of wines, including a lovely rosé and a complex chardonnay.
• Scarborough Wine Co. – Famous for its chardonnay, this family-run cellar door offers a personal touch and a delightful cheese board.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least a full day to explore a handful of cellar doors without rushing. Start mid-morning after a coffee in Pokolbin, visit 3–4 wineries before lunch, then enjoy a leisurely long lunch at one with a restaurant (like Muse Kitchen or Esca Bistro). Afternoon can include another 2–3 tastings, finishing with a sunset glass of sparkling at a place like Peterson House. If you're serious about wine, two days allows you to cover the Lovedale and Broke Fordwich subregions too.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Pokolbin – The epicentre of Hunter Valley wine tourism, with dozens of cellar doors, restaurants, and accommodation within a few kilometres.
• Lovedale – A quieter subregion with boutique wineries like Gundog Estate and Margan Family Wines, plus great views.
• Broke Fordwich – A scenic drive south, known for its rustic cellar doors and the excellent Briar Ridge Vineyard.
• Maitland – A historic town 20 minutes south, with lovely heritage architecture, antique shops, and the Maitland Gaol museum.
• Newcastle – An hour's drive east, offering a vibrant beach city with a great food scene, art galleries, and coastal walks.
• Wollombi Valley – A scenic detour through national park to a charming village with more cellar doors and the famous Wollombi Tavern.

Please check official sources for current details.