Tyrrells Wines

Since 1858, the Tyrrell family has been crafting some of the Hunter Valley's most iconic wines. Set on the original Pokolbin estate, this fifth-generation winery is a pilgrimage for anyone serious about Australian wine. The cellar door, housed in a rustic timber building surrounded by ancient vines, offers a relaxed yet deeply knowledgeable tasting experience. Don't miss a splash of their legendary Vat 1 Semillon – a wine that ages like no other.

Highlights & What to See

• Vat 1 Semillon tasting: This is the wine that put the Hunter on the map. Taste a current release and a museum-aged bottle side by side to see how it transforms.
• Guided vineyard walk: Join a behind-the-scenes tour of the historic vineyard and learn about the unique sandy loam soils and the family's sustainable practices.
• Cheese and wine matching: Book a seated session where local artisan cheeses are paired with Tyrrells' flagship wines – a masterclass in flavour.
• Museum cellar door: Browse the on-site museum with vintage bottles, old winemaking equipment, and family photographs that trace the region's wine history.
• Annual Vintage Festival: If you're here in late January, the family-hosted festival features live music, barrel tastings, and a spit-roast lunch among the vines.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least 1.5 to 2 hours to do justice to the tasting flights and a vineyard walk. If you're joining a guided tour or the cheese matching, allow 2.5 hours. Morning visits are quieter and the light is beautiful for photos. It's easy to combine with lunch at the on-site café or a picnic on the lawn.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Broke: A 20-minute drive north, this sub-region offers boutique cellar doors and a more laid-back vibe, perfect for cycling between wineries.
• Pokolbin village: Just 5 minutes away, you'll find the Hunter Valley Gardens, hot-air ballooning, and a cluster of top restaurants like Muse Kitchen.
• Cessnock: The gateway town, 10 minutes south, has excellent bakeries, antique shops, and the Hunter Valley Visitor Information Centre.
• Rothbury: Home to several historic wineries and the Rothbury Estate, it's a 10-minute drive and great for a comparative tasting of old-vine Semillon.
• Lovedale: Head 15 minutes east for a string of cellar doors, including the renowned Brokenwood Wines, and the Lovedale Brewery for a change of pace.

Please check official sources for current details.