Upper Hunter Wine Region

While the Lower Hunter buzzes with cellar doors and crowds, the Upper Hunter Wine Region offers a quieter, more rustic escape for those who yearn for wide-open skies, boutique wineries, and a taste of authentic country life. Stretching from the rolling hills around Denman to the historic town of Scone, this pocket of the Hunter Valley feels a world away from its famous neighbour — yet it’s barely an hour’s drive north. Here, you’ll find passionate family-run vineyards, exceptional semillon and shiraz, and a landscape that changes with the seasons: golden in autumn, lush in spring, and blanketed in frosty mornings come winter. It’s a place to slow down, chat with winemakers, and discover a side of the Hunter few tourists ever see.

Highlights & What to See

• Broke: A tiny village with a big reputation for shiraz and semillon. Visit Margan Family Winegrowers for a tasting and lunch overlooking the Brokenback Range — their restaurant is a destination in itself.
• Pokolbin: The Upper Hunter’s answer to the Lower Hunter’s crowds, with a handful of standout cellar doors including Hungerford Hill and Audrey Wilkinson, both offering stunning views.
• Denman: The heart of the Upper Hunter wine scene, home to Rosemount Estate and Pepper Tree Wines, plus the Denman Village Markets on the first Sunday of the month.
• Scone: Known as Australia’s horse capital, Scone is worth a detour for its equine heritage, the Australian Stock Horse Show (if timed right), and a wander through the historic main street.
• Merriwa: A classic country town with a lovely park, a great bakery, and the Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces in May — yes, it’s all about wool.
• Lake Glenbawn: A peaceful spot for a picnic, a swim, or a spot of fishing, with the lake often mirroring the surrounding hills.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least two days to explore the Upper Hunter properly — a day trip from Sydney is possible but rushed. A three-day itinerary is ideal: base yourself in Denman or Scone, spend day one visiting wineries in and around Denman and Broke, day two exploring Scone and its horse culture, and day three heading to Merriwa or Lake Glenbawn before a leisurely drive back. The region is best visited between October and April for warm days and clear skies, though winter brings a crisp charm and fewer crowds.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lower Hunter Valley: The famous wine region of Pokolbin, Cessnock, and Lovedale is just an hour south — perfect for a contrast of busy cellar doors and fine dining.
• Wollemi National Park: A vast wilderness of sandstone canyons and eucalypt forests, with the iconic Burning Mountain (a naturally smouldering coal seam) a short drive away.
• Port Stephens: Two hours east, this coastal paradise offers dolphin cruises, sand dunes, and beautiful beaches — a great end to a wine-country trip.
• Barrington Tops National Park: A World Heritage-listed rainforest and alpine plateau, ideal for hiking and camping, about 90 minutes north-east.

Please check official sources for current details.