Tyrrells Wines

As one of Australia’s oldest family-owned wineries, Tyrrells Wines has been crafting standout Hunter Valley Semillon and Shiraz since 1858. The historic cellar door, set among gnarly old vines, offers a genuine taste of the region’s winemaking heritage. With a relaxed, unpretentious vibe, it’s a must for anyone wanting to understand why the Hunter Valley is synonymous with great wine.

Highlights & What to See

• Old Winery Museum: Explore a fascinating collection of antique winemaking equipment and photographs that chart the winery’s evolution from the 19th century.
• Cellar Door Tastings: Sample the iconic Vat 1 Semillon – a wine that ages gracefully for decades – alongside current-release reds and whites. The knowledgeable staff happily explain the nuances of each pour.
• Vineyard Walk: Stroll through the original 1860s plantings, where some of the oldest Semillon vines in the world still produce fruit. Informative plaques detail the history.
• Cheese & Wine Matching: Book ahead for a guided pairing of local artisan cheeses with Tyrrells wines – a perfect introduction to the region’s food culture.
• Annual Events: If visiting in July, don’t miss the Lovedale Long Lunch, where Tyrrells partners with local restaurants for a feast among the vines.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate around 1.5 to 2 hours for a relaxed tasting and a wander through the museum and vineyard. If you’re planning to do the cheese pairing, add an extra 45 minutes. Tyrrells works well as a morning stop before lunch at a nearby winery restaurant, or as an afternoon wind-down after exploring other cellar doors.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Broke Village: A charming hamlet 20 minutes south, with boutique wineries like Margan Family Wines and a great farmers’ market on weekends.
• Pokolbin: The heart of the Hunter wine scene, packed with cellar doors, art galleries, and the Hunter Valley Gardens – just a 15-minute drive north.
• Lovedale: A quieter sub-region with excellent restaurants (try EXP. Restaurant) and family-run wineries such as Glandore Estate.
• Rothbury: Home to the massive Hunter Valley Wine Country Visitor Information Centre and the Rothbury Estate, a historic winery with a striking modern cellar door.
• Cessnock: The main service town, offering budget accommodation, pubs, and the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park – a good base for self-drive itineraries.

Please check official sources for current details.