Audrey Wilkinson Winery

Perched on the sun-drenched slopes of the Brokenback Range in the Hunter Valley, Audrey Wilkinson Winery is one of Australia’s most historic and scenic cellar doors. Founded in 1866, its sandstone building and sprawling vineyards offer sweeping views over the valley. The winery balances old-world charm with a modern, welcoming tasting room, making it a must-visit for wine lovers exploring the Hunter.

Highlights & What to See

• Cellar Door Tastings: Sample estate-grown Semillon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz—the Hunter’s classic varieties. The knowledgeable staff guide you through the vineyard’s history with each pour.
• Vineyard Views: The outdoor terrace overlooks row after row of vines leading to the distant mountains. It’s the perfect spot for a glass and a cheese platter at sunset.
• Wine & Cheese Experience: Book ahead for a paired tasting of local cheeses and wines, which highlights how the region’s produce complements the wines.
• Historic Museum: A small on-site museum showcases antique winemaking equipment and photographs, telling the story of the Wilkinson family and early Hunter Valley viticulture.
• Walking Trails: Short, self-guided walks through the vineyard and along the ridgeline offer photo-worthy perspectives of the property and surrounding countryside.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend 1–2 hours at Audrey Wilkinson. A standard tasting takes about 30 minutes, but you’ll want extra time to linger on the terrace with a glass and explore the museum. If you add a cheese platter or a guided vineyard walk, budget up to 2.5 hours. The winery is a relaxed stop that fits neatly into a half-day Hunter Valley itinerary.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Pokolbin – The heart of Hunter Valley wine country, with dozens of cellar doors, restaurants, and accommodation options just a 5-minute drive away.
• Hunter Valley Gardens – Expansive themed gardens, a shopping village, and family-friendly attractions, 10 minutes south.
• Cessnock – A historic coal-mining town with good pubs and a farmers’ market, 15 minutes away.
• Broke – A quieter wine sub-region with boutique wineries and horse-riding trails, 20 minutes north.
• Port Macquarie – About 2.5 hours east, this coastal city offers beaches, a koala hospital, and the scenic Hastings River – ideal as a start or end point for a Hunter Valley road trip.

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