The Hunter Valley is home to some of the nation’s top names in wine, but sometimes it’s quintessential to explore the off-beaten track and discover the many hidden gem wineries the region has to offer. Often family-owned and operated, these wineries tend to offer the ‘open doors to our home’ hospitality experience you may not find at some of the bigger names, with intimate tasting experiences and limited-release drops not easily found outside of the cellar door or region.
They may produce less wine than the bigger names, but rest assured these wineries don’t disappoint when it comes to making great wine and offering memorable experiences. Just be sure to book in advance as some of these lucky finds only trade on certain days.
1. Elbourne Wines
The Elbourne Boutique Vineyard is a 5-star rated winery nestled on the undulating Terra Rossa Hills of Pokolbin – the Heart of the Hunter Valley wine growing region. With only four acres of Chardonnay and four acres of Shiraz vines on the estate, they produce around 200 cases of each varietal per year. The limited release of wine allows them to craft the wines with premium French Oak, both new and old.
Trading Hours:
- Friday: 10am to 5pm
- Saturday: 10am to 5pm
2. Greenway Wines
A family owned and operated vineyard, producing small batch, single vineyard wines, invites you to take the road less travelled to Greenway Wines. Unwind in the tranquil sub-region of Broke Fordwich in a picturesque, red barn encircled by the Brokenback Mountain Ranges and Wollombi Brook with a glass of delicate wine in hand. Varieties include Pinot Grigio, their sort after Fiano, a gorgeous Rosé, the most supple of Merlots, and - of course 'the architect' Shiraz. Passionate and dedicated to the making of our wine, they only bottle when the vintage is at its best, producing limited releases, approximately 500 cases in any given year, only to be found in the cellar door.
Please note Greenway is currently operating a pop-up cellar door, due to impacts of the recent flood.
Trading Hours:
- Friday & Sunday: 11am to 3pm
- Saturday: 11am to 4pm
3. Ivanhoe Wines
Another family owned and operated vineyard boasting a rich heritage, it was 1855 when the first vines were planted in the rich volcanic soil of the steep slopes of Ivanhoe Hill. Stretching across the foothills of the majestic Brokenback Mountain range, the Ivanhoe Estate is a patchwork quilt of vineyards and has become one of the most photographed and talked about vineyards in the Hunter Valley.
Trading Hours:
- Every Day: 10am to 5pm
4. Wombat Crossing Vineyard
Wombat Crossing Vineyard is one of the smallest vineyards in the Hunter Valley, crafting wines only from grapes grown on the small property off Hermitage Road. You’ll find delicious drops of some classic Hunter staples here including single vineyard Semillons, Chardonnays and Shiraz, only available exclusively through the cellar door. Plus, a portion of your tasting fee will be donated to Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue.
Trading Hours:
- Friday & Saturday: 10:30am to 4pm
- Saturday: 10:30am to 4pm
5. Moorebank Vineyard
Soak in the tranquil surroundings the picturesque, country estate and treat yourself to some of the Hunter’s finest local produce at Moorebank Vineyard. Specialising in a range of ultra-premium wines and also offering a vast selection of hand-made condiments, spreads and sauces that have been handed down from old family recipes, the Moorebank family offer an intimate country experience like no other.
Trading Hours:
- Wednesday – Monday: 10am to 5pm
6. Misty Glen Vineyard
A boutique, 16-acre vineyard boasting secluded views, taste a selection of boutique, single vineyard wines produced from the Misty Glen Vineyard located on Deasys Road. Enjoy traditional styles such as Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz or delve into the experimental wine styles on offer such as the Chambourcin. They are only open on weekends so be sure to book ahead. Order a picnic box to accompany with your tasting; plus, they are pooch friendly!
Trading Hours:
- Saturday: 10am to 5pm
- Sunday: 10am to 4pm
7. Blueberry Hill Vineyard
Situated at the northern end of McDonalds Road, Pokolbin, Blueberry Hill is a long-established vineyard which was once part of the old McPherson Estate. The cellar door is uniquely positioned on the estate and offers magnificent, sweeping views over the nearby vineyards to the Brokenback Mountain Range – a must do boutique winery in the region.
Trading Hours:
- Thursday – Monday: 10am to 5pm
8. Talits Estate
Talits Estate is an award-winning family-owned vineyard and a luxury Provençal holiday home in the Broke Fordwich winemaking region of the Hunter Valley. The estate sits on 50 acres of beautifully crafted gardens, olive trees and meticulously managed vines. The cosy-luxe cellar door offers several areas to taste including the modern tasting bar, fireside snug lounge seating and the outdoor deck, plus they offer retro lawn games to keep you entertained.
Trading Hours:
- Friday – Sunday: 10am to 5pm
9. Emma’s Cottage Vineyard
Escape to Lovedale where you will find many boutique cellar doors including Emma’s Cottage who offer a range of tasting experiences and grazing plates to match. Disconnect and unwind whilst surrounded by the tall gumtrees in the expansive garden or snug up in the cosy cellar door with a guided wine tasting.
Trading Hours:
- Wednesday – Saturday: 10am to 5pm
- Sunday: 10am to 3pm
10. Tintilla Estate
Producing distinctive, individual, single vineyard award winning wines, olive products and an assortment of estate grown food experiences, Tintilla Estate is located on Hermitage Road, nestled among the vines. One of the Hunter Valley’s best kept secrets this thoughtful family run vineyard, winery and olive grove is a leader in the boutique cellar door wine and food experience. Tintilla exquisitely reflects the traditions of the old world with the tastes and flexibility of the new world.
Trading Hours:
- Every Day: 10:30am to 6pm
