A year ago we returned to the Hunter Valley, considered to be the birthplace of Australian wines, with a viticultural history dating back to the early 1800's. We first explored Australian wine country when we drove about three-quarters of the way around Australia in 2015. When we returned in 2019 we explored the Hunter Valley, and other east coast wine regions. Our east coast wine adventures were primarily in New South Wales (NSW), home to 14 wine regions. NSW wine regions vary from warm to coastal, and cool alpine regions. The Hunter Valley in particular, is known for its distinct Semillon and Shiraz. Now home to over 150 cellar doors and around 80 wineries. I was fortunate to not only visit during the Spring 2019 but also, the Fall of 2024.
Tyrrell's Old Hut Vineyard, Hunter Valley, Australia © Spaswinefood
After being introduced to Hunter Valley Wine Country in 2019 it was exciting to return in 2024.
Hunter Valley, March 2024
After arriving in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW) at the end of March 2024 we made a quick trip to the Hunter Valley. We delighted to be returning to Australian wine country for the third time. NSW wine country is very diverse, home to 14 wine regions, which vary from warm to coastal, and cool alpine regions. We returned to the Hunter Valley, known for its distinct Semillon and Shiraz.
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| Springtime Old Hut Vineyard, Hunter Valley, Australia © Spaswinefood |
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
After a two and half hour drive from Sydney we arrived in the Hunter Valley. Upon arrival in Pokolbin we did winery stops at Saddler's Creek, and McLeish Estate. This was followed by lunch at Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club. After lunch our stops included the Hunter Valley Cheese Company, Pokolbin Chocolate Company, and Ernest Hill Wines. It was one day trip from Sydney so all of our stops were in/around Pokolbin.
Here are a few vignettes:
Saddler's Creek Wines
Our very first Hunter Valley stop was Saddler's Creek.
From their wine list they poured the following wines:
We began with Saddler's Sparkling Wine NV (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir).
Saddler's Creek was a great wine tasting experience!
Visitors need to know that besides respecting the vineyard you should watch out for snakes.
Beware of Snakes, Saddler's Creek © Spaswinefood
Soon, we were onto our next winery stop.
McLeish Estate
After pulling into the parking lot at McLeish Estate off we went to taste their wines.
Welcome to McLeish Estate © Spaswinefood
Our host introduced us to an overview of their wines.
I so enjoyed a relaxing wine tasting at McLeish Estate.
Before leaving I managed to take a peek of their post-harvest vineyards.
Vineyard, McLeish Estate © Spaswinefood
Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club
After an early morning drive from Sydney, and two winery stops, we were ready for lunch. The tour company did select a great lunch stop.
As we left Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club, I took in the views of nearby Brokenwood, where we first introduced to Hunter Valley wines in 2019.
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| Arriving at Brokenwood, 2019 © Spaswinefood |
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| Cellar Doors & Sponsors of Welcome Event, Brokenwood 2019 © Spaswinefood |
Yes, when the Wine Media Conference (#wmc19 )met in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales (NSW), Australia October 10-12, 2019, this was the first time the conference was held outside North America. Brokenwood, the 2019 Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year, hosted the opening event. That evening while we sipped Hunter Valley premium wines and enjoyed fine food, we met some Living Legends of the Hunter Valley’s Wine Industry. There I first sipped some of the world's best Semillon.
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| Brokenwood, Semillon, Hunter Valley 2015 © Spaswinefood |
Obviously, Australian Semillon has become a favorite, and so it is not surprising that we managed to pickup later at a Sydney wineshop a few 2023 Brokenwood Semillon wines.
Brokenwood, Semillon, Hunter Valley 2023 © Spaswinefood
Cheese and Chocolate
Next two stops, were visits to the Hunter Valley Cheese Company, and the Pokolbin Chocolate Company.
Even though we were only staying a few days
After the cheese and chocolate tastings it was onto Ernest Hill Winery.
Ernest Hill Wines
Our last winery stop on the tour was a delightful way to end the day before driving back to Sydney.
Our quick visit to the Hunter Valley brought back memories of our earlier visit in 2019. I still remember visiting Tyrrell's Wines where I participated in a Wine Media Conference Masterclass on Tyrrell's Semillon and Shiraz wines.
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| Verontal Tasting of Tyrrell's Wines, 2019 © Spaswinefood |
Tyrrell's Old Hut Vineyard, Hunter Valley © Spaswinefood
During that earlier 2019 wine conference in addition to the sessions, excursion to Tyrell's, there were also pre-conference and post-conference tours to wine regions in New South Wales, and Queensland. We did our own Pre-conference excursion to the Granite Belt Region, Queensland. Among the post conference options (Orange, Riverina, and Mudgee) I elected to do the Mudgee excursion.
For sure, I was excited to return to Australian wine country for the third time. Yes, even after visiting in 2015, 2019 and 2024 there is a lot of Australian wine country to explore. Australian wine country experiences are hard to forget. Those who travel to Australian wine country will not be disappointed. I invite you to join me in my travels in Australia and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on vine-filled explorations in Australia.
March 2025
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