Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney
Sydney, Australia

Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney

Outty Ranking 83 4.7 · 405 traveler reviews11 hoursFrom $177
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Outty Ranking

83/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 405 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney worth booking?

Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney is a 11-hour experience in Sydney, Australia, from $177 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 405 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
83 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (405)
Duration
11 hours
From
$177 per person

Discover why we have been awarded "Best Hunter Valley Tour Operator" for 4 consecutive years on this premium small-group wine tour from Sydney. We specialize in boutique family-owned wineries where passionate winemakers share their craft personally. Sample up to 20 premium wines including world-renowned Hunter Valley Semillon and Shiraz at 3-4 exclusive cellar doors, enjoy expert-guided cheese tastings, and savor a delicious local lunch with complementary wine. Your award-winning experience includes comfortable transportation through scenic countryside, visits to intimate boutique wineries in the Pokolbin area, comprehensive cheese tastings with local artisan varieties, and lunch in a scenic setting. Our local guide and expert presenters bring wine knowledge and insider access to family-owned properties where you'll discover stories behind wines available exclusively at these cellar doors.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover why we have been awarded "Best Hunter Valley Tour Operator" for 4 consecutive years on this premium small-group wine tour from Sydney. We specialize in boutique family-owned wineries where passionate winemakers share their craft personally. Sample up to 20 premium wines including world-renowned Hunter Valley Semillon and Shiraz at 3-4 exclusive cellar doors, enjoy expert-guided cheese tastings, and savor a delicious local lunch with complementary wine. Your award-winning experience includes comfortable transportation through scenic countryside, visits to intimate boutique wineries in the Pokolbin area, comprehensive cheese tastings with local artisan varieties, and lunch in a scenic setting. Our local guide and expert presenters bring wine knowledge and insider access to family-owned properties where you'll discover stories behind wines available exclusively at these cellar doors.

    What's included

    Included

    • Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for scenic journey to and from the Hunter
    • Pickup and drop-off from convenient central Sydney meeting points
    • Kangaroo spotting amongst the vines at the vineyards we visit (sightings not guaranteed)
    • Wine tastings at 3-4 boutique wineries featuring premium Hunter Valley varietals
    • Lakeside lunch with a glass of wine - hot and cold options in a relaxed setting
    • Guided artisan cheese tasting with local varieties and expert explanations
    • Award-winning guide and sommeliers with certified wine knowledge

    Not included

    • gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Sydney

      Join your small-group tour at your designated pickup point and board our comfortable air-conditioned coach for the scenic 2-hour drive to Hunter Valley. Your expert guide shares regional history and points out landmarks as you travel across Sydney Harbour Bridge, past Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, and over the Hawkesbury River.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Cessnock

      Drive through Cessnock, the charming gateway town to Hunter Valley's wine region and historic coal mining heritage.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Hunter Valley

      Welcome to the Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine region.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Hunter Valley Wineries

      Arrive in Australia's oldest wine region. In the morning we visit two carefully selected boutique family-owned wineries in Pokolbin and surrounding areas. Our small group allows us access to less mainstream, more intimate cellar doors including Saddlers Creek, Hanging Tree Wines, and Ernest Hill Wines, where passionate winemakers personally share their craft and vineyard stories. Sample up to 20 premium wine varieties including classic Hunter Valley Semillon, elegant Chardonnay, robust Shiraz, and innovative blends available exclusively at these properties.

      300 minutes here · Admission included

    5. Pokolbin

      Enjoy a delicious meal with both hot and cold options in a relaxed setting surrounded by lake views. Your lunch includes a glass of wine to complement your meal.

      60 minutes here

    6. Hunter Valley Gardens

      Drive by the renowned Hunter Valley Gardens precinct, passing the spectacular 60-acre botanical wonderland featuring themed garden displays including the famous Rose Garden with over 5,000 rose bushes and stunning Lake Walk.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. Discover how premium local cheeses enhance wine appreciation and how they are locally made, through guided tastings featuring artisan varieties crafted by passionate regional producers.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    8. Saddlers Creek Wines

      Conclude your wine journey at Saddler's creek (or another handpicked boutique winery). Sample premium varietals while enjoying personal stories from passionate winemakers or cellar door hosts, gaining deeper insights into Hunter Valley's unique terroir and time-honored winemaking traditions that have defined Australia's oldest wine region for over 200 years.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    9. Hawkesbury River

      Cross over the Hawkesbury River and the Mooney Mooney Bridge on the way back to Sydney

      Pass by without stopping

    10. Sydney

      Arrive back at your original pickup points with enhanced wine knowledge and unforgettable memories of Hunter Valley's finest boutique wineries. You can bring a few bottles home with you too!

      90 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 45 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Activity Tours

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Pick-ups are from designated meeting points.
    • Small-group tour with a maximum 14 participants
    • Must be 18 years or older to taste wines
    • Not suitable for children under 18 years of age
    • Return to Sydney is around 6-6:30pm (depending on traffic)

    Photos

    Wine tasting and explanations by the winemakers on location, Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from SydneyBoutique wine tasting with a view on our award-winning Hunter Valley Small Group day tour, Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from SydneyArtisan cheese tasting board featuring local Hunter Valley varieties at the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory, Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine &...Behind the scenes learning about the wine-making process, Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from SydneyTravelling in comfort to and from the Hunter Valley, wine in tow, Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from SydneySmall group boutique wine tasting in the Hunter Valley, Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 401 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    8 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Small groups

    3 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    401 verified traveler reviews for Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    321
    4 star
    56
    3 star
    18
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    5
    Sort
    susannC593LI · October 2026

    Wonderful day in the Hunter Valley

    Great experience in a small group (14 guests), entertaining and knowledgeable guide (Stuart), beautiful wines and food, engaging hosts, comfortable ride (loved Stuart’s playlist), and we were delighted to see some kangaroos!

    via Tripadvisor

    Fearless653284 · September 2026

    Funny and drunken journey

    Nice and experienced tour guide

    Response from the operator: Thanks for your feedback. We're really pleased that you enjoyed a relaxed tour of the Hunter Valley and that your guide kept you safe on the way. Cheers!

    via Tripadvisor

    814vivienv · September 2026

    Amazing Experience

    My husband and I did the Hunter Valley winery tour and had an amazing time. Our guide Stuart was awesome. We visited three wineries and a cheese shop. We really enjoyed the small group size; it felt less chaotic and much more personal. It’s definitely the best way to enjoy the tour.

    Response from the operator: Thanks for sharing your amazing experience wine and cheese tasting with Stuart as your guide. The Hunter Valley can get busy and we're glad that you enjoyed the more personal feel of the smaller group and boutique wineries.

    via Tripadvisor

    lisacW9707ZR · September 2026

    Wine tour win!

    Ben was a great guide and we did everything that was included in the trip. We even got to see kangaroos. Great trip!

    Response from the operator: Thanks for sharing your great experience with Ben in the Hunter Valley. It is awesome that you saw some 'roos as well!

    via Tripadvisor

    959pauliinas · September 2026

    Wonderful wines & wineries

    Lovely experience, beautiful wineries, delicious wines, wonderful lunch and cheese tasting. And we saw kangaroos!!! Our guide Ben was amazing. Huge recommendations if you like wines and want to see beautiful landscapes outside Sydney!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your huge recommendations! We're so happy that you enjoyed your day wine and cheese tasting with Ben in the Hunter Valley. And that you got the bonus of seeing Kangaroos as well!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    11 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $177 to $249
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    142
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 83

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)79
    Review evidence (18% weight)86
    Booking momentum (14% weight)84
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)48
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Sydney.

    How much does Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney cost?

    +

    Prices start at $177 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Sydney usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney take?

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    Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Sydney is not rushed.

    Is Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 405 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Sydney, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney?

    +

    Around 142 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Sydney can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Sydney and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Sydney within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Sydney?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Sydney experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include WILD Wombat and Kangaroo Day Tour, All Inclusive, Chef-Led Hunter Valley Gourmet Food and Wine Day Tour from Sydney, Ultimate Sydney Walking Tour (Small-Group, Drink Included). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Sydney?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Sydney?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney?

    +

    Included: Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for scenic journey to and from the Hunter; Pickup and drop-off from convenient central Sydney meeting points; Kangaroo spotting amongst the vines at the vineyards we visit (sightings not guaranteed); Wine tastings at 3-4 boutique wineries featuring premium Hunter Valley varietals; and Lakeside lunch with a glass of wine - hot and cold options in a relaxed setting. Not included: gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 5 listed pickup locations in and around Sydney. Be ready about 45 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Sydney. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Award-Winning Hunter Valley Wine & Cheese Tour from Sydney?

    +

    Across 405 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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