Best Drinks
The Ultimate Hunter Valley Weekend Itinerary: Top 5 Breweries, Distilleries and Wineries to Visit
13/11/2024
For Sydneysiders, it’s pretty self-explanatory as to why the Hunter Valley is one of our favourite New South Wales wine regions. Being just a two hour drive away, Hunter Valley is the perfect destination for day tripping, weekend visits or, even week long getaways.
Pending if you prefer it action packed or pleasantly paced, Hunter Valley is perfect for every type of traveller. It’s a destination where you can truly make it your own. Not to mention, despite being a renowned wine region, it caters to all tastebuds with plenty of breweries and distilleries to discover too.
To help you plan the ultimate Hunter Valley weekend itinerary, we’ve pulled together the top breweries, distilleries and wineries you must visit – some even with award-winning accommodation and restaurants on site as well.
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Estancia Osteria @ Briar Ridge
Mount View, Hunter Valley and Newcastle, New South WalesLocated in Mount View, Briar Ridge Vineyard blends award-winning wines with breathtaking views and spectacular food. Here, their winemaking techniques are described as innovative and modern age – their ethos since establishing back in 1972. Today, on top of earning its title as a Halliday Red Star Winery, crowds pour into Briar Ridge Vineyard not only for their exceptional wine and friendly cellar door experience, but for the onsite South American restaurant, Estancia Osteria. A true gem of the Hunter Valley!
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The Wood Restaurant @ Brokenwood Wines
Pokolbin, Hunter Valley and Newcastle, New South WalesJust a touch away from the Hunter Valley Gardens is one of our favourite organic wineries in the region, Brokenwood Wines. Established in 1970, this 54-year-old estate has been making headlines since its inception thanks to their semillon and shiraz. In between tastings, Brokenwood Wines offers two in-house dining options for your visit: the Terrace Wine Bar that is best for small share plates and, The Wood Restaurant which can be enjoyed through a set menu or a la carte. A must-add to your Hunter Valley itinerary!
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Hope Estate
Pokolbin, Hunter Valley and Newcastle, New South WalesCraft beer, award winning wine and premium spirits – get the best of all three worlds with Hope Estate, a must-visit on your weekend to the Hunter Valley. This family owned and operated brewery, distillery and winery has been around for 10 years making headlines for their trophy scoring tipples. For your visit to their cellar door, the choice is ultimately yours. Pick from either a wine, beer or spirit tasting as you nibble on some savoury snacks. Bookings can be made via their website.
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IronBark Hill Brewhouse
Pokolbin, Hunter Valley and Newcastle, New South WalesIf you’re begging for a good brew, make some room on your Hunter Valley itinerary for a visit to IronBark Hill Brewing Co. First fermenting back in 2016, today the small scale brewhouse has conjured up a list of 12 beers and ciders on tap. The site itself is hard to miss thanks to the large overhead brewhouse sign making a statement as you come off the Hunter Expressway. Dog friendly, IronBark Hill certainly isn’t bias to other tipples with an onsite cellar door and distillery also open for visits.
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Hunter Distillery
Pokolbin, Hunter Valley and Newcastle, New South WalesIf you need a break from wine, take a detour on your weekend away and head to Pokolbin’s first distillery, Hunter Distillery. Although it may seem like a big shot to take, especially for the wine lovers out there, you certainly won’t regret your visit. Famed for their gin, vodka, liqueur and, surprisingly, schnapps, Hunter Distillery uses certified organic and naturally raw ingredients to make each of their spirits on site. Open seven days a week, we recommend you book a tasting so you don’t miss out (these folks get busy)!
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