DESCRIPTION
Highlights
• Exclusive Hunter Valley Private Tour with a professional guide
• Visit 3 boutique wineries
• Taste up to 10 different wine tastings at each winery
• Cheese and Chocolate tasting
• Flexible Itinerary
• Cafe Lunch
HUNTER VALLEY WINE TASTING TOUR
Your guide will meet you at 7.45 am at your hotel and you will head north to explore Australia’s oldest wine region, on your very own private Hunter Valley tour.
Travel over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, locally know as the “Coat Hanger” as you head north out of the city. You can relax and admire the views as you pass through the stunning scenery of the Hawkesbury region. From the sheer sandstone cliff walls to delightful waterside towns there is a visual feast at every stage of your journey. Take in the lovely water views as you cross over the the Brooklyn Bridge and pass by the town of Brooklyn. This region is famous for its Sydney Rock Oysters.
You will make a whistle stop morning tea break along the way, for that essential cup of coffee and refreshment break. Before you know it, you have arrived in the beautiful green vineyards and lush surrounds of Australia’s premium wine making region.
WINE TASTING
We arrive at your first boutique winery around 10.30 am. The winery staff will dazzle you with the finer points of the art of wine appreciation. You will learn how to look, smell, sip and identify the amazing tastes and differences of each wine and grape style.
All of the small exclusive wineries you visit grow their own grapes, and the wines you try are produced on site. Many of the wines you will sample are medal award winners, and the vignerons (winery owners) are naturally proud to show off their produce.
Visit your second stunning winery and sample up to 10 different wines. The Hunter Valley is famous for its Shiraz and Semillon grape varieties so you will be sure to sample these two specialties. Between the sipping and spitting, make sure to keep an eye on the vineyards for the odd wild kangaroo. They are well known for relaxing in the heat of the day among the vines.
CHEESE TASTING
As all wine connoisseurs know, if there is one thing that complements wine to perfection, it must be fromage! The Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop is a famous local institution packed to the brim with cheeses of every variety, as well as a wide selection of gourmet delights. You will try a selection of locally made cheeses and learn the finer points of cheese from a dedicated cheese expert.
CAFE LUNCH
Choose from a selection of classic café dishes as you settle in for a lunch. Perhaps enjoy a bottle of that special wine that you’ve just bought direct from the Wine Cellar Door while you enjoy your meal. Take a stroll around the delightful Hunter Valley Village and taste the locally made chocolates at the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company.
FINE DINING
For the true bon vivant, you can totally spoil yourself with lunch at the Cellar Restaurant. The ultimate in Australian fine cuisine, enjoy the superb 2 course meal with an accompanying glass of local red or white wine. Imbibe the sophisticated ambience of the sandstone and glass building. Soak up the atmosphere with its lush indoor gardens intermingled with white clothed tables. The wisteria-surrounded courtyard is perfect for an alfresco lunch with large umbrellas for shade on the hotter days.
This is an extra AUD$60 per person
BOUTIQUE WINERIES
After lunch it is time to visit the third winery of the day. Each of the charming boutique wineries you visit are very different and specially chosen to give you an intimate experience, away from the larger commercial wineries. Take the chance to wander among the vines, so that you can be sure to get that perfect photo!
Sit back and relax on your journey back to Sydney. Your guide will have you back at your hotel before 6pm.
Includes
• Expert Commentary
• Wine Tasting
• Lunch
• Cheese and Chocolate Tasting
• Pick up and drop off from your hotel
