Where to Find Cheap Wine Tasting in the Hunter Valley
If you call Australia home like me, you’ll know a trip to the Hunter region can be an expensive venture. But as I recently learnt, it doesn’t have to be that way as there are now a number of places to find cheap wine tastings in the Hunter Valley!
While the Hunter Valley has always been a firm favourite for wine lovers, it’s fast becoming a popular destination for New South Wales residents to take a short break.
During my recent trip I saw a number of small groups of tourists who unfortunately had to be turned away from wine tastings in the Hunter Valley because they weren’t aware they should have pre-booked in advance. And I don’t want this for you!
If you’re wondering where to find cheap tastings in the Hunter Valley wineries, I’ve teamed up with Klook to help make your experience as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. Find out some things I also learnt the hard way by reading on for more!
This guide to cheap wine tasting Hunter Valley will cover:
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This article was written in partnership with Klook and contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Hunter Valley Wineries List: Where to find pre-booked cheap wine tasting
Now, where exactly can you find these cheap wine tastings? The below cellar doors offer cheap and cheerful $5 wine tastings to help immerse you in the local culture.
Cheap Hunter Valley wine tastings
I know you’re here for the good stuff so straight off the bat, did you know that Klook now offers wine tastings at dozens of cellar doors from only $5? It’s so convenient to book online through the Klook app on your smartphone.
If you haven’t heard of Klook, this platform is one of the cheapest places to book things to do in the Hunter Valley and hundreds of destinations around the globe. There are many benefits of using Klook such as instant confirmation, free cancellation (in some cases), and skip-the-line tickets to popular attractions.
I’ve personally loved and recommended Klook to my readers since 2018. I highly suggest you check them out to help plan your future travels!
$5 Wine Tasting in the Hunter Valley
I’ve provided a brief description of each cellar door to help you narrow down your selections.
Briar Ridge
With beanbags on the lawn under a leafy canopy, Briar Ridge in Mount View is a lovely little spot to kick back and enjoy a glass of wine (or two!) They also offer amazing antipasto platters that are famous in the Hunter wine region. After my experience there I highly recommend the Jezebel Moscato and the special Sticky Hive dessert wine. BOOK HERE →
Misty Glen
Featuring games such as croquet or boules on the lawn, this pet and child friendly cellar door in the heart of Pokolbin is one to visit if you have small companions to bring along! BOOK HERE →
Hunter’s Dream Estate
Lovers of Australian natural ingredients for their supplement and skin care companies, this Hunter Valley winery features an olive grove, tea tree plantation, expansive lavender field and bee hives that produce natural honey. BOOK HERE →
Capercaillie
This Lovedale cellar door is Gaelic name for a native ground-dwelling bird in the forests of Scotland. Capercaillie has an impressive history, having won over 950 awards at wine shows since 1996. It’s one to check out! BOOK HERE →
Oakvale Wines
Established in 1893, Oakvale Wines can be found in Pokolbin. All proceeds from the $5 wine tastings goes towards wine production for Meals on Wheels – a great cause! A premium wine and cheese tasting experience is also available. Feel free to bring along your pup as this is a pet friendly cellar door. BOOK HERE →
Iron Gate Estate
A family run-winery also located in Pokolbin, Iron Gate Estate has a Spanish atmosphere with its rounded terracotta roof ties and paved outdoor courtyard. All wines are handcrafted with fruits grown on the estate, with the wine tasting experience lasting for an hour. BOOK HERE →
Hanging Tree Wines
Specialising in Chardonnay, Semillon, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s believed the rich clay soil of the vineyard has helped Hanging Tree Wines earn several awards. With a giant outdoor chess board for the kids, this is one of 10 pet friendly wineries in the region. Kick back and enjoy a wine tasting experience overlooking the breathtaking Brokenback mountain range, duck ponds and fragrant rose garden. BOOK HERE →
Peter Drayton
Did you know Peter Drayton comes from a long lineage of wine makers in the Hunter Valley? He’s the 5th generation owner from the Drayton family! This Pokolbin vineyard’s specialty is wines suited to a Mediterranean climate and also a special hybrid grape called Tyrian. The popular Ironbark Brewhouse and Kitchen is also located on site if you’re after a bite to eat. BOOK HERE →
Tintilla Estate
With its name tied to Greek mythology, Tintilla Estate in Pokolbin is a family-run winery that not only produces award-winning wines but also olive products. They have a strong focus on family, food and wine and this is evident with their popular cheese platters! BOOK HERE →
Pokolbin Estate
Established in the 1880’s, this estate began as a small cottage and grew into the boutique vineyard you see today. On offer are premium wines and gourmet foods grown on their Pokolbin estate and kangaroo spotting on the property if you’re really lucky! BOOK HERE →
Savannah Estate
Located in Mount View, the estate is named after Savannah whose grandparents ran this vineyard when she was a young girl. She is now carrying on their legacy producing renowned blends with a local’s touch. Wine and cheese tasting is also on offer with Savannah’s popular cheese platters. BOOK HERE →
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$10+ Wine Tasting in the Hunter Valley
Happy to spend a little more? The below wineries offer tastings ranging from $6 – $25.
Tulloch Wines
Established in 1838, Tulloch is a renowned name in the Hunter region with the vineyard’s ownership staying in the family for generations. After my tasting I bought a few bottles of their popular Verdelho – it’s one of the nicest you’ll ever try! BOOK HERE →
TIP: Premium wine tastings are also on offer at Tulloch (with delicious pairings to locally-made chocolates!) An added bonus is Tulloch is a great place to visit in the Hunter Valley for non-drinkers due to their “Junior Tasting” platters for kids and Kombucha pairings if you’re not up for an alcoholic drink. BOOK HERE →
Glandore Estate Wines
Offering sweeping views of the Brokenback Mountain Range, Glendore Estate Wines pride themselves on their large variety wine blends created with a hands-on approach. Fruits are handpicked and basket-pressed for a traditional finish. BOOK HERE →
Comyns & Co.
A modern cellar door with an edgy twist, Comyns & Co. offer a boutique wine tasting experience in the Hunter. This family-run winery is great to visit if little ones are tagging along – there’s a large kid’s corner with toys, chalkboard, colouring in and more. The estate is pet friendly, too! BOOK HERE →
Brokenwood Wines
Brokenwood Wines have a sterling reputation in Australia and are popular in the Hunter Valley for their premium wine tasting experiences. The vineyard has a modern yet rustic feel with many different spaces to enjoy wine tasting indoors and out. The estate even boasts a wine museum! BOOK HERE →
Hungerford Hill
Featuring a much loved barrel-shaped cellar door and tasting room, Hungerford Hill offer a warm welcome with knowledgeable staff. The boutique property also has an espresso bar, Muse Restaurant and a sculpture courtyard with views of the Brokenback Mountain Range. BOOK HERE →
Krinklewood Vineyard
With a French inspired look and feel, Krinklewood Vineyard’s owners worked tirelessly to ensure their property was certified as biodynamic and organic in 2007. The estate is also home to cattle, chickens, pigs, bees and even beautiful peacocks! BOOK HERE →
Margan Wines
A family owned and award winning winery located in Broke Fordwich, Margan Wines has been named a 5-star winery for by James Halliday Wine Companion since 2008. The courtyard is a great spot to enjoy a drop watching the sunset. BOOK HERE →
Wombat Crossing Vineyard
If you’re a lover of our Aussie icon, Wombat Crossing proudly supports Cedar Creek Wombat Rescue by donating 50% of their proceeds to this worthy cause. The vineyard offers exceptional views over Barrington Tops National Park. BOOK HERE →
Red Door Collective
At Red Door Collective you’re not only able to enjoy award-winning wines, but also coffee, cheese platters and sweet treats! This estate is owned by a passionate couple who switched city living for life amongst the vineyards and have many stories to tell. BOOK HERE →
Meerea Park
Located within the Roche Estate in Pokolbin, Meerea Park offers a tasting of seven wines from Semillon to Shiraz. It’s located opposite the Hunter Valley Gardens, too. BOOK HERE →
Talits Estate Cellar Door
Another family-owned vineyard, Talits Estate is located in Broke Fordwich. With a Provincial feel, the vineyard has been rated by James Halliday and won several awards in Australian and New Zealand wine shows. BOOK HERE →
Horner Wines
Creating organic wines in small batches, Horner Wines has a down-to-earth approach to sharing their passion for winemaking. The owner spend his childhood amongst vineyards in the Hunter and worked with numerous high profile wineries before branching out into his own business. BOOK HERE →
Saddler’s Creek
Rated as a James Halliday 5-star winery, Saddler’s Creek is well known for specialising in red wines. This family friendly vineyard also allows you to personalise your experience and take home a souvenir wine glass after your tasting! BOOK HERE →
Thélème Wines at Black Creek Farm
As the name may suggest, this French Provincial cellar door features a rustic farmhouse and offers Semillon, Chardinnay, Shiraz, ,Cabernet Merlot and Rosé wines for your enjoyment. BOOK HERE →
Wine House
With over 30 wines to sample, you’ll be spoilt for choice when selecting eight for your personalised wine tasting experience! BOOK HERE →
TIP: In the mood for craft beer instead? Take a look at FogHorn Beer Tasting! BOOK HERE →
BONUS: Hunter Valley wine tasting tour
If you prefer a Hunter Valley wine tasting tour, why not jump on a full day Taste of Europe food & wine tour? Allow an old-school red London double-decker bus to chauffeur you around in a small group of 10! This bus is the only one of its kind in Australia visiting five award-winning venues along the way.
Enjoy this all-inclusive tour featuring French Champagne, Swiss Chocolate, a long Italian lunch, Spanish music and drink German beer – it’s just like Europe here in the Hunter. But hurry, seats are limited to 10 on this tour! BOOK NOW →
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What to expect in the Hunter Valley
Here are my tips for ensuring you’re an “invisible tourist” and not left stranded searching for something to do during your time in the Hunter Valley.
- Pre-booked itinerary: Due to the increasing number of visitors from NSW and demand for wine tastings with limited capacity, it helps to have a pre-booked Hunter Valley itinerary rather than winging it.
- Visit off-peak if possible: Plan to visit during a weekday as a day trip from Sydney or make a long weekend out of your trip so you have flexibility for booking experiences. There is more availability on wine tastings through the week as most folks are at work, rather than weekends when demand is high.
- Leave enough time to book: I found out the hard way that many wineries and even restaurants book out several days in advance, if not sooner for weekend visits. Make sure to pre-book your preferred date and time well in advance. If you wait until a day or two before, the venue or activity may already be booked out. You have been warned!
Concluding pre-booked cheap Hunter Valley wine tasting
Despite knowing the new regulations and the need to book wineries in advance, I was a little taken by surprise by how far in advance these things now need to be pre-booked due to high demand. Do allow yourself lots of time, even a week or more if possible to ensure you get the date and time slots of your preference.
I feel it’s a bit of a shame that spontaneity during a Hunter Valley trip has been restricted for now, but it’s good to know what to expect so you can set realistic expectations. Now you know how to “be invisible” and organised, your experience will be truly memorable for the right reasons!
That’s a wrap for things I wish I knew before my trip wine tasting in the Hunter Valley! Did any of your favourite cellar doors in Wine Country make these lists? Which are you hoping to try most? Let me know in the comments below.
Sending a huge thanks to Klook for making this article and these experiences possible!
Looking for more things to do on Australia’s east coast? Take a look at all my articles for Australia and greater Oceania while you’re here, read my Amazon #1 New Release book or come and join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok for more travel inspiration!
Until next time,
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Images watermarked without The Invisible Tourist logo remain the copyright of Klook and are used with permission. This guide to where to find cheap wine tasting in the Hunter Valley contains some affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase and if you do, thanks for your support! This helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. As always, I only recommend a product or service that I genuinely love and use myself!
Hello I liked the information about Hunter valley!
Just wandering to know if you have a new promo code to use in Klook becaus yours has expired
Hi Paloma, thank you!
Unfortunately not, there aren’t any promo codes for Klook right now.
If that changes in the future I’ll be sure to update it here 😊