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Offered languages
- German
- English
Venture into the birthplace of Australian wine, where the story began in the early 1800s. Just 2.5 hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley offers a rare blend of heritage and innovation. Begin your wine journey with a behind‑the‑scenes tour of the winemaking process—from grape to glass—guided by passionate experts. Taste premium wines at two boutique estates and savour locally crafted cheeses. From sandy loam to volcanic red clay, the region’s diverse soils nurture iconic varietals like Semillon and Shiraz. Each glass reveals character of the land and the craftsmanship behind it. Pause midday for a relaxed two‑course table‑shared lunch, and later unwind with afternoon tea and artisan chocolate sampling. With kangaroos grazing among the vines and landscapes that feel timeless, this tour invites you to savour each moment and experience the charm of Australia’s oldest wine region—designed for those who value authenticity, intimacy, and a deeper appreciation of wine.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We may need to contact you prior or on the day of your tour. Please ensure that nominated mobile phone (cell phone) is fully charged, switched on, roaming enabled and checked for potential text or voice messages.
Driver-guides will be on standby at the hotel or cruise terminal in front of the vehicle, at the domestic airport by the luggage carousel, and at the international airport in the arrival hall (past customs), holding a sign displaying your booking name five minutes prior to the designated pick-up time. For tours beginning at the airport, ensure you allocate enough time to complete all procedures (at least 60 minutes for international terminals, and at least 30 minutes for domestic terminals).
In the event of any disruption or delay it will be responsibility of the passenger to contact Wachtl Australia on mobile (cell) phone / WhatsApp +61 466 966 028 to prevent any no-show or non-arrival charges. Parking at some pick-up locations is time-restricted, and delays may result in additional parking charges bearable by the client. If you are running late, please inform us promptly.
Safety of all passengers is our highest priority and Wachtl Australia guarantees compliance with all appropriate state laws. Under the Passenger Transport Act 2014 passengers of a motor vehicle that is moving, or is stationary but not parked, must wear seatbelt. All passengers under the age of 12 months must be properly secured in a rearward-facing child restraint, which can be provided upon request prior the travel along with booster cushions for older children. In compliance with Wachtl Australia's Safety Management System policy, passengers under the age of 12 are not permitted to sit in the front seat or any seat equipped with an airbag. Passengers must exercise diligence and adhere to their own duty of care. Additionally, children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible guardian.
In accordance with the NSW Transport Act, the consumption of food or beverages, excluding water, is strictly forbidden on all forms of public transport, including our vehicles.
Itinerary
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(Pass by)
Enjoy a scenic drive on a road cutting through sandstone hills and eucalyptus forests before crossing the tidal Hawkesbury River, bordered by rugged terrain and national park wilderness.
Admission ticket free -
1De Iuliis
Your visit to De Iuliis begins with an exclusive behind‑the‑scenes winery tour, offering a close look at the craftsmanship behind one of the Hunter Valley’s most awarded boutique producers, led by winemaker Mike De Iuliis — Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year (2015). Explore the working winery, fermentation spaces, and barrel room as your host explains how Semillon and Shiraz evolve from vineyard to bottle. Following the tour, enjoy a premium seated tasting featuring a curated selection of De Iuliis’ top‑rated wines—each reflecting the precision and regional character that have earned the estate a 5 Red Star Halliday rating and Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year titles in 2016 and 2022. Known for its trophy‑winning Semillon and Shiraz, De Iuliis continues to set regional benchmarks through innovation, sustainability, and meticulous winemaking. The tasting is complemented by artisan Hunter Belle cheeses, thoughtfully selected to enhance the flavour profile of each wine.
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2Iron Gate Estate
Enjoy a relaxed yet refined two‑course lunch at the newly opened Iron Gate Kitchen, served in a warm, communal table‑share style. Fresh, seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean‑inspired flavours create a welcoming midday pause, with dietary requirements accommodated when advised in advance.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
3Thomas Wines
Your experience at Thomas Wines offers a deep dive into the Hunter Valley’s two signature wines: Semillon and Shiraz. Precision has defined the estate since its first vintage in 1997. Led by Andrew Thomas — a three‑time Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year — together with his son and assistant winemaker Dan, the winery has earned numerous accolades, including 5 Red Stars and Top 100 Wineries in the Halliday Wine Companion, as well as 2026 Cellar Door of the Year, recognising its exceptional quality, hospitality, and regional leadership. During your premium seated tasting, you’ll explore a curated selection of single‑vineyard wines, including the iconic Braemore Semillon and the highly awarded Kiss Shiraz. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, this experience reveals how terroir, craftsmanship, and meticulous winemaking shape the purity, structure, and longevity that Thomas Wines is renowned for.
1 hour • Admission ticket included -
4Cocoa Nib - Handcrafted Chocolate - Hunter Valley
Your day concludes with a gentle change of pace at Cocoa Nib, the Hunter Valley’s acclaimed artisan chocolatier located within the picturesque Keith Tulloch Wine estate. Enjoy handcrafted chocolates and a light afternoon tea while overlooking the vines—an indulgent finish to a day of premium wine and gourmet discovery.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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