Contents
The Hunter Valley is one of the most famous wine-producing regions in the world, home to a number of well-known and critically acclaimed wineries. While we love the big guys — they’re popular for good reason — we’re also about celebrating the incredible establishments that fly under the radar. These are the wineries that you’ll find off the beaten track; those family-run venues that are a little more intimate and feel like a warm hug. In this guide, we share our favourite boutique wineries in the Hunter Valley to inspire your next day trip or weekend getaway.
Why Visit A Boutique Winery?
Before we get into the good stuff, here are a few reasons to explore boutique wineries:
- It’s personal – Boutique wineries have a more personal feel than commercial venues, so you’ll likely get a chance to talk to the winemakers, staff, and owners and learn more about the wines and region itself.
- The wines are exclusive – Boutique establishments often sell their wines exclusively from their own cellar door, so the bottle you buy will be all the more special.
- You can sample local produce – Many of the below-mentioned wineries offer their own unique selection of delicious produce grown on the premises, so you may be able to head home with some delicious goodies to remember the trip by.
- You’re supporting local – That warm fuzzy feeling could just be the wine, but it could also be the realisation that by visiting a boutique winery, you’re making a positive impact on local communities.
Top Boutique Wineries In The Hunter Valley
Briar Ridge Winery
Briar Ridge is one of our favourite small boutique wineries in the Hunter Valley.
Located in Mount View, Briar Ridge is all about that homely feel. The staff are friendly, passionate, and committed to delivering a personal wine tasting experience.
Briar Ridge winemakers source fruit from their own backyard as well as local estate vineyards to create a boutique wine collection, featuring Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and small batches of lesser-known varieties.
Sit back and enjoy an afternoon of wine and antipasto, taking in the incredible vineyard and mountain views.
You can safely take our word for it, but if you need a little more convincing, the proof is in the awards! Briar Ridge Winery won gold medals at the 2017 Wine Shows in New South Wales, the Hunter Valley, and Queensland, and a gold medal in 206 at the Melbourne Wine Show.
Opening Times: Disclaimer: Winery opening hours may be subject to change, please call ahead to confirm.
Website: Here
Phone: (02) 4990 3670
Address: 593 Mount View Rd, Mount View NSW 2325
Reviews:
4.5 Trip Advisor from 260 reviews
4.7 Google Review from 160 reviews
Gundog Estate
Boasting a five-star rating, Gundog Estate is one of the Hunter Valley’s best-kept secrets. This family-owned boutique winery prioritises sustainable wine practices, respect for the environment, and the wellbeing of customers, fruit-growers, staff, and the wider community.
The team craft their Cabernet Sauvignon and Rosé at their very own Gundog Estate vineyard. The cellar also houses Semillon and Shiraz from Hunter Valley vineyards in Mount View, Somerset, Tinklers, and Pokolbin.
Visit Gundog Estate for an incredible wine-tasting experience. You can also pick up exclusive wines and hand-picked gourmet products to take home with you.
Top tip: demand is high, so be sure to reserve a spot at the cellar door!
Opening Times: Disclaimer: Winery opening hours may be subject to change, please call ahead to confirm.
Website: Here
Phone: (02) 4998 6873
Address: 101 McDonald’s Rd, POKOLBIN, NSW 2320
Reviews:
4.5 Trip Advisor from 188 reviews
4.7 Google Review from 88 reviews
Scarborough Wine Co
The family-run Scarborough Wine Co. is best known for its Chardonnay and rustic decor.
When it comes to that personal feel we keep talking about, Scarborough Wine Co. takes the cake: the cellar door is right next door to the owner’s family home. It doesn’t get much more intimate than that!
They offer wine tastings for all three of their wine ranges — Offshoot, Classic, and The Obsessive range — along with a delicious cheese platter, and a side of incredible Hunter Valley countryside views.
Opening Times: Disclaimer: Winery opening hours may be subject to change, please call ahead to confirm.
Website: Here
Phone: (02) 4998 7563
Address: 179 Gillards Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Reviews:
4.5 Trip Advisor from 463 reviews
4.7 Google Review from 164 reviews
Greenway Wines
Greenway Wines is a hidden wonder; a quaint red barn nestled between the Brokenback ranges and Wollombi Brook. This family-run vineyard focuses on producing small-batch wines, including Pinot Grigio, Fiano, Rosé, Merlots, and Shiraz.
Greenway’s wines are crafted from 100% estate-grown fruit that is expertly and sustainably farmed. The team are committed to crafting the best-quality wines and bottle only when the vintage is at its prime, producing a mere 500 cases per year. The wines can only be purchased on the Greenway Wines website or at the cellar door, so you’ll be getting something truly special.
Drop-in and enjoy wine tasting, chocolate and cheese paired wine tasting, and antipasto.
Opening Times: Disclaimer: Winery opening hours may be subject to change, please call ahead to confirm.
Website: Here
Phone: 0418164382
Address: 350 Wollombi Rd, Broke NSW 2330, Australia
Reviews:
4.5 Trip Advisor from 7 reviews
5 Google Review from 20 reviews
Ernest Hill
Ernest Hill is situated at the gateway to the Hunter Valley’s Pokolbin region. The vineyard was originally planted in the late 1960s for Seppelts Wines and was originally named Pokolbin Creek Vineyard. The Wilson family purchased the vineyard in 1999 and renamed it Ernest Hill, and have been crafting wines there since 2002.
The team behind Ernest Hill focus on producing state-of-the-art wine. The majority of grapes are hand-picked and the blocks are strategically cropped low to ensure fewer bunches and better quality fruit.
Indulge in wine tasting at the cellar door or in the alfresco tasting area, and breathe in the beautiful views of the Brokenback Ranges and Lovedale countryside.
Opening Times: Disclaimer: Winery opening hours may be subject to change, please call ahead to confirm.
Website: Here
Phone: +612 4991 4418
Address: 307 Wine Country Drive Nulkaba, NSW, 2325, Australia
Reviews:
5 Trip Advisor from 619 reviews
4.8 Google Review from 116 reviews
Whispering Brook
This 5-star beauty is one of the best boutique wineries in the Hunter Valley.
The people behind Whispering Brook are all about family, sustainability, quality, innovation, and passion — values you can taste with every sip.
Located in the Broke area, Whispering Brook is a scenic wonder. The Wollombi Brook borders one end of the property, hence the name. The winery is also surrounded by Yengo National Park, The Wollemi National Park, and the Brokenback Ranges.
Make the trip out and enjoy wine tasting, cellar door tours, and outdoor dining.
Opening Times: Disclaimer: Winery opening hours may be subject to change, please call ahead to confirm.
Website: Here
Phone: 02 6579 1386
Address: 165 Hill Street Broke NSW 2330 Australia
Reviews:
4.5 Trip Advisor from 58 reviews
4.8 Google Review from 45 reviews
Tinklers Wine And Farm
Tinklers is a family-owned and operated winery, featuring a vineyard, winery, and a cellar door that sits beneath beautiful 100-year-old peppercorn trees.
The Tinklers winemaker, Usher John, is revered in the wine industry. He won the Wine Society Young Winemaker of the Year (2007), the Hunter Valley Rising Star of the Year (2008), and has been a finalist for the Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year in 2009, 2011, and 2012.
Along with the incredible wine varieties on offer, stock up on fresh seasonal produce such as peaches, nectarines, avocados, figs, jams, relishes and pickles.
Opening Times: Disclaimer: Winery opening hours may be subject to change, please call ahead to confirm.
Website: Here
Phone: 02 49987435
Address: 53 Pokolbin Mountains Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Reviews:
4.5 Trip Advisor from 63 reviews
4.6 Google Review from 66 reviews
Plan Your Trip
Discover the very best boutique wineries of the Hunter Valley. If you’re keen to make a weekend of it, visit our dedicated blogs for our top Hunter Valley accommodation picks and our recommendations for the best Hunter Valley restaurants.
Want to bring your pooch along for the ride? Us too. Read our guide to dog-friendly wineries here.
Other Articles on the Hunter Valley
The Best Cellar Doors in The Hunter Valley
Dog Friendly Wineries in The Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley’s Finest Restaurants
Boutique Wineries Hunter Valley
Accommodation in Hunter Valley