Small group wine tasting tours
About Us
Hunter Valley · Lovedale · Pokolbin
Hunter Valley Tours is a small group tour service specialising in uniquely personalised wine tasting tours in the Hunter Valley, Lovedale and Pokolbin wine regions.
We believe the best wine tasting tours are about you. We focus on you, your time in the Hunter Valley and aim to make your time with us as relaxing, pleasant and enjoyable as we can.
We are a small, friendly, well-presented, professional, polite, and energetic team of tour guides that focus on giving you the very best Hunter Valley local touring service and make your Hunter Valley wineries experience one to remember. We aim to share some of our hidden smaller 5-star boutique cellar doors with you, give you an opportunity to meet some friendly local wine makers and vineyard owners, sample our amazing local wines, taste local artisan produce and hear a story or two of the local history and some of our entertaining experiences over the several years we have been providing tours.
Tour days, times and costs
| Days we operate | Monday to Sunday (7 days). |
|---|---|
| Full day tours | From 9am and finish by 5pm. |
| Half day tours | From 12.30pm and finish by 5pm. |
| Half day with lunch | From 11am and finish by 4pm. |
| Wine tastings | Average between $10 to $50 per venue, per person. |
| Your pickup time | You will be contacted by text, email, whatsapp, phone call with your individual pickup time the night before your tour. |
Where we pick you up
- Most Hunter Valley accommodation locations
- Maitland
- Singleton
- Newcastle
- The Central Coast
We pick you up from your accommodation, 12km within central Pokolbin, complimentary.
FAQs
Pick-ups and getting to us
What days do you operate wine tasting tours?
We operate Monday to Sunday, 7 days. We pick up from most Hunter Valley accommodation locations, Maitland, Singleton, Newcastle and the Central Coast on any day of the week.
Where do I meet the tour bus?
We pick you up from your accommodation, complimentary within 12km of central Pokolbin. Outside this area a pickup fee may apply. Your bus will meet you at your accommodation reception area if there is one, and may return you to your room or house at the end of the day when times are less tight. If we are meeting you at Hunter Valley Gardens, the pickup point is the short stay bus and coach parking area, on your left closest to the shopping village as you enter the grounds.
What if my accommodation is not on the pickup list?
Write the name of your accommodation in the 'other' box when booking. If you are unsure, contact us directly and we will let you know if we can pick up from your location.
What time do I get picked up?
Usually from 9am, depending on how many fellow wine lovers are on your tour and where their pickups are. Your first wine tasting is usually at 10am. We confirm your exact time the night before by text, email or phone.
Do you pick us up from Sydney?
Yes, we can. We have an agreement with a Sydney-based tour service to accommodate passengers. Contact us directly to discuss your needs and get your special HV Tours discount code. Conditions apply.
What if I miss my pickup?
Drivers may wait a maximum of 10 minutes, only if time permits and at the driver's discretion. Our tours must run close to time because cellar doors require us to arrive within 10 minutes of our booked tasting time, so holding the bus affects everyone on the tour.
On the day
Can people with mobility aids, restrictions or disabilities come on a tour?
Yes, we welcome everyone. Please write any needs in the box provided and contact us in advance, as not all locations have the required facilities or access, and we want to give you a genuinely inclusive day.
How long does the tour go for?
A full day wine tasting tour runs about 8 hours door to door. Your first tasting commences at 10am and cellar doors close at 5pm. A half day tour runs 3.5 to 4 hours on average. Pickup and return from your chosen spot may change these times.
How much do wine tastings cost?
On tours where tasting fees are not included, fees vary from $5 to $25 per person, paid at the cellar door.
Are there vegetarian or gluten free lunch options?
Yes, dietary options are available at most of the lunch venues we visit, though we cannot guarantee every need. Let us know your dietary requirements on your booking.
Can we drink alcohol on the bus?
No. Passengers are not allowed to consume alcohol on public transport, and that includes being in possession of an open container. There is plenty of tasting at the stops; the bus is for the stories in between.
If it is raining, does the tour still operate?
Our tours operate in all kinds of weather: rain, hail or shine. In the cooler months you are mainly indoors in the warmth of a winery; in the warmer months your tasting may even move outdoors into the fresh air.
Booking, changes and who can come
If the tour is full, do you have a waiting list?
Yes, we will try our best to fit you on a bus. Email tours@huntervalleytours.com.au with how many people, your preferred date and your contact details including your mobile number. We also have strong connections with other tour services and can recommend one if we cannot accommodate you.
Can I cancel or move my booking?
Yes, email tours@huntervalleytours.com.au a minimum of 7 days before your original tour date. The short version of the cancellation terms:
- Shared tours: full refund with 7 or more days' notice; no refund under 5 working days.
- Private tours: full refund with 30 or more days' notice; 50% between 14 and 30 days; none under 10 working days.
- A 15% non-refundable deposit secures bookings.
The full detail is in our terms and conditions (PDF).
Can children join the tour?
No, not for shared wine tasting tours. All passengers must be adults of legal drinking age (18 years of age and over).
Yes, for all private wine tasting tours. These tours can be adjusted to cater to children (anyone under 18 years of age) only by prior arrangement. You must contact us to let us know if anyone under 18 years of age will be on the tour.
No children under 3. Hunter Valley Tours does not provide children’s car seats: please bring your own child car seat for private tours. Shared tours carry a maximum of 14 passengers.
Can we book a shared tour for a hen's or buck's party?
No. Our shared group tours are not suitable for hen's and buck's parties, and non-disclosure will incur the cancellation of your day tour. For celebrations, book our private Pre-Wedding Celebration Tour or call us on 0456 737 888 to arrange it.
I will look forward to having you aboard!