Sydney to Hunter Valley & Coffee in Cessnock

• Depart Sydney at 7:30am in style in one of luxurious vehicles.

• Stop in Cessnock for a premium coffee at Mr. O’s Espresso to start your journey right.

Boutique Winery Experience at Audrey Wilkinson

• Arrive at Audrey Wilkinson, one of the Hunter Valley’s most picturesque and historic wineries, set atop a rolling hill with stunning views.

• Enjoy a private wine tasting featuring their signature Semillon and Shiraz.

• Explore the on-site museum to learn about the winery’s rich heritage.

Iconic Wine Tasting at Tyrrell’s Wines

• Continue to Tyrrell’s Wines, one of Australia’s oldest family-run wineries.

• Indulge in a complementary wine tasting.

Gourmet Dining at Cafe Enzo

• Established in 1996, this Tuscan-inspired café is renowned for its enchanting courtyard and rustic sandstone architecture, creating a serene ambiance for guests. The menu showcases a commitment to quality and local produce, the most popular dish on the menu is the linguini with tiger prawns.

Chocolate & Cheese Indulgence

• Visit Hunter Valley Chocolate Company to sample handcrafted chocolates and truffles. Try their famous Belgian couverture chocolates and hot chocolate.

• Stop at Hunter Valley Cheese Company for a cheese tasting platter featuring locally made cheddar, blue, and brie cheeses, perfectly paired with regional wines.

Premium Wine Tasting at Brokenwood Wines

• Conclude your tour at the renowned Brokenwood Wines, home to the famous Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz.

• Enjoy a VIP wine-tasting experience in their state-of-the-art tasting facility.

Return to Sydney in Style

• Depart the Hunter Valley in the late afternoon, enjoying a smooth, scenic ride back to Sydney.

• Arrive back at your accommodation around 5:30pm feeling relaxed and enriched from a day of luxury, fine wine, and gourmet foods.
  

Inclusions

• Pickup and drop off from your Sydney Hotel or Cruise.

• Tastings at Audrey Wilkinson, Tyrell’s and Bokenwood wineries.

• Tastings at The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company.

• Tastings at The Hunter Valley Cheese Company

• Shared starters at Cafe Enzo

• Main meal at Cafe Enzo

• Iced Bottled Water

• Wifi

• Plenty of time for photos, exploration and relaxing

Exclusions 

• Sirloin Steak at Cafe Enzo

• Drinks at Cafe Enzo

7:30am Start

5:30pm Finish

1-2 persons $1495

3 persons $1595

4 persons $1695

5 persons $1795

6 persons $1895

7 persons $1995

VIP Upgrade - $100 per person

Inclusions below

• The Hermitage Experience at Audrey Wilkinson

• The VIP Premium Tasting at Tyrell’s wines

The Hunter Valley, located in New South Wales, Australia, is one of the country’s most famous wine regions, known for its rich history, fertile land, and cultural significance. It stretches from the coastal areas near Newcastle to the Great Dividing Range in the west, encompassing towns like Cessnock, Singleton, Maitland, and Muswellbrook.

Before European settlement, the Hunter Valley was home to the Wonnarua people, along with other groups such as the Awabakal and Worimi peoples. They lived in the regionfor thousands of years, relying on the rivers, forests, and plains for food and resources. Many Indigenous sites, including rock carvings and engravings, remain throughout the valley, highlighting their deep connection to the land. 

In 1797, Lieutenant John Shortland was the first European to explore the Hunter River while searching for escaped convicts. He discovered coal near Newcastle, leading to the region’s first European industry.

In the early 1800s, the valley became an important agricultural and mining area, with European settlers using the land for farming and grazing.

The 1820s–1830s saw rapid growth, with convict labor used to establish farms, roads, and infrastructure. Many estates, such as those in Maitland, were built during this time.

Development of Industries

·      Coal Mining: The Hunter Valley became a major coal-producing region, particularly around Newcastle, Maitland, and Singleton. Coal mining expanded rapidly in the 19th and 20th centuries, with the industry still playing a major role in the local economy.

·      Wine Industry: Vineyards were established in the early 19th century, with some of the earliest plantings at Dalwood Estate in 1828. The region is famous for Semillon and Shiraz, and today, it’s one of Australia’s most recognized wine-producing areas.

·      Agriculture & Dairy: Besides vineyards, the valley has been known for cattle grazing, wheat, and dairy farming.