Hunter Valley
Australia's oldest wine region, and Sydney's weekend in the vines.
Hunter Valley: the home of Semillon and Shiraz
The Hunter Valley is Australia's oldest wine region and the easiest escape from Sydney, which is half its appeal. Its true claim to fame is Hunter Semillon, a low-alcohol white picked early that starts neutral and ages, almost magically, into a rich, toasty wine over a decade. Its earthy, medium-bodied Shiraz is a distinctive style worth knowing too.
The wines
Hunter Semillon is unique: light and citrussy when young, then transformed by age into something honeyed and complex without any oak. The Shiraz is earthy and savoury rather than blockbuster, a more European take than most of Australia.
Where to go
Pokolbin is the centre of the action, dense with cellar doors, restaurants and resorts. The region is geared for visitors, with everything from grand estates to boutique makers within easy reach.
Eat
The Hunter has a polished food scene built for weekenders, with winery restaurants and local cheese. Aged Semillon with seafood is the regional signature pairing.
Getting there
Drive about two hours north of Sydney. A car is best, though tours from Sydney and the nearby city of Newcastle are common.
Know the wine before you go.
The app teaches you Semillon and Shiraz in five minutes, then helps you order it with confidence. Learn the grape, then come back and plan the trip.
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Hunter Valley, quick answers.
What wine is the Hunter Valley known for?
Distinctive Semillon that ages superbly, and earthy, medium-bodied Shiraz. It is Australia's oldest wine region.
Why is Hunter Semillon special?
Picked early and made without oak, it starts light and neutral, then ages over many years into a rich, toasty wine, unlike Semillon anywhere else.
How far is the Hunter Valley from Sydney?
About two hours by car, which makes it the classic Sydney wine weekend.
