Pokolbin

Wineries and cellar doors 

Hailed as the wine capital of the Hunter Valley, Pokolbin has the highest concentration of wineries in the region. Many of the big names in the Australian wine industry started here more than 160 years ago. Today, you can still visit the cellar doors of legendary labels like Tyrell’s, Tulloch, McGuigan, Drayton and De Bortoli. If you’re a fan of fizz, head to Peterson House. Set at the entrance to the valley, they produce more than 20 varieties of sparkling wine. Shiraz lovers should make a beeline for Pooles Rock, which is surrounded by the regions oldest shiraz vines and is known for its delicious reds.

Pooles Rock Cellar Door, Pokolbin

Perched on a hilltop, Audrey Wilkinson has 360-degree views of the vineyards below. Instead of a traditional tasting, why not opt for a picnic on the rolling lawns? The large Bimbadgen cellar door also has an enviable outlook and you’ll often see kangaroos grazing outside. Brokenwood’s state-of-the-art $8 million cellar door has multiple tasting and dining areas, as well as guided experiences that will take you behind the scenes of the winemaking process. 

Brokenwood Wines, Pokolbin

If sustainability is important to you, visit Keith Tulloch, the first certified carbon-neutral winery in the Hunter Valley. Tamburlaine, Di Iulius and Harkham Wines all produce sustainable, natural, low-intervention drops that don’t compromise on taste. To try a few wineries in one, head Wine House, which acts as a cellar door for a collection of leading family-owned wineries. 

Harkham, Pokolbin - Credit: Nikki To | The Cru

Other top wineries in Pokolbin include Tintilla Estate, Scarborough Wine Co, Ben Ean (formerly Lindeman Estate), Tempus Two, Mount Pleasant and Hope Estate. Hire a bike from Sutton Estate Electric Bike Hire and cycle between your preferred wineries. Design your own itinerary and hop on and off the iHop Hunter Valley bus service which travels in a loop between 14 stops, allowing you to explore over 40 venues at your own pace.

Sutton Estate Electric Bike Hire, Hunter Valley

Where to eat

The Hunter region’s only two-hat restaurant is in Pokolbin, the innovative Muse Restaurant. The menu changes regularly, but expect a showcase of Hunter Valley seasonal produce beautifully presented in a set five-course menu. At EXP. the tasting menu runs to a dozen courses, making for a meal that’s as entertaining as it is delicious.

Muse Restaurant, Pokolbin

Sebastian opened in 2022 at the famed Tower Lodge hotel, specialising in cuisine from the Basque region of Spain. éRemo, inside Spicers Guesthouse, serves Italian classics with a contemporary twist, while chefs forage for ingredients and cook most things over an open fire at Yellow Billy, named after a local bushranger. Head to Roche Estate, where you can dine at two renowned restaurants and sample top locals wines in one place. Enjoy authentic flavours at Oishii Japanese & Thai before feasting further at Goldfish Bar and Restaurant.

éRemo Restaurant - Credit: Spicers Retreats

Local produce and foodie classes

Treat your tastebuds to some of Pokolbin’s local delicacies. The Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop is stocked with local and international cheeses and gourmet delights. At the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory you can taste cheese, olives, preserves and more, then learn to make your own on a cheesemaking course. Pukara Estate has been making unique olive oils and vinegars for more than 20 years, with everything grown, processed and bottled at their farm in nearby Denman. Taste the premium range of gins, vodkas and liqueurs that are infused with native botanicals at Pokolbin Distillery, a locally owned small batch distiller. For beers including a renowned ginger beer, head to Ironbark Hill Brewing Co. 

IronBark Hill Brewhouse, Hunter Valley

Take a course at the Hunter Valley Wine School to learn about the art and science that goes into every glass. Join an Our Italian Table cooking class within the beautiful working vineyard Nicita Estate. Sip wine as you learn to make pasta from scratch.

Our Italian Table, Pokolbin

Things to do 

Active pursuits also await in Pokolbin. Take a stroll through the glorious Hunter Valley Gardens, where 14 hectares of formal gardens are threaded with more than eight kilometres of walking trails. There are 10 individually themed gardens featuring waterfalls, ponds, statues, murals and family-friendly attractions, like the Storybook Garden. Tee off on the Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club, an 18-hole course with sweeping views of vineyards and the Brokenback Range. Then test your balance on a NSW Segway Tour along a 5.5-kilometre trail that follows an 1880s stock route. 

NSW Segway Tours Hunter Valley, Pokolbin

Art lovers should explore the excellent Watershed Gallery, which showcases an ever-changing line-up of contemporary works. There’s an adventure for the whole family at Hunter Farm, with horse riding, archery, axe throwing, segways, barrel rolling, grape stomping and plenty of animals to pat. Or set off at sunrise for a hot air balloon flight with Balloon Aloft, taking in a spectacular aerial view of the vineyards before returning for a champagne breakfast at Peterson House. 

Hunter Valley Gardens, Pokolbin

Exciting events 

There’s always something happening in Pokolbin, with a busy year-round events calendar including art exhibitions, markets, and food and wine festivals. Families will love the seasonal events at the Hunter Valley Gardens including Snow Time in the Garden in winter and the Christmas Lights Spectacular. Every Sunday, live music fills the air and gourmet food stalls pop up at the weekly Pokolbin Market.

Christmas Lights Spectacular, Hunter Valley Gardens - Credit: Christmas Lights Spectacular | Harrigan's Hunter Valley

Stay among the vines 

Pokolbin is packed with places to stay, from boutique hotels and luxe retreats to cosy cottages and sprawling resorts. Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort sits on 300 acres with multiple pools, restaurants and bars, tennis courts, and a golf course. The elegant VOCO Kirkton Park is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and has a Grecian-style indoor heated pool.  

You’ll also find the Hunter Valley’s most luxurious stays dotted around Pokolbin. Check in to one of the five suites at the Basque-style Tower Lodge, take a dip in the infinity pool at Spicers Guesthouse or spoil yourself with a treatment at Spa Anise inside Spicers Vineyards Estate. Balance your mind, body and spirit at Elysia Wellness Retreat. Opt for a multi-day stay to partake in a wellness program complete with spa treatments, daily classes, seminars and nutritious meals.

Spicers Guesthouse, Pokolbin

Getting there 

Pokolbin is the gateway to the Hunter Valley, a two-hour drive from Sydney and 50 minutes west of Newcastle Airport. Trains also depart regularly from Sydney for Maitland, Morriset and Singleton, where you can catch connecting buses to Wine Country or hire a car to explore.