Dave's Travel & Events Taste Of The Hunter from Sydney

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A small group day trip to the Hunter Valley from Sydney, Newcastle or Pokolbin, Lovedale and Rothbury, to taste wines, spirits, cheeses and chocolates at three boutique wineries and a distillery, with lunch included.

Days

Full day: 11.5 hours from Sydney, 8 Newcastle, 6 Hunter

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Sydney, Newcastle or Pokolbin / back to your start
Sydney, around 7pm

Return

Sydney, around 7pm

Transport

Mini-coach with your guide, from Sydney, Newcastle or Hunter Valley pick-up points

Meals

One course lunch with a glass of wine, beer or cider, plus cheese and chocolate tastings

Route

Map of Dave's Travel & Events Taste Of The Hunter from Sydney

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Included experiences

Hunter Valley — tastings at 3 boutique wineries
Local distillery — spirits tasting
Cheese and chocolate — matched with the wines
Behind the scenes tours at selected venues
Lunch in the Hunter Valley

Dave's Travel & Events Taste Of The Hunter from Sydney

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: INTO THE HUNTER VALLEY

Choose your start: an early pick-up in central Sydney with about two and a half hours' drive north, a pick-up in Newcastle, or a pick-up from your hotel in the Hunter itself. Whichever you pick, your guide, your 'Dave' for the day, drives the small group into the Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine region, where vines were first planted in the 1820s. The heart of it is Pokolbin, where more than 150 cellar doors sit among the vines and the Brokenback Range rises behind. Grab breakfast before you set off, because it isn't included.

THREE BOUTIQUE WINERIES

Through the day you visit three small, boutique wineries, where you often meet the people who grow the grapes and make the wine. Each stop has a guided tasting, and at selected venues you go behind the scenes into the vineyard or the production area. Look out for Hunter Semillon, the valley's signature white: lean and zesty when young, it turns golden and toasty after years in the bottle. Hunter Shiraz is the red to try. The wineries rotate, so a second visit can take you to completely different cellar doors.

MIDDAY: LUNCH, CHEESE AND CHOCOLATE

Lunch is a relaxed one-course meal, often wood-fired pizza, with a glass of wine, beer or cider, and a chance to sit back and take in the views across the vines. Your guide tells you the venue and the menu choices on the day. At some tastings, local cheeses and chocolates are set out to match the wines, and the staff explain why each pair works. If you have dietary needs, mention them when you book so the kitchen can plan for you.

AFTERNOON: A LOCAL DISTILLERY, THEN HOME

The day also takes in a local distillery for a tasting of Hunter spirits, a change of pace from the wine. Then it's time to load the bottles you've bought and head home. Hunter Valley guests are dropped back at their hotel, Newcastle guests in Newcastle, and Sydney guests at their pick-up point at around 7pm, depending on the traffic.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: From Sydney: choice of four pick-up locations. From Newcastle: pick-up in the Newcastle area (Cameron Park). From the Hunter Valley: pick-up from Pokolbin, Lovedale and Rothbury.
Finishes: Back in Sydney around 7pm, depending on traffic, or back at your pick-up point in Newcastle or the Hunter Valley.
Dietary needs: Common needs (lactose intolerant, vegetarian, gluten free, nut or shellfish allergies) are passed on to the restaurant; tell us in advance about anything less common.
Please note: Runs daily except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, with a minimum of 6 guests. Tours run in any weather — tastings are mostly indoors in the cooler months. Groups of 8 or more, ask about other tour options.

What to bring

Enclosed shoes
ID

What is included

Return transport from Sydney (choice of four pick-up points), Newcastle, or Pokolbin, Lovedale and Rothbury
Dave as your host and guide
Tastings at three boutique wineries
Local spirits tasting
Cheese and chocolate tastings
Lunch with a glass of wine, beer or cider

Not included

Additional drinks or food

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.