The Hunter Valley’s best wineries for 2023: Tyrell’s, De Iuliis, Leogate Estate, Silkman, Briar Ridge, Usher Tinkler, Audrey Wilkinson, Pepper Tree, Keith Tulloch
From full-bodied reds to fruity, crisp whites there is something everyone, from beginners to wine enthusiasts in Australia’s oldest wine region. Here’s your Hunter Valley wines bucket list.
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There’s no doubt the Hunter Valley is one of the country’s most renowned wine regions, known for its many award-winning and even world class drops.
Home to many exceptional wineries in the most picturesque surroundings, Australia’s oldest wine region is producing some of the exquisite wines we love to drink, known for its bold reds and fruity whites.
So to celebrate and highlight this spectacular wine region, we have put together a list of its most coveted and popular wineries that continue to deliver excellence in wine making.
Tyrrell’s Wines
Entrenched as one of the favourites in the Hunter Valley wine community, Tyrrell’s has a long history with some of the region’s best vineyards, crafting impressive wines that reflect the region.
Tyrrell’s helped to pioneer what are now two of Australia’s favourite wine varieties – Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – and have been instrumental in establishing Hunter Valley Semillon as one of the world’s iconic wine styles.
Fifth-generation winemaker Chris Tyrrell prouds their work on not resting on their laurels and continuing to innovate and “stay ahead of the curve” in a progressive industry.
“We have just released our 2021 Vat 47 Chardonnay. This is significant due the fact that it is the 50th release of Vat 47, which was Australia’s first Chardonnay,” he said.
“On October 16, we are to release our inaugural Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine which is from the 2015 vintage and is our first ever high end, luxury sparkling.
Tyrrell has also recently won best white wine of show at the Hunter Valley Wine Show with their 2013 Vat 1 Semillon.
Thomas Wines
Having spent more than a decade learning his craft at Tyrrell’s, owner and winemaker Andrew Thomas - and 2014 Hunter Valley winemaker of the year - has driven his passion to operate a nationally and internationally acclaimed winery.
It has a small range of “personality imbued” wines and produces top shelf examples of the two signature varieties of the Hunter Valley Semillon and Shiraz.
Attention to detail has seen this winery take home an impressive number of wine show trophies and medals throughout its years, producing an impressive range of tantalizing and unique drops, that any wine connoisseur would be happy to sip.
De Iuliis Wines
A family operation in Pokolbin, they’re a regular on the five-star Halliday Wine Companion ratings producing a range of outstanding and unique drops.
The De Iuliis family winery has also been involved in groundbreaking work with the use of BioChar in the vineyards, a carbon rich material to improve soil health, for environmental sustainability.
There’s also no shortage of awards and reviews this winery hasn’t received, under the helm of winemaker Mike De Iuliis.
“We’ve been recognised by both local and national wine shows this year with trophies for our 2023 Wilderness Rd Semillon and our 2023 Estate Rose. These two wines will be perfect for warm weather drinking, alongside fresh Aussie seafood of course,” he said.
“Last year we were named Cellar Door of the Year, and we pride ourselves on the exciting and educational experiences we are offering our guests.”
“Our friendly and knowledgeable team love creating memorable experiences for our guests.”
Leogate Estate Wines
A sustainable estate at the foot of the Brokenback Ranges, Leogate Estate Wines is undoubtedly a quality producer with an international presence and a five-star rated winery.
With various accolades on the national wine show circuit, Leogate’s prestigious drops have even been poured in Qantas first and business class.
And the Hunter winery was also shortlisted for the Winery of the Year Award at the 2024 James Halliday Wine Companion Awards, held in Melbourne during August this year.
“There were 10 wineries from around Australia short-listed for the award, and we were both excited and proud to be named as one of the ten finalists,” winemaker Mark Woods said.
Silkman Wines
Hard working couple Liz and Shaun Silkman - with three young kids in tow - established the boutique winery in 2013, crafting award-winning and outstanding local wines.
In 2015, the Silkman Reserve Chardonnay beat 600 other wines from all over Australia to win the James Halliday Chardonnay Challenge.
Silkman Wines was also named as the top Hunter Valley winery in the Huon Hooke‘s top 50 wineries of Australia and named as one of James Halliday’s Wine Companion the 10 Best New Wineries in Australia.
They won best Semillon at the 2014 NSW Wine Awards, Top Gold at the Hunter Valley Wine Show for their 2014 Reserve Shiraz, and countless other medals around the country.
Shaun was nominated as Rising Star of the Year at the 2016 Hunter Legends Awards and Liz was awarded 2016 Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year for the second time. The couple also both work at First Creeks Wines making wine for nearly 30 brands.
First Creek Wines
It’s a family affair, founded by Greg and Jenny Silkman and now under the winemaking helm of couple Liz and Shaun Silkman, who also run Silkman Wines.
The stalwart winery was shortlisted for 2024 Winery of the Year by James Halliday’s Wine Companion and they have a solid focus on upholding traditional winemaking values, while also using state-of-the-art technology.
The winery’s first wines were released in 2005 under the First Creek label before Liz, the then recent Dux of the world-famous Len Evans Tutorial, joined as chief winemaker in 2008, which saw significant expansion in production and the addition of a second bottling line.
Years later Liz was named Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year - three times in 10 years - the first person in the Hunter Valley to do so.
An important water course by its side, First Creek also supplies high quality fresh water to many of the most significant vineyard sites in the Hunter Valley.
Mount Pleasant Wines
A rich history, this outstanding Hunter Valley winery established in 1921 by legendary winemaker Maurice O’Shea, is known for its sensational reds.
Current General Manager and chief winemaker Adrian Sparks remains only the fifth chief winemaker in the wineries 102 year history, in 2019 named the Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year at the industry awards.
“In good news, spring has sprung to life at Mount Pleasant, green shoots and leaves now adorn our vineyards as they transform from their winter slumber into something beautiful,” Mr Sparks said.
“A dry growing season looks on the cards so we should see some wonderful wines produced in 2024.
“We have recently released our 2018 Lovedale Semillon after five years in bottle. Lovedale is one of the world’s most famous Semillon sites and to be able to release this wine at maturity to the public is an honour.”
Mercer Wines
Rising star and new kid on the block in the Hunter Valley wine community, Mercer Wines was recently rated a five star winery by Halliday Wine Companion.
A labour of love started by Cessnock locals Aaron and Alison Mercer, it has already won Best Exhibitor at the NSW Small Winemakers Show, as well as best Shiraz, best alternate varieties and best Vermentino at various national shows throughout 2023.
“We are so proud and humbled to be creating a name for ourselves making great, sustainable wine,” Ms Mercer said.
“Now with our three small kids, we’re building a space in the Hunter Valley people want to visit and making wine people love to drink. “
Vinden Wines
Formerly known as Vinden Estate, Vinden Wines was founded in 1990 and came under the guidance of second-generation winemaker and viticulturist Angus Vinden in 2015.
Organically farmed, all their wines are handcrafted on-site with minimal intervention from hand picked grapes.
In 2020, Angus started his own label ‘The Vinden Headcase’, an Experimental Release which saw the beginning of a life long photography project, and during covid lockdown decided to capture a self portrait to represent that year’s vintage.
From 2020-2022, the winery gained a five-star Halliday Wine Companion rating. Not only known for its wine it also won best accommodation in the Hunter Valley in 2022 by Gourmet Wine Traveller.
Briar Ridge Vineyard
Producing premium wines since its inception in 1986, the well-known winery located in Mount View, is revelling in its recent 2024 five-star rating by the Halliday Wine Companion, as well as shortlisted as Best Value Winery of the Year.
Under the guidance of award-winning winemaker Alex Beckett, this winery specialises in a variety of top drops including Chardonnay, Semillon, Verdelho, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
A real achiever, Briar Ridge Vineyard was also named in the top wineries of Australia list for 2023 by The Real Review.
The innovation comes through experimentation with alternative varieties and a hybrid of modern technologies, historical references, and minimal intervention.
“Our attitude to growing and making wine is classically radical.”
Gundog Wines
Located at the historic Pokolbin schoolhouse, the picturesque Gundog Estate Cellar Door serves up some exceptional and unique wines, including standout Shiraz and Semillon.
You’ll be wowed by the 2023 Gundog Estate Hunter’s Semillon with intense flavours and early drinking appeal showcasing vibrant lime and lemon zest on the nose, or how about the 2021 Gundog Estate Sparkling Shiraz, crafted from premium Hunter Valley Shiraz grown in mature vineyards.
While their 2021 Lived Experience Shiraz carries a powerful message of hope, empathy, and kindness during challenging times, with 100% of its profits supporting partners Path 2 Change, who provide crucial assistance to homeless and disadvantaged youth.
“At our cellar door, we have something for everyone. We are proudly family and dog-friendly! We also have a delicious ‘small bites’ menu on offer, and stock a delicious range of gourmet pantry items exclusive to Gundog, infused with our wines and lovingly made from local Hunter Valley ingredients,” winemaker and Director, Matt Burton said.
“Environmental and social responsibility is another core pillar to the Gundog business and we are a carbon neutral winery.”
Usher Tinkler Wines
Dynamic and edgy winemaker Usher Tinkler is part of three generations of farming expertise with a passion for the land, his grandfather and his father both wine grape growers on the family winery.
This “authentically different” winery, with its cellar door located in the iconic Pokolbin church built in 1905, showcases a unique selection of top drops, produced both traditionally and of the more contemporary style.
In 2014 Usher started to use the family fruit at Tinklers Vineyard to make his own wine and since then has gone on to produce some exciting blends, that are far from boring.
Pepper Tree Wines
If you haven’t already been, this prestigious winery is a must to schedule in a visit.
Founded in 1991 with a focus on grapes in the Hunter Valley, owner John Davis now has vineyard sites in four premium wine growing regions across Australia.
Winner of the 2011 Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the year, it was also named in the 2022 top wineries in Australia and gained a 2023 five-star rating from the Halliday Wine Companion.
“James Halliday’s Wine Companion recently awarded the “Tallawanta” Semillon as Australia’s best Semillon, in addition to short-listing Pepper Tree for Winery of the Year and Winemaker of the Year,” Pepper Tree winemaker Nick Kruger said.
“Pepper Tree boasts a diverse portfolio of whites and reds, celebrating wines of regional diversity and character having been recognised as one of Australia’s Top Wineries within Huon Hooke’s Real Review.”
Audrey Wilkinson Wines
Established in 1866, Audrey Wilkinson Wines is one of the oldest wineries in the Hunter Valley, specialising in Semillon and Shiraz.
The winery sits amongst a stunning picturesque setting, the cellar door perched atop a foot hill of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges, with 360 degree views.
After farewelling their long-serving Chief Winemaker, Jeff Byrne, Xanthe Hatcher was promoted to Chief Winemaker for Agnew Wines in 2019, overseeing the Audrey Wilkinson, Cockfighter’s Ghost and Pooles Rock labels.
Two Rivers Wines
The award-winning winery is on the western edge of the scenic township of Denman in the Upper Hunter on the banks of the region’s two dominant waterways, the Hunter and Goulburn rivers.
Making quality wines since 1988, Two Rivers offers an extensive range of outstanding fresh, aromatic drops, which can be enjoyed in its picturesque courtyard at the cellar door.
“Two Rivers is proud to be producing top quality wines in particular the Stone’s Throw Semillon and the Hidden Hive Verdelho,” events coordinator Laura Bright said.
“We are in the process of introducing some new Italian varieties Vermentino Alberino and Viognier to expand our white’s range.
“Looking towards our range of red wine we are introducing a new cabernet merlot and cabernet shiraz blend along with a stunning sparkling shiraz.”
There is also future plans for Two Rivers which includes extensions to the cellar door, permanent function marquee, more accommodation and a wedding chapel.
Bimbadgen
A well-known and popular winery, for well over a century Bimbadgen has refined variety, technique and style to produce some of the Hunter Valley’s best drops, with a focus on Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz.
The winery and vineyard located high on a hill in Pokolbin for all to see is another five star rater for the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion, and they are also celebrating the start of spring with their 2014 Signature Palmers Lane Semillon winning the Len Evans Trophy for Best Single Vineyard White at the 2023 Hunter Valley Wine Show.
A rich history, the Palmers Lane vineyard was planted in 1968 and the McDonalds Road vineyard shortly thereafter, the Bimbadgen name stemming from the local indigenous language meaning ‘Place of Good View’.
Restaurant Esca Bimbadgen also showcases their wines with fine dining offered with a spectacular view.
Hungerford Hill Wines
This family owned estate went from humble beginnings in the 1960s to incorporate the award-winning Sweetwater vineyard as well as the famous Dalwood vineyard, considered the birthplace of Australian wine and the country’s oldest continually operating vineyard.
Since 2016 senior winemaker and General Manager Bryan Currie has been at the Hungerford Hill helm and his presence has seen a raft of accolades including picking up three Best in Show trophies for his 2021 vintage reds, and a swagger of gold medals.
The palaeontology major was also nominated as Winemaker of the Year in 2012 by Gourmet Traveller and his experience and expertise continues to produce premium quality wines of both young and aged drops which showcase the fine grapes of the Hunter Valley.
Margan Wines
A well-known winery established in the picturesque village of Broke in 1996, all Margan wines are estate grown and made as well as certified sustainably farmed.
They’ve had a tough time recently with devastating floods smashing through the vineyard late last year, which left the small local town isolated and a clean-up for weeks, but they’re back on their feet and continue to produce the outstanding drops we all know and love.
Owner and winemaker at Margan Wines Andrew Margan comes from a wine background, his parents owning a vineyard in Pokolbin and having spent a lot of time at next door’s Tyrrell’s winery.
The winery has been rated a five-star winery by Halliday Wine Companion since 2009 and is twice winner of the Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year, Viticulturist of the Year winner and NSW Tourism Hall of Fame winner.
Their restaurant is also a four-time winner at the Australian Tourism Awards for Excellence In Food Tourism.
David Hook Wines
A family owned and operated winery in the Hunter Valley’s Belford , it was originally a cattle farm before a winery was established in 1981.
“When I planted the Pothana vineyard in the early 1980s, I selected sites on the family grazing property that I believed would provide consistent quality and individual style, character and integrity,” David Hook said.
“The accumulated knowledge and experience gained over time has resulted in wines with outstanding regional and varietal characters that reflect their place of origin and the vintage.”
The sandy soils are ideal for Semillon and Chardonnay, while Shiraz thrives on the clay soil, grown using a combination of traditional and modern grape growing and winemaking techniques.
Right now they are showing off their new releases and are offering an authentic look into the winemaking process at their Pothana Vineyard cellar door.
“Learn about the distinct characteristics of each wine from our knowledgeable staff, take a casual vineyard stroll, chat with our winemakers and hear about their process – bookings are available on our website.”
Krinklewood Wines
Chateau Pato
Keith Tulloch Wines
A family operated winery and vineyard, led by the respected and fourth generation Hunter Valley winemaker Keith Tulloch.
Since 2011 they have made wines from the iconic vineyard and winery estate on Hermitage Road and have produced unique drops, away from the mainstream, with individual style and flair.
The winery was rated #33 of Top 50 Australian Wineries in the Real Review in 2022 and was also named Young Gun of Wine the same year.
Not surprisingly, a good year, they were also rated five stars by the Halliday Wine Companion.
“Our ability to make the best wine each and every year is the result of precision teamwork, honed skill, and the right tools,” Keith Tulloch said.
Scarborough Wine Co.
A long history of winemaking and family owned and operated, it was the naughties that saw Scarborough Wine Co. become established amongst the best of the best in the Hunter Valley.
The well recognised winery - started by Ian Scarborough - made their first vintage in 1987 before releasing their most ubiquitous Chardonnay - the Yellow Label in the 90s.
It’s been steady growth since then, and in 2022 a new range of wines was born, with a nod to the past, but an inspired vision to the future. Definitely worth a try.
Brokenwood
Most arguably one of Australia’s most respected wine labels.
Since it all began in 1970, Brokenwood have been a leading five star Hunter Valley winery, and most recently five star rated for 2024 by Halliday Wine Companion.
Known for their award-winning Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, ILR Reserve Semillon, and beloved Cricket Pitch range, they are also a Certified Sustainable Winery.
Their new “Twenty70” vegan red and white wine blends are definitely something that is catering for evolving customers preferences.
Whispering Brook Wines
This family run winery not only makes brilliant drops but has extended to olives, a guesthouse and food and wine experiences.
Priding themselves on passion, quality, sustainability and artisan values, winemakers Susan Frazier and Adam Bell are proud to be a five-star winery with the Halliday Wine Companion, and this year mark a significant milestone of 25 years.
“These vines, nurtured by the Hunter Valley’s terra rossa terroir, have borne witness to countless vintages, each one a testament to their enduring strength,” Frazier said.
“The depth and character they impart to our wines is a legacy we’re immensely proud of.
“The 2024 Halliday Awards resulted in exceptional scores for three of our wines. Our 2017 Semillon scored 98 points, our 2022 Semillon 96 points and our 2017 Chardonnay 97 points. These three wines were also named in the Halliday top 2024 top rated Semillon and Chardonnay categories.”
Meerea Park
This family owned gem of a winery, launched in 1991, is known for its outstanding drops specialising in Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz from unique vineyard sites.
Meerea park has a proven track record under the guidance of former Adelaide winemaker Rhys Eather who has gained international winemaking experience in France and Italy.
The local winery has enjoyed success at a national and international level with an exceptional range of wines.
“Our 2018 ‘Black’ Shiraz recently received a 98 Point rating by James Halliday. This also placed it in the Top 16 Shiraz in the 2024 Wine Companion,” Managing Director Garth Eather said.
“Huon Hooke rated the 2022 ‘Alexander Munro’ Chardonnay 97 Points, making it his Top 2022 Hunter Valley Chardonnay and #2 2022 Chardonnay overall.”
Winmark Wines
Established in the premium soils of Broke, the former Pooles Rock vineyard has grown exceptional fruit, with a proud history of producing highly acclaimed Chardonnay.
Winmark Wines has devoted the entire estate to the development of the Queen of White Wine - Chardonnay, and 130 acre property is now home to a new cellar door, a curated art gallery and sculpture walk.
No stranger to an accolade or two, Winmark was shortlisted for the best new winery 2024 by Halliday Wine Companion and also was awarded 2023 Hunter Valley cellar door of the year.
It also has accommodation too!
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