Hello! Has anyone done a 1 day trip out to Hunter Valley, self-drive? I read that it takes about 2 hours to the Wine Country. Will it be much further to the vineyards. Any recommendations or suggestions will be much appreciated, eg. which car rental company, driving conditions, ease of locating the vineyards, etc.! Thank you!

Hi Hsu,

The Hunter vineyards are easy to get to from Sydney just take the F3 freeway heading North. It will take about 2 hours and the exit is well sign posted to go to the vineyards.

Head for Pokolbin and grab a vineyard area map, they are available at most service stations in the area.

If you don't see the vineyards signs then just head for Cessnock which is also well sign posted.

Driving conditions are very good with dual carriage way from Sydney to the end of the F3 then it is tar sealed all the way around the vineyard area.

There are a multitude of rental companies, I normally use Hertz but that is only because my company has a good deal with them. If you are looking at 5 people then you will need a Tarago van to cater for your luggage or if no luggage then you could get away with a Ford Falcon sedan or wagon.

I know the Hunter Valley extremely well as it is were I grew up and my wife and I own property there. I am sure you will have a nice time if you go.

Cheers

Paul_S

Hi Paul,

Thanks very much for your help! It's great to hear from someone who actually lived in the area! Any good vineyards to recommend? I recall that the Brokenwood estate and McGuigan were pretty good. Oh, and any good suggestions for lunch?

Hi Hsu,

My favourite vineyard was always Wyndham Estate it always had a feeling of grace about it. They also did a nice lunch, which they may still do. It is off on it's own compared to the general vineyard area but still easy to get to just head to Branxton and take the turn off near the town pool it is sign posted.

There are quite a lot of wineries in the area and it would be best to call in to the Pokolbin centre to get an idea of who will be open for tastings etc on the day you visit.

The Mcguigan's do have a good history in the wine making arena. I would definitely put them on your list.

Cheers

Paul_S

Hi Hsu,

I know you are looking at doing a self drive day trip to the vineyards but I would suggest to you that you consider taking a one day coach tour from Sydney for the following reasons:

1. The tour companies know how long to spend at each location in order to get to see maybe 5 or 6 wineries.

2. They know which ones are open and hence save you the time of wandering around.

3. The most important point to make is that you have someone driving who will not be drinking. This is extremely important especially if you all wish to taste numerous wines, we have a blood alcohol content of .05 in Australia which is very easy to attain and exceed doing wine tasting especially if you are tasting fortified wines. Consider that after a day of tasting you still have a 2.5 hour drive ahead of you on unfamiliar roads and the possibility of being very tired. Best to take a tour enjoy your tasting without fear of driving home.

Anyway that is just my thoughts for you, I hope you have a great day which ever you choose.

Cheers

Paul_S

Hi Paul,

Thanks very much for the advice. We're still uncertain on the Hunter Valley trip. But I'll definitely keep your advice in mind should we end up going. I've been to Wyndham Estate for lunch too...I remember they had fabulous damper! And their Bin 888 wine is really quite something!