Welcome to the heart of Australia’s wine country, the Hunter Valley. With its rich, fertile soils and unique climate, it’s no wonder this region is home to some of the most renowned wineries in the world. But with so many to choose from, where do you start? That’s where we come in.
In this multi-part series, we’ve reached out to our favourite cellar doors and asked them to share their top picks with us. From the wines they love, to those worth cellaring, and even their top value wines, we’ve got you covered. So, whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual sipper looking to expand your palate, join us as we uncork the secrets of the Hunter Valley’s finest offerings. Let’s raise a glass to the journey ahead!
Savannah Estate
Nestled in the wine country of the Hunter Valley, Savannah Estate is your perfect first stop on any wine tour. While it is close to Cessnock and easy access for travellers, it will feel like you’re in a whole other world. There’s nothing like a romantic country scene to help you relax, enjoy the view and most importantly – drink wine!
Savannah Estate is the namesake of Savannah Peterson – a third generation winemaker who blends fresh passion for wine with a rich family history in winemaking and tradition. The Petersons family have been making famed wine in the Hunter Valley region since 1982, beginning with Ian and Shirley Peterson. The family business was carried through by Colin and Judy Peterson, who involved their youngest daughter Savannah in winemaking from a young age.
A WINE WE LOVE
Settle down with this bottle of decadence. Our 2021 Mudgee Chambourcin is a wine we can’t go without. Dark chocolate and dark berry coulis run rampant across the nose and palate. This Chambourcin is the epitome of liquid black forest cake with subtle toasted coconut, chocolate ganache and forest fruits. Simply Delicious.
A WINE WORTH CELLARING
Our 2018 Mudgee Platinum Shiraz is divine drinking right now, however, pop it away in your cellar for a few years and you’ll be rewarded with a deeper, richer flavour. The palate is generous, ripe, savoury and soft. Dark brooding fruits of blackberries, rhubarb and sour cherry abound. The mid-palate shows a real savouriness with hints of Asian soy sauce. The finish is elegant, dry, soft and slightly dusty.
OUR TOP VALUE WINE
If you’re looking for value then you can’t go past our 2021 Hunter Valley Vermentino. Crunchy white peaches build the palate of this wine tightened and driven by the crisp zesty acid presented as finger lime caviar and homemade Meyer lemonade. Enjoy notes of agave nectar and fresh mandarin citrus & walnut oil. Enjoy it alongside a hearty pork tenderloin, zesty seafood salad or steamed fish.
Peter Drayton Wines
Peter Drayton Wines and IronBark Hill Vineyard lie at the foot of the Brokenback Range, in the heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country. Peter Drayton is a 5th generation descendant of the famous Hunter Valley wine producing family. The Drayton family have been producing wines in Pokolbin since 1853. Peter is proud to continue the tradition of producing fine wines from his Ironbark Hill Vineyard. The Ironbark Hill property is a 40 hectare property with over 16 hectares of vines.
The vineyard produces the typical varieties the Hunter is famous for including Shiraz, Semillon and Chardonnay. It also has extensive plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Verdelho and Tyrian. As well the delicately crafted dry wines, we also produce Sparkling Wines and a wide selection of Liqueur Fortified wines. Our wine range is truly unique for a small boutique producer.
A WINE WE LOVE
We love our 2021 Anomaly Shiraz Touriga! The BEST red wine Pete says he’s ever had was a Touriga he had whilst visiting Douro Valley, Portugal. It inspired him to introduce the variety to Ironbark Hill. Adding another delicious drop to the Anomaly series. An absolute delight with nuances of raspberry and liquorice on the nose and black cherry, fig and mulberry on the palate.
A WINE WORTH CELLARING
Our 2019 Wildstreak Cabernet Sauvignon is great to drink now but just gets better and better over time. 2019 saw the third year of drought to grace the Hunter Valley. As the water dried up, the conditions provided minimal disease risk and so this set the season up to be a cracker. On the palate enjoy rich dark fruits, soft silky tannins and a long fruit driven Finish. Cellar this one for 5-8 years.
OUR TOP VALUE WINE
Our top value pick is the 2022 Wildstreak Rose. A real crowd pleaser and ever popular with the ladies! Enjoy notes of strawberries and raspberries with creamy confectionary characteristics. Vintage conditions in the Hunter Valley this year provided us with above average rainfall. This required a lot more work in the vineyard which turned out well in our favour. The fruit came in with a desired balance of acid and sugar which shows through the Hunter Valley wines we produced this year. Enjoy!
Gartelmann Wines
A boutique Cellar Door and wine producer, founded in 1996 by well-known vignerons Jan and Jorg Gartelmann. Gartelmann Wines is located in the Lovedale region of the idyllic Hunter Valley, NSW and is now owned and run by local renowned Chef/Restauranteur Matt Dillow and his team. Specialising in fine, hand-crafted wines created by expert winemakers using grapes selected from a range of premium growers in the Lower and Upper Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Rylstone, and Orange regions of NSW. Matt himself comments on the wines below:
A WINE WE LOVE
2022 Gartelmann Stephanie Pinot Gris is a wine that I absolutely adore due to its refreshing, beautiful crispness. The aroma is dominated by the presence of just-ripe pears, complemented by an almost-citrus tang and a subtle touch of apple and smoky lanolin. Upon tasting, this wine unfolds with the classic smooth richness that characterises Pinot Gris. It has a voluptuous texture with a slight hint of oiliness, perfectly balanced by a subtle yet long-lasting acidity that carries the flavours to the back of the palate.
A WINE WORTH CELLARING
When it comes to wines worthy of cellaring, the 2017 Gartelmann Diedrich Shiraz is an exceptional choice. This Shiraz is sourced from a single vineyard located in the Hunter Valley’s Pokolbin area. It adds an elegant and refined dimension to Gartelmann’s already diverse range. With its full-bodied nature and rich profile, characterised by soft velvety tannins, this wine truly represents a classic Hunter Shiraz.
OUR TOP VALUE WINE
My top value wine recommendation: the 2022 Gartelmann Veronica Rosé. It has received a gold medal and the trophy for being the best rosé in the Hunter Valley wine show. Crafted in 2022, this gem is made exclusively from 100% Shiraz grapes and boasts abundant “strawberries and cream” characteristics. The wine strikes a balance between subtle sweetness and well-rounded acidity, resulting in a mouth-filling experience that remains dry and lively. It’s a rosé that appeals to both red wine enthusiasts and those with youthful spirits. For an enhanced experience, pair it with smoky or salty dishes. It’s best served chilled and pairs wonderfully with soy salmon, BBQ seafood, or grilled haloumi.
Tyrrell’s
Discover the history of the Hunter Valley at Tyrrell’s. Five generations of Tyrrell family winemaking can be traced to an unassuming one-roomed hut that still stands in front of the winery today. Built by hand in 1858 and progressively surrounded by grapevines, the hut of ironbark slabs was founder Edward Tyrrell’s home. In the over 160 years since, Tyrrell’s has been a pioneer in both the Hunter Valley and Australian wine industries and is now home to some of Australia’s most awarded wines.
The Winemaker’s Selection Vat 1 Semillon is Australia’s most awarded white wine, having won almost 5,500 medals and more than 330 trophies. Tyrrell’s was a founding member of Australia’s First Families of Wine, an organisation that helps to build awareness of premium Australian wines and their heritage. Visit the Cellar Door and enjoy a guided tasting of some of Australia’s most iconic wines in a historic setting.
A WINE WE LOVE
A wine that we love is our 2021 Vat 47 Chardonnay. Vat 47 Chardonnay comes entirely from our Short Flat vineyard, where the original Chardonnay vines were planted by Murray Tyrrell in 1968. The 2021 vintage marks the 50th release of Vat 47, Australia’s first Chardonnay. Vibrant green colour, the nose is delicate and perfectly balanced with citrus and white stone fruit with a hint of oak only that sits in the background. The palate is medium bodied and shows sweet Chardonnay fruit that is balanced by textural elements derived from the solids ferment and extended time on yeast lees.
A WINE WORTH CELLARING
Our 2017 Vat 1 Semillon is a wine worth putting away for later. Vat 1 Semillon only ever comes from our best old vine, dry grown vineyards. These blocks feature ideal sandy, free draining soils that give these wines their unique character. The oldest of these blocks was planted in 1923. The 2017 Vintage was one of the best in recent memory and has produced wines of the highest quality.With lifted lime citrus aromas the palate is seamless, showing the typical powerful fruit core which is balanced by the wine’s texture and soft acid profile. This wine shows a length of flavour only produced from great vineyards. Cellar this one for 10+ years.
OUR TOP VALUE WINE
A really great value wine from Tyrrell’s is our 2022 Estate Grown Chardonnay. A modern style of Australian Chardonnay, combining powerful chardonnay fruit and bright acidity with minimal oak. Vibrant colour with a green hue, the nose exhibits white stone fruits and grapefruit. The palate shows intense stone fruit characters whilst showing the brightness and energy, which is a result of the cool vintage.
Brokenwood Wines
From the winemaker: Brokenwood Wines produces premium wines from ‘all the right regions, for all the right reasons’. Our award-winning Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, ILR Reserve Semillon, and beloved Cricket Pitch range are just a few examples of our pledge to produce exceptional tasting wines. Proudly committed to sustainability, our passionate team live to ‘enjoy great wine and have fun’. Whether you’re a seasoned epicurean or a curious novice, you are sure to find a slice of Hunter Valley heaven at our ‘must-visit’ winery.
A WINE WE LOVE
We love our 2022 Oakey Creek Chardonnay! Excellent green tints on a pale yellow background. Coming from a cool year the aromas are more grapefruit and stone fruit than tropical. Fine white cashew oak compliments the lees complexity on both aroma and palate. Bran meal flavours and stonefruit flavours are supported by perfect acidity. A long and fine finish.
A WINE WORTH CELLARING
Welcome our 2019 Tallawanta Vineyard Shiraz into your cellar. You won’t be sorry! Perfumed aromas of bramble and red spice and red cherry flavours. Fine, long tannins with background oak and a lovely plush finish. The Tallawanta vines are 100 years old and are always the first Shiraz to be harvested. Even from a warm year like 2019 the colour is medium hue and mid density. Not to be underestimated, this wine can be enjoyed young, but will age beautifully. This is Brokenwood’s 5th release from this historic site.
OUR TOP VALUE WINE
Our top value wine is our 2021 Hunter Valley Shiraz. Lovely bright youthful colour on release at 18 months. Fragrant almost floral aromas coupled with soft vanillin and red fruit on entry. The French oak is very much in the background, however adds enough flavour to give great complexity and length. A classic medium bodied Shiraz with fine, long tannins to the end.
And there you have it, our top picks for must-visit cellar doors in the Hunter Valley! But wait, there’s more. We’ve only just begun to uncork the magic of this wine lover’s paradise.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Hunter Valley Uncorked series where we’ll continue our journey, exploring more hidden gems, things to do and iconic wineries that make this region so special. From boutique family-run vineyards to estates that have been perfecting their craft for generations, we’ve got a lot more in store for you.
So, whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newbie, make sure you don’t miss out. Follow us, bookmark our blog, and get ready to discover more of the Hunter Valley’s finest cellar doors. See you in Part 2!
