Leaving the bustling city of Sydney behind, we rented a car and drove about three hours north to reach the Hunter Valley. It was the first time for both Jerome and me to drive on the left side of the road — what an adventure!
Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and most famous wine regions. As a wine professional, visiting here felt like a must.
But the first impression was a little unexpected: almost everything — except restaurants — closed before 5 p.m. (a bit later on weekends). It was a good reminder that the Hunter Valley runs on country time — you have to be an early bird here. For late risers like us, that meant fewer wineries to visit. (How chill are Australians!)
Winery 1 – Brokenwood Wines
Our first stop was Brokenwood Wines, one of the region’s most established names. Although the day was winding down, the cellar door still offered a relaxed atmosphere and a chance to taste their well-known Semillon and Shiraz, plus a few Italian, French, and Spanish varieties — after all, the climate here is Mediterranean.
The experience felt polished and professional, though a little on the commercial side — fitting the region’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination.
Dinner that night was simple: some local produce and takeaway dishes enjoyed back at the resort.
Winery 2 – Tyrrell’s
The next morning started with a premium tasting at Tyrrell’s Wines, one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Australia. Our host, Zach, was both knowledgeable and passionate. He guided us through a lineup of classic Hunter Valley Semillons and Chardonnays, explaining how the region’s warm climate and sandy loam soils give these wines their distinctive minerality and aging potential.
We also met a friendly group of retired Aussies — one chatty gentleman even recommended a restaurant Chauncy in Victoria (where Tess Murray, the 2024 Sommelier of the Year, works!).
Winery 3 – Mercer Wines
After the tasting, Zach suggested we visit Mercer Wines, a small boutique producer he personally admired. It turned out to be the highlight of our Hunter Valley trip — intimate, authentic, and full of character.
The winemaker’s approach was honest and down-to-earth, and the wines — especially the alternative Mediterranean varieties — stood out for their freshness and personality.
We were welcomed by Gabrielle, a lovely young lady who shared stories about everyday Aussie life, making the visit even more personal.
Lunch Stop – 4 Pines at the Farm
For lunch, we stopped by 4 Pines at the Farm, a casual spot combining a brewery and a winery. We didn’t try their wines, but the fish and chips were perfectly crisp and satisfying — a great little break between tastings.
Winery 4 – Krinklewood Wines
Our final stop was Krinklewood Wines, a certified organic and biodynamic estate known for its picturesque setting. Unfortunately, the visit didn’t quite live up to expectations. The staff were busy preparing for a wedding the next day, and service felt indifferent.
They only offered a self-guided tasting with a prepaid card system (AUD 50 per person). Sadly, the wines didn’t quite justify the price. It was a pity, because the winery’s biodynamic philosophy deserved a warmer, more engaging experience.
To finish the leftover of Brokenwood Shiraz, we ordered some Japanese food take-away to our resort – saving restaurant spending for more wines!
Final Thoughts
Hunter Valley left us with mixed impressions. On one hand, the region is undeniably beautiful, with rolling vineyards and welcoming resorts. On the other, it felt a bit too commercial in parts — especially among the larger, well-known wineries.
But the boutique producers truly shined, showing real soul and individuality — a refreshing contrast to the polished tourist experience.
As for the wines, Semillon and Chardonnay remain the valley’s true strengths — crisp, elegant, and distinctly Hunter. Meanwhile, the Italian and Spanish red varieties (like Tempranillo and Sangiovese) show great promise under the region’s warm, Mediterranean-like climate.
Hunter Valley may not have been the dreamy, romantic wine wonderland we imagined, but it revealed the many layers of Australia’s wine culture — both the glamour and the grit — and gave us moments of genuine connection among the vines.
小杰与小吉——JZ World Travel 
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