The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine-growing region, and thanks to over two centuries of winemaking history, an extraordinary community of growers and makers, and some of the finest dining and cellar doors in the country, it has become THE destination — for visitors from Sydney, interstate, and around the world. The Wonnarua people have called this land home since long before the first vines were planted, and their deep connection to Country is woven into the fabric of everything that makes this place so special.
If you are looking to experience our valley here are some wonderful supporters and friends of Charteris. If you’d like more recommendations beyond what’s here, don’t hesitate to give us a call or drop us a line — we’re always happy to point you in the right direction. Otherwise, here is our very personal list of must-dos in the Hunter Valley.
Mount View Road, Mount View
One of our all-time favourites. Tucked into a garden setting in the foothills of the Brokenback Range, Bistro Molines is as beautiful as it is delicious. Robert Molines has been doing this longer than almost anyone in the valley, and it shows. Book ahead, order the duck, and take your time. You’ll be glad you did.
Broke Road, Pokolbin
A warm, relaxed spot that punches well above its weight. Beautiful seasonal cooking in the heart of Pokolbin wine country. Perfect for a long, lazy lunch.
Halls Road, Pokolbin
One of the Hunter’s most celebrated tables. Chef Ash Martin’s food is creative, precise, and genuinely exciting — this is the kind of dinner you plan your whole weekend around. Book well in advance.
Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
Elegant, considered, and consistently excellent. Muse sits alongside EXP as one of the valley’s finest dining experiences. Perfect for a special occasion or simply an evening that deserves to be remembered.
Lovedale Road, Lovedale
Our go-to when we want something relaxed and unpretentious but still genuinely good. Italian soul, Hunter Valley produce, excellent wine list. The kind of place you linger without realising.
Lovedale Road, Lovedale
Casual, lively, and a great deal of fun. Perfect for a lazy afternoon that turns into an evening, or a pre-dinner drink that becomes dinner. Excellent cocktails, good vibes, and a crowd who knows how to enjoy themselves.
Cnr Broke & Ekerts Road, Pokolbin | spicersgroup.com.au
Just down the road from us and genuinely one of our favourite places to send guests. Beautifully appointed, surrounded by vines, and with Spa Anise on site — one of the valley’s most intimate and indulgent spa experiences. If you’re making a weekend of it, this is where we’d want you to wake up.
Browse all Hunter Valley accommodation options
For a broader range of accommodation across the region — from romantic cottages to larger group retreats — Hunter Valley Stays is the best place to browse.
Cnr Broke & Ekerts Road, Pokolbin
Intimate, elegant, and utterly restorative. Just two treatment rooms, each with a private courtyard, using Waterlily organic products. This is the kind of spa experience that feels genuinely personal rather than factory-produced. A favourite.
Hermitage Road, Pokolbin
The Hunter Valley’s most grand wellness destination — perched on a hill with sweeping views across the valley, with over 50 treatments on offer at the Day Spa. Whether you’re after a full multi-night wellness program or just a few hours of pampering, Elysia is extraordinary.
Broke Road, Pokolbin
Set against a Greg Norman-designed golf course, this is a beautifully chic spa offering 17 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy, and a full beauty menu. Polished, professional, and very hard to leave.
Daily sunrise flights — Hunter Valley
Based right here in the vineyards and operating for over 30 years. Daily sunrise flights conclude with a gourmet breakfast and sparkling wine at Peterson House Winery. A classic Hunter Valley experience done beautifully.
Nulkaba
A lovely, privately run wildlife park set across 10 acres of native bushland — a wonderful thing to do with family, or simply a gentle way to start a morning before the cellar doors open. Kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and all the classics. Unhurried and genuinely charming.
The Hunter Valley is far more than vineyards. Step beyond the cellar doors and you’ll find genuinely beautiful wilderness.
Broken Back Road Trail, Pokolbin State Forest
The most rewarding walk close to the cellar doors — a challenging 23km out-and-back through the forest with panoramic views over the vineyards from a trig tower at the top. Worth every step.
Mount Bright via Watagan Track
A moderately challenging 8km out-and-back near Pokolbin. Dogs welcome on a leash. A great two-to-three hour morning walk before a long lunch.
Yango Walking Track, Yengo National Park
A 6km track following an old logging trail through remarkable wilderness, including a stretch of rainforest. One of the more dramatic walks in the region — take a camera.
Barrington Tops Circuit
For those who want to venture further, the Barrington Tops offers multi-day adventures through ancient beech forest and high-altitude landscapes. Spectacular in every season.
For walking maps and track conditions, we recommend checking NSW National Parks (nationalparks.nsw.gov.au) before heading out.
Maitland & the Hunter’s History
If you have an extra day, the heritage city of Maitland is well worth a visit. The historic gaol, the Georgian streetscapes, and the surrounding region carry layers of history — Indigenous, colonial, and everything in between. A grounding counterpoint to a weekend of wine.
Cooking Classes
For those who want to bring something home beyond bottles, the Hunter has a handful of excellent cooking schools. Majors Lane Cooking School and Estate Tuscany both offer hands-on classes in beautiful settings — a wonderful way to spend a morning.
A Day On The Green
The Hunter Valley hosts some of Australia’s best outdoor concerts through the year at Bimbadgen Estate — there’s something magical about watching live music surrounded by vines as the sun goes down. Worth checking what’s on during your visit.
The Wonnarua people are the Traditional Custodians of this land. We acknowledge their connection to country and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
