Hunter Valley tourism - getting around the vineyards

I lived for a few years on Oz (and should be back there in the next few months).

I fear that without being able to drive yourself, your only real option is to find an organised wine tour the lays on the transport for you. Distances are very large and public transport fairly non-existant. Taxis in small towns will happily take you...but charge heavily for the privilege and look for payment for their return trip even if they drop you off.

Don't forget that the Hunter Valley is about 2 hours by car away from Sydney before you even get there.

However, the good news is that such tours are pretty common, if only due to Aus drink driving laws. You should have a good time.

Bob

Yikes. I had heard about coaches that would take you between the Hunter and Sydney - although are these complete tours?

Thanks for the info though - will certainly need more planning now before I make my trip there.

Hi,

Although it has been a few years, I did visit Hunter Valley in 2002. You may want to stay at a hotel out there. I stayed at the Hunter Resort. It was very nice and not that expensive because the Australia dollar was low. The package included a wine tour. The tour was great. A bus picked us up and drove us to about 5 wineries. My favorite being the Audrey Wilkinson--the view was great. You may try that option.

Chris

No plans on staying in the Hunter, as I've already got accommodation in Sydney for my stay in NSW.

Have gone for a day tour by bus with Wine Boutique Tours, which is supposed to fit in 4-5 wineries (most of which can be decided on an ad hoc basis on the day itself).

I'm keen on seeing McWilliams' Mount Pleasant and I've heard a lot of good noises about Robin Drayton and Tyrrell's - any comments on these from people who've been there, or any other suggestions?

Cheers,

Salil

My advice is always to try to get your hands on a copy of "Australian Wine Companion" by James Halliday. The 2006 is current, but I think the

5957 wines rated, 2001 winery profiles.

It goes for about $25AU at most good bookstores.

McWilliams Mount Pleasant 5 stars:

Robin Drayton not mentioned, Drayton's Family Wines is, 3 stars.

Tyrells' 5 stars,

Lower Hunter Valley he rates as some of the best: Brokenwood Capercaillie Chateau Pato Chatto Wines Keith Tullcoh Wine Lake's Folly McWilliam's Mount Pleasant Tower Estate Tyrrell's

There's a whole list of almost all of the wineries in the back of the book.

PS: Google is your friend.

I can't vouch for any of them coz I've never been there.

Tyrell's is a MUST if you appreciate Semillon. Their Vat 1 and Belford are magnificent, and age as good (If not better) as any Sems in the world.

hooroo...