Wine, Spirits, Cheese, Chocolate

iHop Hunter Valley keeps this one compact: three hours of tastings from $146 per person. Rated 4.9 across 160 reviews, among the best scores on the local tour list. Free cancellation applies.

Overview

Three hours, three venues, and a guide who does the driving. The Tastes of the Hunter Tour from iHop Hunter Valley runs through the region with a maximum of 11 travellers, stopping at a distillery and wineries along the way. Tastings are not limited to wine: the included list covers spirits, cheese and chocolate alongside the cellar door pours.

A review from an anniversary couple describes the shape of the afternoon. Pickup happens first, then the group heads to Pokolbin Distillery for gin, vodka and liqueur made from local ingredients, with a barman on hand to talk through cocktail uses. From there the tour moves on to further tasting stops, with reviewers naming venues such as Blueberry Hill, Hunter Winelab and the Winehouse, where a charcuterie board and wine and chocolate pairings featured.

Who it suits is clear from the reviews. Repeat Hunter Valley visitors liked being taken to some of the smaller and less known wineries, while one reviewer who does not drink much wine said the mix of spirits and food converted them. Families and mixed groups also appear in the reviews.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. PickupHotel pickup is included. Several reviewers said the guide collected them from where they were staying, which set a relaxed tone for the afternoon.
2. Transfer and introA short 2 minute leg into the Hunter Valley. One reviewer mentioned the group learned about the history of the region on the way to the first venue.
3. First stop: distillery40 minutes at a distillery stop, admission free. Reviewers describe gin, vodka and liqueur tastings made from local ingredients, plus cocktail advice from the staff.
4. Second stop1 hour, admission free. A tasting venue, with reviewers naming spots such as Blueberry Hill and the Winehouse. Wine and cheese feature here.
5. Third stop1 hour, admission free. Another cellar door stop, with Hunter Winelab repeatedly mentioned, including wine and chocolate pairing.
6. Return transferA 2 minute transfer back. Drop-off is included, and reviewers noted the guide was accommodating about drop-off points within the area. Bottles or produce bought at cellar doors are extra and not included.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking, drawn from the listing and from what multiple reviewers reported.

• Group size. The listing caps the tour at 11 travellers. One reviewer found the small group very enjoyable and another said the tour was a great way to meet new people, so it has a social feel rather than a big-bus one.
• Who drives. A designated driver and guide is included, plus an air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water. Reviewers consistently praised the guides as friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, and the included pickup meant nobody had to organise their own transport.
• Food with wine. Cheese and chocolate tastings are included in the price, and reviewers said the food was a stand-out part of the tour. Extra bottles or produce bought at cellar doors are not included.
• Storing purchases. The listing includes a complimentary cooler box and storage for anything bought along the way. That means a bottle picked up at a cellar door can travel back with the group rather than in a hot car.
• Venues vary. One reviewer liked being taken to smaller, less known wineries, and another said they would book again to try different wineries. The venues named in reviews include Pokolbin Distillery, Blueberry Hill, Hunter Winelab and the Winehouse.
• Pace and mobility. The tour runs 3 hours with stops of 40 minutes to an hour each. The listing states it is not wheelchair accessible, though most travellers can participate and service animals are allowed.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, per the listing. It also requires a minimum number of travellers to run, and if that minimum is not met the operator will offer a different date or experience, or a full refund. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the start time for a refund. Wine and produce bought at the cellar doors cost extra. Groups can be joined with other travellers, which one anniversary couple noted when their group reached the full size of 11 people.

Choosing Your Tour