Many people consider Pokolbin to be the heart of Australia’s popular Hunter Valley wine region because of this scenic village’s stunning Brokenback Range backdrop and relatively close proximity to Sydney. Australia’s largest city may lie 163kms south of Pokolbin, but this Lower Hunter Valley wine region often feels worlds away from bustling Sydney.
In 1828, the Wilkinsons at Oakdale established the first of the many vineyards which now surround Pokolbin. The Hunter Valley’s surrounding mountains, afternoon Pacific Ocean breezes, and cloud cover all protect Pokolbin’s vineyards from the area’s frosty winters and hot summers.
Shiraz and sémillon remain the most popular wine varieties, but cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and pinot noir plantings can also be seen throughout the surrounding countryside.
This is also home of the Hunter Distillery, Australia’s first exclusive organic vodka distillery. Beer lovers, on the other hand, may prefer touring Hunter Valley Resort’s boutique Bluetongue Brewery.
Two more popular attractions are the Binnorie Dairy, famous for its cheeses, and the Australian Alpaca Barn. The alpaca barn features alpaca yarn, clothing, rugs, and bedding produced not only in Australia, but also Peru and New Zealand.
No Pokolbin visit would be complete without exploring the expansive Hunter Valley Gardens, which features two hotels, two restaurants, the Village Shops, and an aqua golf course.
The Hunter Valley Gardens train tour of these 10 unique gardens lasts just over half an hour. Pokolbin can also be reached from the Great North Walk trail connecting Newcastle and Sydney.
Accommodation at Pokolbin
Deja Vu Estate
From $399
Ironbark Villa 3
From $421
Kinsale Cottage Pokolbin
From $429
Spicers Vineyards Estate
From $492
Pokolbin Village
From $81
Harrigan's Irish Pub & Accommodation
From $90
H Boutique Hotel Pokolbin
From $102
Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens
From $102
Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill
From $106
Estate Tuscany
From $113
Hunter Valley Resort
From $124
Hermitage Lodge
From $125
Twin Trees Country Cottages
From $127
Grapevines Boutique Accommodation
From $131
Villa Provence
From $145
Beltana Villas
From $149
Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
From $171
Kirkton Park Hotel Hunter Valley
From $177
Wine Country Villas
From $177
Forrest Hills Ridge
From $181
The Carriages Boutique Hotel & Vineyard
From $185
Grand Mercure The Vintage
From $187
Berenbell Vineyard Retreat
From $205
The Convent Hunter Valley
From $227
Silverpoint Accommodation
From $246
The Guest House - Hunter Valley
From $252
The Grange On Hermitage
From $414
Misty Glen Cottage
From $504
The Longhouse - Suite 1
From $556
The Longhouse - Suite 3
From $556
Woolshed Hill Estate Pokolbin
From $562
Red Door Collective - RDC Estate
From $693
Mirambeena Pokolbin
From $839
Hanging Tree Wines
From $915
Lacuna Retreat
From $950
Holman Estate
From $990
Tower Lodge Pokolbin
From $1136
Thistle Hill Guesthouse
From $1347
Windarra Lodge
From $140
Thulanathi - Rest Explore Reconnect
From $175
Elfin Hill Country Accommodation
From $184
Villa Pinot located within Cypress Lakes
From $285
Ironbark Villa 4
From $302
Villa Cabernet
From $339
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard
From $358
Villa Legato
From $372
Hermitage Hideaway
From $390
Belford Cottages
From $405
Villa Moscato
From $455
Blue Cliff Retreat
From $481
Villa Vista located within Cypress Lakes
From $583
Peppers Creek Accommodation
From $662
TheHorizon7
From $685
James Estate Guesthouse
From $781
La Sila Homestead
From $898
Amani Pokolbin
From $1008
