Pokolbin
The heart of Australia’s Hunter Valley.
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.