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
Ironbark Villa 3
From $215
Deja Vu Estate
From $271
Kinsale Cottage Pokolbin
From $306
Spicers Vineyards Estate
From $441
Pokolbin Village
From $78
Harrigan's Irish Pub & Accommodation
From $82
Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill
From $84
H Boutique Hotel Pokolbin
From $89
Hunter Valley Resort
From $96
Estate Tuscany
From $101
Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens
From $102
Grapevines Boutique Accommodation
From $104
Twin Trees Country Cottages
From $115
Hermitage Lodge
From $119
Villa Provence
From $122
Beltana Villas
From $128
Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
From $133
Kirkton Park Hotel Hunter Valley
From $161
Forrest Hills Ridge
From $163
Thistle Hill Guesthouse
From $167
The Carriages Boutique Hotel & Vineyard
From $168
The Grange On Hermitage
From $176
Wine Country Villas
From $177
Grand Mercure The Vintage
From $197
The Convent Hunter Valley
From $198
The Woods at Pokolbin
From $204
Misty Glen Cottage
From $291
Red Door Collective - RDC Estate
From $300
The Longhouse - Suite 3
From $319
The Longhouse - Suite 1
From $330
The Guest House - Hunter Valley
From $339
Casa La Vina Villas Pokolbin
From $352
Silverpoint Accommodation
From $395
Woolshed Hill Estate Pokolbin
From $463
Mirambeena Pokolbin
From $574
Holman Estate
From $608
Hanging Tree Wines
From $776
Lacuna Retreat
From $862
Tower Lodge Pokolbin
From $1281
Windarra Lodge
From $115
Belford Cottages
From $147
Ironbark Villa 4
From $154
Elfin Hill Country Accommodation
From $155
Villa Pinot located within Cypress Lakes
From $158
Villa Cabernet
From $179
Villa Andante Pokolbin
From $202
Villa Moscato
From $233
Verona Vineyard Cottage
From $265
Hermitage Hideaway
From $270
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard
From $271
Silky Oak Cottage
From $273
Villa Legato
From $292
Blue Cliff Retreat
From $343
Peppers Creek Accommodation
From $416
La Sila Homestead
From $463
TheHorizon7
From $537
Amani Pokolbin
From $597
Verona House Pokolbin
From $687
Villa Vista located within Cypress Lakes
From $1211
