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 $288
Kinsale Cottage Pokolbin
From $392
Ironbark Villa 3
From $484
Spicers Vineyards Estate
From $511
Beltana Villas
From $123
H Boutique Hotel Pokolbin
From $133
Forrest Hills Ridge
From $137
Pokolbin Village
From $138
Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens
From $143
Estate Tuscany
From $149
Leisure Inn Pokolbin Hill
From $150
Grapevines Boutique Accommodation
From $188
Villa Provence
From $190
Twin Trees Country Cottages
From $193
Nu Leaf Retreat
From $208
The Carriages Boutique Hotel & Vineyard
From $209
Hunter Valley Resort
From $215
Hermitage Lodge
From $220
Thistle Hill Guesthouse
From $236
Silverpoint Accommodation
From $244
Kirkton Park Hotel Hunter Valley
From $247
Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort
From $258
Harrigan's Irish Pub & Accommodation
From $276
Red Door Collective - RDC Estate
From $276
The Guest House - Hunter Valley
From $281
Villa Siena Pokolbin
From $319
Berenbell Vineyard Retreat
From $324
Grand Mercure The Vintage
From $331
Casa La Vina Villas Pokolbin
From $331
The Grange On Hermitage
From $360
The Longhouse - Suite 1
From $405
The Longhouse - Suite 3
From $493
The Convent Hunter Valley
From $494
Misty Glen Cottage
From $512
Woolshed Hill Estate Pokolbin
From $555
The Woods at Pokolbin
From $567
Mirambeena Pokolbin
From $646
Wine Country Villas
From $865
Hanging Tree Wines
From $867
Ironbark Villa 4
From $171
Windarra Lodge
From $173
Thulanathi - Rest Explore Reconnect
From $178
Villa Pinot located within Cypress Lakes
From $207
Elfin Hill Country Accommodation
From $212
Villa Moscato
From $225
Villa Andante Pokolbin
From $230
Villa Cabernet
From $232
Belford Cottages
From $250
Hermitage Hideaway
From $255
Villa Boronia
From $299
Villa Legato
From $352
Blue Cliff Retreat
From $416
La Sila Homestead
From $475
Peppers Creek Accommodation
From $477
James Estate Guesthouse
From $582
TheHorizon7
From $592
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard
From $683
Villa Vista located within Cypress Lakes
From $732
