The Hunter Region, also called the Hunter Valley, is a region of New South Wales, Australia. It is among the best wine regions in Australia. This region has been an essential part of Australian wine’s historical timeline and was one of the first wine regions planted in the 19th century. There is a wide variety of wine flavours that you can find in the valley, including Semillon (the most iconic one), Chardonnay, Merlot for the red wine, Verdelho for whites, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
If you want to have a wine tasting experience, you can book your Private hunter valley wine tours. Winery tours are all the rage because this is the best season to visit the valley as the temperature right now is pleasant with minimal rain. But if you have never been on a wine tour before, you may be unsure of the protocols you should follow. So to make sure you have the best first-time experience, here is a guide on preparing yourself for the wine tour. Continue reading!
Things to keep in mind on your Private hunter valley wine tours
New wineries vs. old wineries
Plan a diverse tour including new and old wineries to make your time more enjoyable. New wineries may fall short of your expectations since they do not have a long history of their older counterparts. It takes years for a winery to produce its wine, so it is better to include both new and old wineries in your tour plan to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Know your special preferences
It is advisable to think about your preferences before stepping out for your wine tour. For example, if you are craving red wines, do some research and check out wineries that focus on producing them. However, if it is your first-ever trip, it is better to taste them all. When you know your preferences beforehand, you can make your experience more organized and enjoyable.
Plan your itinerary for the day
Add several stops for the day. There should be at least 2-3 non-tasting activities in your itinerary. You can look for restaurants or other tourist attractions on your way or nearby that you can visit and take some time out for some shopping etc. Most wineries also have gift shops; you can spend some time there and get a few gifts for your friends or relatives.
Consider the time of the year for your tour.
It is imperative to personally call the wineries you are planning to visit and ask for the best time for making a trip. Most wineries are busiest during summer and fall, but these are also the best time to visit, so it is better to start your day earlier to avoid the afternoon rush. Or, if you want to avoid the rush entirely and have a more personal experience, plan your visit in the winter season.
Handy tips for your first-ever wine tour
- Avoid wearing any fragrance, perfume, or cologne.
- Avoid heavy lipstick or flavoured chapstick.
- Wear a comfortable dress as you walk around the vineyard.
- Avoid drinking too much the day before your tour.
- Drink a lot of water before heading out for your Private hunter valley wine tours to be well-hydrated.
- If you want to enjoy your wine tasting experience to the fullest, make sure you eat something; otherwise, you may get drunk quickly.
- Do some research on the region you are visiting and plan two to three activities besides wine tasting.