Private Luxury
Tour
All Weather
Tour
10 Hours
Duration
Operating Days: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Departure: 07:30
Estimated Tour End: 17:30 (05:30 pm)
Venture into the birthplace of Australian wine on a luxury all‑inclusive private tour crafted for travellers who appreciate authenticity, craftsmanship, and intimate regional experiences. Just 2.5 hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley reveals a rare blend of heritage and innovation, where vineyards dating back to the early 1800s sit beside contemporary boutique producers. Your journey begins with a behind‑the‑scenes introduction to the winemaking process — from vineyard to barrel to glass — guided by passionate experts. Enjoy premium tastings at two of the region’s most celebrated cellar doors and savour a shared table lunch showcasing the Hunter’s seasonal flavours. The day concludes with a leisurely exploration of the award‑winning gardens, where themed pathways, vibrant blooms, sculpted landscapes and tranquil water features create a serene, picturesque finale.
Travel north across Sydney Harbour Bridge and through the leafy North Shore before the landscape opens into sandstone ridges, national parks, and the rolling countryside of the Hunter Valley. After a brief refreshment stop, your journey continues through Cessnock and into the heart of wine country, where boutique estates, family‑run vineyards, and roaming kangaroos set the scene for an unforgettable day.
Your visit to De Iuliis begins with an exclusive behind‑the‑scenes winery tour, offering a close look at the craftsmanship behind one of the Hunter Valley’s most awarded boutique producers, led by winemaker Mike De Iuliis — Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year (2015). Explore the working winery, fermentation spaces, and barrel room as your host explains how Semillon and Shiraz evolve from vineyard to bottle. Following the tour, enjoy a premium seated tasting featuring a curated selection of De Iuliis’ top‑rated wines—each reflecting the precision and regional character that have earned the estate a 5 Red Star Halliday rating and Hunter Valley Cellar Door of the Year titles in 2016 and 2022. Known for its trophy‑winning Semillon and Shiraz, De Iuliis continues to set regional benchmarks through innovation, sustainability, and meticulous winemaking. The tasting is complemented by artisan Hunter Belle cheeses, thoughtfully selected to enhance the flavour profile of each wine.
Your experience at Thomas Wines offers a deep dive into the Hunter Valley’s two signature wines: Semillon and Shiraz. Precision has defined the estate since its first vintage in 1997. Led by Andrew Thomas — a three‑time Hunter Valley Winemaker of the Year — together with his son and assistant winemaker Dan, the winery has earned numerous accolades, including 5 Red Stars and Top 100 Wineries in the Halliday Wine Companion, as well as 2026 Cellar Door of the Year, recognising its exceptional quality, hospitality, and regional leadership. During your premium seated tasting, you’ll explore a curated selection of single‑vineyard wines, including the iconic Braemore Semillon and the highly awarded Kiss Shiraz. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, this experience reveals how terroir, craftsmanship, and meticulous winemaking shape the purity, structure, and longevity that Thomas Wines is renowned for.
Enjoy a relaxed yet refined two‑course lunch at the newly opened Iron Gate Kitchen, served in a warm, communal table‑share style. Fresh, seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean‑inspired flavours create a welcoming midday pause, with dietary requirements accommodated when advised in advance.
Wander through 14 hectares of beautifully crafted landscapes at Hunter Valley Gardens, where ten internationally inspired garden worlds unfold across gentle hills and winding pathways. Follow eight kilometres of scenic trails leading to tranquil ponds, sculpted topiary, cascading waterfalls and whimsical Storybook scenes hidden among the blooms. With 6,000 trees, 600,000 shrubs and more than a million ground covers from across the globe, the gardens offer a living tapestry of colour, texture and artistry — a serene and enchanting finale to your Hunter Valley journey.
Private signature tours are managed through a life booking system and can be purchased
until 17:00 (5:00 pm) AEST two days before departure.
Remember to apply the current promo code to receive discount featured on our home page.
Price per group
for travel period between
1 January 2026 – 31 August 2027
From AUD $1,833.00
Private signature tours are managed through a life booking system and can be purchased
until 17:00 (5:00 pm) AEST two days before departure.
Remember to apply the current promo code to receive discount featured on our home page.
REQUEST A QUOTE >>>
No difference if you are an early bird or the one who enjoys sleeping in; our driver guide will pick you up at the most suitable time from your hotel or private address. Although remember, there is nothing better that making it to desired destination ahead of big crowds and be able to enjoy location’s beauty at own peace and serenity.
Your private tour will conclude back at your accommodation or any other convenient CBD (downtown) location, domestic and international airports, or cruise terminal.
Whether you arriving to domestic or international airport terminal (Kingsford Smith Airport – Sydney) for short layover time before boarding a cruise, meeting your next flight, or having some hours to spare until your accommodation’s check in time, private tour is the ultimate way to maximise your experience. We will track actual landing time and adjust your pick-up at the airport accordingly. In a blink of eye, you can be exploring the best that Sydney and the region has to offer.
To connect with your next travel arrangements, private tour will conclude back at the domestic and international airport, cruise terminal, or hotel.
Sail into Sydney Harbour and dock at Overseas Passenger Terminal in The Rocks (CBD) or White Bay Cruise Terminal in Rozelle (Inner West). Whether you are disembarking your cruise ship permanently with all bags and belongings, or just for a shore excursion, private tour is the ultimate way to maximise your experience. Our driver guide will pick you up at the terminal at nominated disembarkation time. In a blink of eye, you can be exploring the best that Sydney and the region has to offer.
To connect with your next travel arrangements, private tour will conclude back at the cruise terminal, domestic and international airports, or hotel.
We are enthusiastic and welcoming team holding keys to countless local delights.
Get inspired by following our latest adventures on social medias.
We are enthusiastic and welcoming team holding keys to countless local delights. Get inspired by following our latest adventures on social medias.
Dear Mark, we wanted to say thank you for your guidance and care during our Australian adventure. You are a man of many talents and gifts. We appreciate your patience, organisation, humour, knowledge, strength, and positive vibes. You brought us all together as a unit. How fortunate were we to have been put under your tutelage. We go home greatly enhanced and wonting to return to the land of your passion. Thank you again,
Nancy and Yan
Dear Mark, thank you so much for such a wonderful trip! You were so helpful, friendly, and professional. We both appreciated you sharing your extensive knowledge about Australia. Your comments regarding Aboriginal culture were especially insightful! The course you took sounded fascinating. Thanks again!
Karen and Andy
Mark, I think I’ve expressed to you how appreciative I am that you were our Tour Director in Australia. I realize how much hard work you did to keep things running smoothly. All the members of the group appreciated the special helpful things you did for them. For me, it was especially that fabulous last day tour. Your personality is special and great for a tour director. Take care and come visit us in the US one day. Sincerely,
Jean W
Dear Mark, it has been a pleasure spending time with you and getting to know you a little bit. Thank you for your kindness, enthusiasm, cheery outlook and for sharing your knowledge with us. We have enjoyed our time in Australia immensely. We wish you well. If you are ever in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area – you have a place to stay. Fondly,
Lisa and Ray
Revealing the richness of this remarkable destination through the lens of a local insider,
these handpicked journey combinations are designed to linger in memory long after departure.
Revealing the richness of this remarkable destination through the lens of a local insider,
these handpicked journey combinations are designed to linger in memory long after departure.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and the place in which we live. We pay respect to elders, past, present, and future.
Reply within 24 hours
Monday–Friday (09:00–17:00), Current AES Time
Mobile: +61 466 966 028
Destinations
Online Reservations
Destinations
Online Reservations
Quote Request
©2024 Wachtl Australia™ – All Rights Reserved.
