Gin It Up: Here Is Every Sip-worthy Hunter Valley Distillery

You know the wine so shake things up with a sip-stop at a distillery in the Hunter Valley.

Rolling green hills, rose-freckled vines and swirly strawberry sunsets – name us a more fitting backdrop for getting giggly over a few G&Ts. While the region is one of Australia’s premium wine countries, spirits have grown in momentum in recent years and the crafty folk crushing grapes are turning their attention to the harder stuff. Silky smooth gins, sweet vodkas, shockingly good moonshine and more. There’s no stopping the creativity at any given distillery in the Hunter Valley.

FAR Distilling

Jessica and Ben Whittemore-Tulloch quietly launched the Hunter Valley’s newest distillery, FAR Distilling , in late 2023 and speedily sold out of its first batch of gin. The duo currently have two premium hand-crafted gins available: the Limited Edition Hunter Valley Shiraz Gin and No.1 Signature Blend Gin. Both gins are available to taste at the pop-up tasting location at the Keith Tulloch Wine cellar door. Pre-book your tasting online.

Address: 989 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

Kawal Rock Distillery

A fuss-free celebration of wine-based spirits and natural bushland, Kawal Rock Distillery is so charming you don’t even need to like gin to get caught up in the fun. Located 20 minutes from Pokolbin and surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, it angles your tasting experience towards several outdoor zones where sensational views abound.

You’ll find its adored ‘The Girls on the Hill’ gin range and moonshine being poured at the cellar door, a sight in itself due to its impeccable craftsmanship out of wine barrel timber, and you’re also invited to jump on board ‘Picnic in The Sky’ where a helicopter will zoom you, your guest and a gourmet picnic up to a stunning rock formation on Sentry Mountain (located on-site) to soak it all up from an entirely unforgettable vantage point.

A tasting costs $25 and includes three gins, a tonic or soda and a glass of Kawal Rocks’ Twin Eagles Moscato.

the cellar door at Kawal Rock Distillery — Sip your way through Kawal Rock Distillery’s hand-crafted bespoke spirits and wines.

Address: 260 Milbrodale Road, Fordwich

Hunter Distillery

The region’s most famous spirit studio, Hunter Distillery , attracts consistent crowds for its top-notch range of the hard stuff including vodkas, liqueurs, Schnapps and gins, headed up by the award-winning Copperwave Distilled Gin.

Located along Broke Road right near Tyrrell’s vineyard in the heart of the Hunter Valley, this place is a well-oiled machine, rolling visitors into its factory-style cellar door to sample the all-organic fruits of its labour very efficiently.

Serious shoppers will love the experience as a series of test tubes provide samples of everything you’re hankering for at just $5 per person, whereas those looking for a picturesque spot to unwind (and are really only in the Hunter for wine) might be happier elsewhere.

Address: 1686 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Pokolbin Distillery

An ultra-modern building set against aisles of vines and gum trees, Pokolbin Distillery is warm and inviting from the moment you spot it.

The small-batch distillery in the Hunter Valley is located right in the thick of Broke Road, opposite Hope Estate, and whips up its own gins, vodkas and liqueurs inspired by the owners’ Polish roots as well as native Aussie ingredients. It’s evident in the Bush Gin and Native Plum Finger Lime blend, leaning on the flavours of the Davidson Plum.

Before you go, don’t miss their Salted Caramel vodka for obvious reasons. Tastings cost $15 per person.

Address: 2198 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Pokolbin Distillery in Hunter Valley — The small-batch distillery is renowned for its own gins, vodkas and liqueurs. (Image: Destination NSW)

Hope Distillery

And you thought Hope Estate ’s finest contributions peaked with 2017’s Bruce Springsteen concert. The legendary wine aficionados of the Hunter Valley, home to countless outdoor events in their enormous amphitheatre, launched the Hope Distillery in 2020.

wine tasting at sundown in Hope Estate — Soak up the stunning views (and sunset) with a tasting at Hope Estate. (Image: Destination NSW)

Cranking out gin, vodka, ouzo, and moonshine from their central Broke Road headquarters and you can purchase sample paddles for $20 a pop out of their cellar door. They’re beautifully presented, accompanied with garnishes, a bucket of ice and mixers.

friends having fun at Hope Distillery, Hunter Valley — Make time to explore the Hope Distillery property while you’re there. (Image: Destination NSW)

Once you’re satisfied with spirits, move onto Hope Estate’s hoppy brews and round the day out with their original offering: far-too-drinkable vino. If you’re staying for lunch, they can also organise a pre-booked pizza package and there’s a range of grab-and-devour snacks over the bench.

Address: 2213 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Small Mouth

You’ve probably walked past it a bunch of times while exploring the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village but Small Mouth is worth a pit stop. The distillery in the Hunter Valley is hard to miss given the vivid rainbow of gins, vodkas, rum and liqueurs splashed with edible glitter.

In-store tastings are free so sampling the likes of their Berry Pink Gin, Chocolate Hazelnut Vodka, Espresso Liqueur and Spiced Rum is basically non-negotiable. It’s a small-batch business but these flavour combinations pack a supersized punch.

Address: Shop 20, 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin

a rainbow selection of gins and vodkas at Small Mouth, Hunter Valley — The flavour combinations here are delightfully memorable.

KissOfire

A family-run distillery in the Hunter Valley, KissOfire is another pit stop located within the Hunter Valley Garden Shopping Village. Home to 24 Butterscotch drops spanning all the way from the brand’s original and best-known Chilli variety through to summer classics like Lychee and Pineapple, the tiny but mighty store doesn’t serve as a cellar door but tastings are offered by friendly staff during your visit.

Address: Shop 2A, 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Millbrook Estate

It’s more famous for its wines but Millbrook Estate also crafts spirits, namely brandy and liqueurs.

In the way of liqueurs, the flavours are funky – Aniseed, Ginger, Orange and Lemon – however the seven-year-old liqueur brandy gets a great wrap from customers who have likened it to cognac.

There’s a tasting room for small groups at this distillery in the Hunter Valley plus there’s an underground wine cellar built out of an old quarry that’s worth a squiz.

Address: 1617 Mount View Road, Millbrook

Tempus Two

The brand is household-renowned, but did you know Tempus Two knocks up its own gin too? One of the Hunter Valley’s most frequented wine destinations, polished and sleek from the fit-out to its staff, offers wine-based gin and a very impressive 30-minute tasting experience at its huge Broke Road headquarters, priced at $20 per person.

The Prosecco Gin, Wild Botanical Gin and Shiraz Gin are all presented in a private tasting room alongside six other gin and tonic (or gin and soda) tasters, cheese and chocolate – and if cheese and chocolate is your thing, we’ve curated a trail to consume the best in the Hunter; it starts just next door to Tempus Two.

Address: Pavillion, D/2144 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Tamburlaine Organic Wines

Tamburlaine Organic Wines , located just past Brokenwood on McDonalds Road in the middle of Pokolbin, has jumped on the gin train, releasing their own Herding Cats range.

Three unique blends are distilled on the Instagram-friendly property dotted with thriving plants and vines: Sunday Bloody Sunday, a blood orange-based gin, Double Dutch with coriander, cardamon and citrus, and That’s Amore, an Italian-inspired blend.

They aren’t gin specific, but tastings are organised at the cellar door as well as guided tours if you fall head over heels with the site and struggle to leave.

a man admiring the greenery at Tamburlaine Organic Wines — Soak up lush greenery at Tamburlaine Organic Wines. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 358 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Bimbadgen

Already a fan of the region’s most famous belltower? Then you’re probably all over Bimbadgen , the stunning winery on McDonalds Road, and its Night Merchant spirits range.

Created by the same genius team who craft the winery’s sensational wine, two releases were on the menu when we last visited. The first, a smooth Makers Vodka infused with sandalwood and the second, a Makers Gin balancing 12 botanicals and too-easily devoured straight up.

Cellar door tastings start from $10 per person and there are two beautiful long lunch spots – Esca Bimbadgen offering a wine and food pairing experience and Bimbadgen Wood Fire Pizza nailing casual courtyard vibes — to cut loose in.

the cellar door at Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley — Step into the Bimbadgen cellar door for a tasting. (Image: Beau Pilgrim)

Need somewhere to sleep it off? The Bimbadgen Homestead and Cottage accommodates up to eight guests and the four-bedroom Bimbadgen Guesthouse is also on hand to help spoil a similar-sized clan.

Address: 790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Still looking for more insider tips to pad out your Hunter Valley itinerary? Read our epic list of the best things to do in the Hunter Valley.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

Gin it up! Here is every sip-worthy Hunter Valley distillery