Pokolbin, Hunter Region — New South Wales

Pokolbin is a rural area located in the Lower Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Known for its famous wineries within and around the area, many tourists come to Pokolbin to sample its products as well as to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation.

Traveling along the roads of this area, visitors will see multiple signage indicating the location of wineries, restaurants, and other service-oriented establishments.

Along Mount View Road, there are several stops worth taking. Wineries along this road include the Jackson’s Hill Vineyard, Briar Ridge Vineyard, and Farrell’s Limestone Creek Vineyard. This road also leads to the Birmadeen Lookout and the Mount Bright Lookout, where sweeping vistas of Pokolbin and surrounding towns can be viewed and enjoyed.

When driving along the Oakey Creek Road, visitors will come to the Golden Grape Estate, where a museum is also located. The museum’s most prized display is a winepress that is considered the oldest in the country. The winery has been operational for more than a century, and visitors come here not just for wine tasting but also to sample the dishes in its restaurant. Golden Grape is also noted for its Golden Tango Cream liqueur. Further down the road is the Drayton Family Wines, the oldest winery in Pokolbin.

On McDonalds Road, there’s the winery operated by the Hungerford Hill Wines Pty Ltd., noted for its futuristic philosophy. This is manifested in the architecture and style of its cellar and winery. As with the rest of the wineries in the area, great food and quality wines are its main attractions.

Further up north is the Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club, where scenic views all around provide the best backdrop for an enjoyable game or two. The venue also offers amenities for swimming and tennis.

A well-known family destination can be found at the corner of McDonalds and Broke Roads, the McGuigan Hunter Village. This commercial complex comprises of several wineries and restaurants, as well as amenities for golf and barbecue picnics. Visiting children make full use of the complex’s adventure playground and, during weekends and hoidays, ride the miniature steam train.

Visitors also take time to visit Tyrrells Winery, the second oldest in the area and located along Broke Road. The winery also hosts the annual Jazz in the Vines music festival come October, as well as offers picnic and barbecue facilities the whole year through. Also along Broke Road is the Kevin Sobels Wine, where visitors will not only enjoy its fine wines, they will also get to appreciate the architecture of the tasting and sales building, made out of timber and glass. The property also showcases potteries made by Robbie Burns.

Along Halls Road is the Carriages Guest House as well as the Somerset Carriages that offers tours of several wineries aboard horse-drawn carriages.

The area of Pokolbin comes alive each year during the Hunter Valley Harvest Festival, when visitors from all over the region come for music festivals, art exhibits, wine tasting, and gourmet meals offered by the area’s numerous dining establishments. Apart from the Jazz in the Vines festival, there is also the Opera in the Vineyards, held at the Wyndham Estate every October.

Visitors also come to Pokolbin to experience hot air ballooning, with several ballooning services based in the area.