Frequently Asked Questions

Planning the perfect Hunter Valley wine tour should feel as effortless as the day itself. We've gathered the most common questions from our guests to help you feel confident, informed, and excited for your upcoming experience. Whether you're wondering what's included, how long the tour runs, or which wineries we visit, you'll find the answers here.

Still have questions? Feel free to get in touch — we're always happy to help.

  • At Coast to Cork, we do things differently. While many wine tour companies focus on large groups, crowded cellar doors, and quick stopovers, we take a more thoughtful, elevated approach. Our small group tours are capped at just 11 guests, allowing for a more personal, unhurried experience with plenty of space to relax and connect.

    We avoid the usual tourist hotspots in favour of boutique wineries that prioritise quality over quantity — places where you’re greeted by winemakers, not waiting in line. Many of our tours also include immersive experiences like garden-to-glass estate walks, or fine dining lunches at some of the region’s best restaurants — something few other operators include.

    To make things even easier, we offer door-to-door pick-up and drop-off from Sydney, the Central Coast, Palm Beach, and the Hunter Valley. No navigating meeting points or busy hubs — just seamless service from start to finish.

    For travellers who care about quality, connection, and discovering the Hunter Valley beyond the brochure, we’re proud to offer something genuinely different.

  • Our full-day Hunter Valley wine tours include luxury return transport from Sydney CBD, Hunter Valley, Palm Beach or the Central Coast, three premium wine tastings at boutique cellar doors, a gourmet lunch reservation, bottled water, and expert local commentary. Each experience is curated to offer a relaxing, indulgent escape to one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions.

  • We offer door-to-door pick-up and drop-off Sydney CBD, Hunter Valley, Palm Beach, and the Central Coast including Terrigal, Avoca, Gosford, and surrounds. When booking your Hunter Valley wine tour, simply enter your pick-up address and we’ll confirm all details ahead of time.

  • A typical wine tour from Sydney runs approximately 10–11 hours, including travel time. Tours from the Central Coast are slightly shorter, around 8–9 hours. We make the day feel seamless, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy the wine, food, and scenery.

  • Yes! Wine tasting is the perfect all-weather activity. Our Hunter Valley tours run rain, hail or shine — with indoor tastings, cosy cellar doors, and luxurious transport, you'll stay dry and comfortable while enjoying the region’s finest wines.

  • Absolutely. We specialise in private and small-group wine tours for couples, friends, corporate events, hens days, and special occasions. You can even customise your itinerary with optional add-ons like cheese & charcuterie boards, local oyesters, or a visit to a distillery or brewery.

  • Yes — we can adjust your experience to suit non-drinkers with scenic stops, fine dining, and relaxing venues. However, please note that wine tastings are for guests aged 18 and over. Children are welcome on private tours only and must be supervised by an adult at all times.

  • Our small-group tours start from $179 per person (prices may vary based on departure location and inclusions). Private group pricing is dependent on pick up location and group size. All tours include transport, wine tastings, and a lunch booking. We offer great value with no hidden costs.

  • We hand-pick boutique wineries like Krinklewood, Vamp by Lisa McGuigan, 1813 Wines, Tulloch, and Vinden Estate, among others. Each cellar door is chosen for its quality wines, welcoming hosts, and intimate setting — no big buses or crowded tastings here.

  • Yes, just let us know your dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.) when booking and we’ll ensure your lunch is tailored accordingly. We work with restaurants that offer high-quality, flexible menus.

  • You can book directly through our website or get in touch via phone or email. We recommend booking early, especially for weekends or during peak seasons like autumn and spring. For custom experiences, please contact us directly.

  • Yes! Our wine tour gift certificates are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. Vouchers are valid for 12 months and can be customised for any of our Hunter Valley experiences.

  • Our tours include safe, door-to-door transport so you can relax and enjoy your tastings without worrying about driving. If you're planning to drive yourself after a tasting experience, we always recommend staying well below the legal alcohol limit or designating a non-drinking driver.

  • The Hunter Valley is stunning year-round. Autumn (March–May) offers golden vineyard views and mild weather, while spring (September–November) is ideal for outdoor dining and fresh new vintages. Even in winter, cosy cellar doors and open fires make for a magical day out.

  • Wondering what to wear on a wine tour in the Hunter Valley? Our advise is Dress comfortably but stylishly — Many of the wineries we visit have a relaxed yet refined vibe, and some tours include fine dining at hatted restaurants or immersive estate walks, so we recommend dressing for both style and practicality. Bring a jacket in cooler months and wear comfortable shoes for walking through vineyards or on gravel driveways.

    Still not sure what to wear? We’ve created a Pinterest board full of wine tour outfit inspo to help you plan your look — whether you’re going for chic and understated or elevated and camera-ready.

  • Absolutely — we work with a number of boutique guesthouses and luxury stays in Pokolbin, Lovedale, and Broke. If you’re planning an overnight stay, let us know and we can help arrange pick-up or recommend packages.

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