Autumn in Australia brings a big sigh of relief from people in Sydney, who can now look forward to cooler days and brisk, fresh mornings, just perfect for a road trip to the Hunter Valley. As the days turn refreshingly cooler, the leaves of the harvested grapevines turn a beautiful orange, yellow and red, before gracefully falling during the winter months.

Now is the time to take to the road and explore the Hunter Valley wineries, while they still have their autumn splendor. So let’s take a look at some of the most popular vineyards, cellar doors and winery tours in the Hunter Valley.

First Creek Wines: This family owned winery offers daily tours and a cellar door. Winner of 10 trophies in 2015, their Semillon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz wines are first class and definitely worth the trip. For maximum convenience, why not look into a motorhome rental in Sydney and make your first stop at the First Creek Winery. Wineries accommodate camper vans and it’s much cheaper than staying in bed and breakfast hotels.

Tyrrell’s Wines: Another family owned winery with more than 145 years in the industry. With vineyards dotted round Australia, Tyrell’s Wines is a nationally loved company, producing some of our finest wines. Their cellar door is open seven days a week and their award winning wines make the entire trip worthwhile. Take a tour and check out the first-hand old oak vats that are still in use today.

Eagles Rest Wines: This gold medal winning boutique winery and olive oil producer is a new kid on the block, but their Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Verdelho have been very well received. The road up to the Brokenback Range in Pokolbin has some stunning views and at this time of the year is a very pleasant drive indeed. Their cellar door is open daily and you can call ahead to arrange a private vineyard tour.

Whispering Brook Vineyard: This family owned vineyard offers not only a cellar door and winery tours, but also a beautiful guesthouse set among the vineyards and olive groves. Whispering Brook encourages you to relax and enjoy their superb cuisine, matched only by their fabulous wines and stunning views over the mountains. This is the ideal spot to soak up the atmosphere, kick back, and de-stress from your daily busy life.

McGuigan Wines: In the heart of the Hunter Valley, the award winning McGuigan Vineyard offers both a cellar door and a winery tour. As winner of the ‘world’s best winemaker’ award, not once but three times, a visit to this vineyard is a must. Don’t forget to check out their cheese company as well, take one of their tours and treat yourself to some hand crafted cheese and a bottle of first class wine.

An autumn road trip taking in the bounty of the Hunter Valley is the perfect way to end a really hot summer and bolster ourselves for the coming winter.