Cellar Doors of Australia's Hunter Valley

The stylish harbor city of Sydney has it all: a thriving contemporary art scene, game-changing restaurants, and one-of-a-kind shops. A multicultural metropolis of 4.3 million people, Sydney is the most visited place in all of Australia. For wine lovers, located only ninety miles from the city is the second most visited region, and Australia's answer to Napa and Sonoma. Known for its long- lived Semillons and Shiraz, the Hunter Valley is home to some of the oldest vines and biggest names in Australian wine. You are invited to join your winery hosts and arrive a few days early before the cruise to explore one of Australia’s oldest wine regions with an Australian Sommelier, wine judge, and wine writer as your guide.

Day 1 │ Independent Arrival in Sydney

Arrive Sydney, check into 5-star hotel and explore Sydney on your own.

Day 2 | Sydney

Meet your hosts and fellow travelers in the hotel’s lobby to board a motorcoach for the short drive to Circular Quay and Aria Restaurant where you’ll enjoy the Chef’s seasonal, seven-coursed, wine-paired tasting menu in the restaurant’s private dining room with its own terrace that offers stunning views of the Harbour Bridge. At the conclusion of the meal, you’ll return to the hotel via motorcoach.

The night is not quite over. Before you retire, you’ll pack an over-night bag with just the essentials for the overnight trip up to the Hunter Valley the next day.

Day 3 │ Hunter Valley

The day begins with the hotel’s buffet breakfast after which you’ll check-out of your hotel, store your luggage with the Concierge, and meet the group and your guide in the lobby.

Traveling with the group to the Hunter Valley is an energetic and knowledgable Australian Sommelier, providing a wealth of information and during the two-hour drive to the Hunter Valley.

The first vines in the Hunter Valley were planted in the 1800s in rich, fertile soils that enjoy warm, humid temperatures. Home to some of the oldest and best-known wine producers in Australia, the 150 cellar doors (wineries) in this region produce an impressive, award-winning array of varieties and styles. But it’s Hunter Valley’s Semillon and Shiraz varietals that are behind the region’s world-class reputation.

Your first stop will be in Pokolbin. For almost 30 years, the De luliis family has grown grapes in the Hunter Valley, but it wasn’t until their son Michael finished a degree in Oenology that the De luliis family added wine production to the family business. Michael is known for his exceptional Shiraz and Semillion wines and he has a handful of trophies to prove it. You’ll visit their modern winery created out of a collaboration of art and engineering in design, taking a tour and then enjoying lunch served at their on site restaurant, Two Fat Blokes Gourmet Kitchen.

The next cellar door of the day is Tyrrell’s Wines. This winery has been one of Australia’s pre-eminent family owned wine companies since 1858. Tyrrell’s is home to some of Australia’s most awarded wines, earning more than an incredible 5,000 trophies and medals over the years, as well as being named “Winery of the Year” in James Halliday’s esteemed Australian Wine Companion in 2010. After the tour you will enjoy a tasting of their top rated wines

Late in the afternoon you arrive at a deluxe hotel. After checking into your room and a little time to freshen up, you are off to a modern Hunter Valley legend, Brokenwood Wines, for a winemaker hosted barbeque. After a fun-filled evening, you’ll return to the hotel to turn in for the night.

Day 4 │ Hunter Valley & Return to Sydney for Embarkation

Start the day with a lovely breakfast buffet provided by the hotel. Check-out of your room and meet the group in the lobby to board the motorcoach for the return drive to Sydney.

Your last cellar door in Hunter Valley is arguably the finest wine producer in the Hunter Valley, Thomas Wines. Here you will take a tour, taste a selection of their wines, followed by a winemaker hosted lunch. Transfer to the pier where guests will embark the ship and begin their journey.

Registration Form

Download Optional 3-Night Pre-Cruise Program Registration Form

Price: $1,879 per person
Single Supplement: $376

Tour Includes: Two (2) nights hotel accommodations in Sydney, one (1) night in the Hunter Valley, meals as outlined in the tour description, services of an English-speaking Australian wine expert guide, transportation on deluxe AC motor coach, bottled water, hotel porterage, winery tours, wine tastings, all tasting fees, and local taxes.

Not Included: Airport transfer to hotel upon arrival, optional hotel upgrades and additional hotel nights, gratuities for the driver and guides, and all items of personal nature.

Activity Level: Tour not suggested for wheelchairs or people with mobility issues due to extensive walking at the vineyards.

Note: Times and providers are subject to change.

Travel Insurance: F&WT highly encourages protecting your travel investment in case of an emergency causing you to cancel your trip. Your F&WT's Travel Advisor can assist you with procuring the appropriate coverage. Please make sure to read the cancellation policy on the registration form outlining our cancellation policy.