Every distillery in the Hunter Valley with top-shelf gin and whiskey

You know and love the wine, so shake things up with a standout distillery in the Hunter Valley.

Rolling green hills, rose-freckled vines and swirly strawberry sunsets: I can’t think of a better setting to host getting giggly over a few G&Ts. While the Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s premium wine countries, spirits have grown in momentum and crafty grape-crushing folk are nailing unique takes on classic drops. Silky smooth gin, sweet vodka, shockingly good whiskey – there’s no stopping the creativity at every top distillery in the Hunter Valley.

In short

If you only visit one distillery in the Hunter Valley, make it The Loft at Pepper Tree Wines for its cosy, dedicated setting above the famed winery’s cellar door and seriously delicious creations.

1. Tower Whiskey Distillery

Tower Whiskey Distillery, Hunter Valley — Hunter Valley’s first dedicated whiskey distillery features a striking Spanish-style architecture. (Image: Tower Whiskey Distillery)

Prefer darker spirits? Tower Whiskey Distillery is the Hunter Valley’s OG whiskey aficionado, launching in 2021 with single malt blends that continue to knock my socks off. It’s a slick operation spearheaded by the region’s famed Hope family of Hope Estate (who have their own spirits label, too – more on that below) and it offers pre-booked or walk-in tasting flights. Grab a quick selfie in front of the striking Spanish revival entrance before settling in for the flight’s four individual samples that span American and French oak releases. I walked in and forked out $45 for the experience but if you book ahead online, you can get it for $40 a pop.

Address: Corner Halls and Broke Rd, Pokolbin

2. The Loft at Pepper Tree Wines

Pepper Tree Wines, Pokolbin — Settle into Pepper Tree Wines for a $20 gin tasting experience with savoury snacks. (Image: Destination NSW)

I’m still holding onto a 2014 Block 21A cab sauv from Pepper Tree Wines, so I was delighted to step upstairs at its cellar door during my last Hunter Valley visit and experience the label’s homage to the harder stuff. The Loft at Pepper Tree Wines offers a $20 gin tasting experience paired with salty snacks that covers the winery’s traditional dry, citrus dry and ultra dry varieties. I especially loved the cute, branded paddle, custom carved to house each little glass, that arrived during my tasting but settled for a take-home bottle of gin to help savour such fond memories.

Address: 86 Halls Rd, Pokolbin

3. FAR Distilling

gin bottles at FAR Distilling — This family-owned Hunter Valley distillery specialises in premium, handcrafted gins. (Image: FAR Distilling)

Jessica and Ben Whittemore-Tulloch launched FAR Distilling in late 2023 and speedily sold out of their first batch of gin. Now, their creations light up tables across the best Hunter Valley restaurants, including Bistro Molines, Jimmy Jones and Muse Restaurant, as well as hot spots across the wider region. I recommend bookmarking a visit to their pop-up tasting venue on the deck at Keith Tullock winery as it’s totally charming. For $10 per person, you’ll sample a selection of new releases and perhaps the acclaimed, limited-edition Hunter Valley Semillon Slammer, while the team share their unwavering passion for locally led artisanal craft.

Address: 989 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

4. Kawal Rock Distillery

vineyard views at Kawal Rock Distillery — Sign up for a tasting amid the idyllic vineyards. (Image: Kawal Rock Distillery)

A celebration of wine-based spirits amid spectacular bushland, Kawal Rock Distillery is so intoxicating that disliking gin (or moonshine, or brandy) won’t even hinder the fun. Located roughly 25 minutes from Broke Road and surrounded by mountain ranges, tasting experiences roll outdoors where sensational vistas abound. You’re also invited to jump on board ‘Picnic in The Sky’ where a helicopter will zoom you, a gourmet picnic and a bottle of Moscato to a stunning rock formation on Sentry Mountain (located on-site) to soak up the views. Prefer your revelry on solid ground? Get the team to mix your preferred poison into a signature cocktail out of their distillery bar.

Address: 260 Milbrodale Rd, Fordwich

5. Hunter Distillery

Arguably the region’s most-famous spirit studio, Hunter Distillery , attracts consistent crowds (I counted three hens’ parties during the 45 minutes I last visited) for its top-notch range of vodka, liqueur, Schnapps, gin, rum and more. Located along Broke Road right near Tyrrell’s, this place is a well-oiled machine, rolling visitors into its rustic cellar door to sample the all-organic fruits of its labour very efficiently. I love the test tube-filled samples you get with a $10 tasting flight (there are six choices per flight), which can include the team’s award-winning Copperwave Distilled Gin.

Address: 1686 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

6. Pokolbin Distillery

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

A minimalistic build set against aisles of vines and gum trees, Pokolbin Distillery is entirely tempting from the moment you’re seated. The small-batch distillery in the Hunter Valley is in the buzz of Broke Road, opposite Hope Estate, and crafts its own gins, vodkas and liqueurs spanning an array of unusual ingredients. Sweet tooths will adore the Salted Caramel and Mocha vodkas (the Bubblegum Liqueur is also interesting) while native nods are found in the Native Plum Finger Lime Gin, Bush Gin and more. Tastings cost $15 per person.

Address: 2198 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

7. Hope Estate

sunset views at Hope Estate, Hunter Valley — Soak up the stunning views while enjoying a tasting at Hope Estate. (Image: Destination NSW)

And you thought Hope Estate ’s finest contributions peaked with 2017’s Bruce Springsteen concert. The legendary winery launched a line of spirits in 2020, cranking out gin, vodka, moonshine and liqueurs from their central Broke Road headquarters, of which you can sample by spirit category from $20 per person. Whether you opt for the gin, vodka, Pokolbin Single Barrel or liqueur and schnapps selection, they’re each beautifully presented, accompanied with garnishes, a bucket of ice and mixers. If you’re staying for lunch, they can also organise a pre-booked pizza or charcuterie package, plus there’s a range of grab-and-devour snacks over the bench.

Address: 2213 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

8. Small Mouth

Small Mouth, Pokolbin — Step into Small Mouth to savour flavour combinations that are delightfully memorable.

You’ve probably walked past it a bunch of times while exploring the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village, but Small Mouth is worth a sip-stop. Once you step inside, the distillery in the Hunter Valley is hard to forget 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 Shimmering 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 Rd, Pokolbin

9. KissOfire

A family-run distillery in the Hunter Valley, KissOfire is also located within the Hunter Valley Garden Shopping Village. Home to 22 butterscotch creations spanning the brand’s original and best-known chilli variety through to summer classics like lychee and pineapple, the tiny-but-mighty store offers tastings by friendly staff during your visit.

Address: Shop 2A, 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

10. Millbrook Estate

Often frequented for its wines, Millbrook Estate also crafts spirits, namely brandy and liqueurs. In the way of liqueurs, ingredients span aniseed, ginger, orange and lemon, while the 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 Rd, Millfield

11. Tempus Two

the Tempus Two Uno Shiraz — The refined Tempus Two Uno Shiraz is one of a kind.

I rarely go a summer without a Tempus Two rosé (whatever the vintage, they’re always superb), but did you know the Hunter Valley winery knocks together gin, too? One of the Hunter Valley’s most frequented wineries, sleek right from the fit-out to its staff, makes three unique gin offerings which can be sampled through one of their many tasting experiences. The Copper Prosecco Gin, Copper Wild Botanical Gin and Copper Shiraz Gin can also be savoured in a private tasting room with cheese and chocolate, if that’s your thing. Speaking of which, I’ve gathered the Hunter Valley’s best cheese and chocolate stops, so add that to your day’s itinerary, too.

Address: Pavillion, D/2144 Broke Rd, Pokolbin

12. Tamburlaine Organic Wines

Mark Davidson of Tamburlaine Organic Wines — Winemaker Mark Davidson champions organic wine. (Image: Wine Australia)

Tamburlaine Organic Wines , located just past Brokenwood on McDonalds Road in the middle of Pokolbin, is also aboard the spirits train, releasing their own Herding Cats range. Unique blends are distilled on their Instagram-friendly property: Sunday Bloody Sunday, a blood orange-based gin, Double Dutch with coriander, cardamon and citrus, and That’s Amore, an Italian-inspired blend. There’s also a vodka to get stuck into. The tastings 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.

Address: 358 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

13. Night Merchant Distillery at Bimbadgen

a Night Merchant Distillery tasting set — Sample a range of top-notch spirits. (Image: Night Merchant Distillery)

Already a fan of the region’s most famous bell tower? Then you’re probably all over Bimbadgen’s. Night Merchant Distillery , the stalwart’s famed spirits-focused cellar door. For $18 per person, you’ll be guided through the entire small-batch range while comfortably seated in a plush lounge setting as the team talks you through origins, their craft, and what each creation is worth pairing with. Once you’re done, go forth to lunch at one of the winery’s famed eateries: Esca Restaurant, which plays with seasonal fare and pan-Asian flavours, and the courtyard’s Woodfire Pizzeria, which speaks for itself. Need somewhere to sleep it off? The Lane Retreat, located on-site, is one of the Hunter Valley’s best accommodation picks.

Address: 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

Every distillery in the Hunter Valley for exceptional gin and whiskey