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

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

Every distillery in the Hunter Valley for exceptional gin and whiskey