Gin It Up: Here Is Every Sip-worthy Hunter Valley Distillery

You know the wine so shake things up with a sip-stop at a distillery in the Hunter Valley.

Rolling green hills, rose-freckled vines and swirly strawberry sunsets – name us a more fitting backdrop for getting giggly over a few G&Ts. While the region is one of Australia’s premium wine countries, spirits have grown in momentum in recent years and the crafty folk crushing grapes are turning their attention to the harder stuff. Silky smooth gins, sweet vodkas, shockingly good moonshine and more. There’s no stopping the creativity at any given distillery in the Hunter Valley.

FAR Distilling

Jessica and Ben Whittemore-Tulloch quietly launched the Hunter Valley’s newest distillery, FAR Distilling , in late 2023 and speedily sold out of its first batch of gin. The duo currently have two premium hand-crafted gins available: the Limited Edition Hunter Valley Shiraz Gin and No.1 Signature Blend Gin. Both gins are available to taste at the pop-up tasting location at the Keith Tulloch Wine cellar door. Pre-book your tasting online.

Address: 989 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin

Kawal Rock Distillery

A fuss-free celebration of wine-based spirits and natural bushland, Kawal Rock Distillery is so charming you don’t even need to like gin to get caught up in the fun. Located 20 minutes from Pokolbin and surrounded by stunning mountain ranges, it angles your tasting experience towards several outdoor zones where sensational views abound.

You’ll find its adored ‘The Girls on the Hill’ gin range and moonshine being poured at the cellar door, a sight in itself due to its impeccable craftsmanship out of wine barrel timber, and you’re also invited to jump on board ‘Picnic in The Sky’ where a helicopter will zoom you, your guest and a gourmet picnic up to a stunning rock formation on Sentry Mountain (located on-site) to soak it all up from an entirely unforgettable vantage point.

A tasting costs $25 and includes three gins, a tonic or soda and a glass of Kawal Rocks’ Twin Eagles Moscato.

the cellar door at Kawal Rock Distillery — Sip your way through Kawal Rock Distillery’s hand-crafted bespoke spirits and wines.

Address: 260 Milbrodale Road, Fordwich

Hunter Distillery

The region’s most famous spirit studio, Hunter Distillery , attracts consistent crowds for its top-notch range of the hard stuff including vodkas, liqueurs, Schnapps and gins, headed up by the award-winning Copperwave Distilled Gin.

Located along Broke Road right near Tyrrell’s vineyard in the heart of the Hunter Valley, this place is a well-oiled machine, rolling visitors into its factory-style cellar door to sample the all-organic fruits of its labour very efficiently.

Serious shoppers will love the experience as a series of test tubes provide samples of everything you’re hankering for at just $5 per person, whereas those looking for a picturesque spot to unwind (and are really only in the Hunter for wine) might be happier elsewhere.

Address: 1686 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Pokolbin Distillery

An ultra-modern building set against aisles of vines and gum trees, Pokolbin Distillery is warm and inviting from the moment you spot it.

The small-batch distillery in the Hunter Valley is located right in the thick of Broke Road, opposite Hope Estate, and whips up its own gins, vodkas and liqueurs inspired by the owners’ Polish roots as well as native Aussie ingredients. It’s evident in the Bush Gin and Native Plum Finger Lime blend, leaning on the flavours of the Davidson Plum.

Before you go, don’t miss their Salted Caramel vodka for obvious reasons. Tastings cost $15 per person.

Address: 2198 Broke Road, Pokolbin

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

Hope Distillery

And you thought Hope Estate ’s finest contributions peaked with 2017’s Bruce Springsteen concert. The legendary wine aficionados of the Hunter Valley, home to countless outdoor events in their enormous amphitheatre, launched the Hope Distillery in 2020.

wine tasting at sundown in Hope Estate — Soak up the stunning views (and sunset) with a tasting at Hope Estate. (Image: Destination NSW)

Cranking out gin, vodka, ouzo, and moonshine from their central Broke Road headquarters and you can purchase sample paddles for $20 a pop out of their cellar door. They’re beautifully presented, accompanied with garnishes, a bucket of ice and mixers.

friends having fun at Hope Distillery, Hunter Valley — Make time to explore the Hope Distillery property while you’re there. (Image: Destination NSW)

Once you’re satisfied with spirits, move onto Hope Estate’s hoppy brews and round the day out with their original offering: far-too-drinkable vino. If you’re staying for lunch, they can also organise a pre-booked pizza package and there’s a range of grab-and-devour snacks over the bench.

Address: 2213 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Small Mouth

You’ve probably walked past it a bunch of times while exploring the Hunter Valley Gardens Shopping Village but Small Mouth is worth a pit stop. The distillery in the Hunter Valley is hard to miss 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 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 Road, Pokolbin

a rainbow selection of gins and vodkas at Small Mouth, Hunter Valley — The flavour combinations here are delightfully memorable.

KissOfire

A family-run distillery in the Hunter Valley, KissOfire is another pit stop located within the Hunter Valley Garden Shopping Village. Home to 24 Butterscotch drops spanning all the way from the brand’s original and best-known Chilli variety through to summer classics like Lychee and Pineapple, the tiny but mighty store doesn’t serve as a cellar door but tastings are offered by friendly staff during your visit.

Address: Shop 2A, 2090 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Millbrook Estate

It’s more famous for its wines but Millbrook Estate also crafts spirits, namely brandy and liqueurs.

In the way of liqueurs, the flavours are funky – Aniseed, Ginger, Orange and Lemon – however the seven-year-old liqueur 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 Road, Millbrook

Tempus Two

The brand is household-renowned, but did you know Tempus Two knocks up its own gin too? One of the Hunter Valley’s most frequented wine destinations, polished and sleek from the fit-out to its staff, offers wine-based gin and a very impressive 30-minute tasting experience at its huge Broke Road headquarters, priced at $20 per person.

The Prosecco Gin, Wild Botanical Gin and Shiraz Gin are all presented in a private tasting room alongside six other gin and tonic (or gin and soda) tasters, cheese and chocolate – and if cheese and chocolate is your thing, we’ve curated a trail to consume the best in the Hunter; it starts just next door to Tempus Two.

Address: Pavillion, D/2144 Broke Road, Pokolbin

Tamburlaine Organic Wines

Tamburlaine Organic Wines , located just past Brokenwood on McDonalds Road in the middle of Pokolbin, has jumped on the gin train, releasing their own Herding Cats range.

Three unique blends are distilled on the Instagram-friendly property dotted with thriving plants and vines: Sunday Bloody Sunday, a blood orange-based gin, Double Dutch with coriander, cardamon and citrus, and That’s Amore, an Italian-inspired blend.

They 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.

a man admiring the greenery at Tamburlaine Organic Wines — Soak up lush greenery at Tamburlaine Organic Wines. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 358 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Bimbadgen

Already a fan of the region’s most famous belltower? Then you’re probably all over Bimbadgen , the stunning winery on McDonalds Road, and its Night Merchant spirits range.

Created by the same genius team who craft the winery’s sensational wine, two releases were on the menu when we last visited. The first, a smooth Makers Vodka infused with sandalwood and the second, a Makers Gin balancing 12 botanicals and too-easily devoured straight up.

Cellar door tastings start from $10 per person and there are two beautiful long lunch spots – Esca Bimbadgen offering a wine and food pairing experience and Bimbadgen Wood Fire Pizza nailing casual courtyard vibes — to cut loose in.

the cellar door at Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley — Step into the Bimbadgen cellar door for a tasting. (Image: Beau Pilgrim)

Need somewhere to sleep it off? The Bimbadgen Homestead and Cottage accommodates up to eight guests and the four-bedroom Bimbadgen Guesthouse is also on hand to help spoil a similar-sized clan.

Address: 790 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin

Still looking for more insider tips to pad out your Hunter Valley itinerary? Read our epic list of the best things to do in the Hunter Valley.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

Gin it up! Here is every sip-worthy Hunter Valley distillery