Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard is a must-visit destination in the Hunter Valley wine region of New South Wales, Australia. Located in Pokolbin, approximately 165 km north of Sydney, this historic winery offers visitors a blend of rich heritage, stunning views, and exceptional wines.

Location and History

Perched atop a foothill of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges, Audrey Wilkinson boasts one of the most picturesque settings in the Hunter Valley. The vineyard was first planted in 1866 by the Wilkinson family, making it the oldest vineyard site in Pokolbin and one of the oldest in Australia. The winery is named after Audrey Wilkinson, who took over the family vineyard at the young age of 15 and went on to produce some of Australia's finest wines.

Cellar Door Experience

The cellar door at Audrey Wilkinson is housed in a charming sandstone and timber building that pays homage to the vineyard's rich history. Visitors are treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding vineyards, paddocks, and mountain ranges from the expansive veranda.

Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, the cellar door offers a range of tasting experiences:

• Standard Experience: A 45-minute tasting of the winery's signature wines

• Premium Experience: A 45-minute tasting featuring premium selections

• Heritage Cellar Experience: A 60-minute in-depth tasting and tour

It's highly recommended to book your tasting experience in advance to ensure availability, especially for groups.

Wines and Accolades

Audrey Wilkinson is renowned for its award-winning Semillon, a variety that thrives in the Hunter Valley's unique terroir. The winery also produces excellent Verdelho, Chardonnay, Shiraz, and other varietals. Rated as a 5-star winery by James Halliday, Audrey Wilkinson has been named one of the top 10 wineries to visit in Australia by Gourmet Traveller.

Additional Attractions

Museum

The on-site museum, housed in the original winery building, showcases the Wilkinson family history and features heritage-listed open cement vats, barrel-making tools, and winemaking equipment. Entry to the museum is free and open during cellar door hours.

Experiences

The winery offers unique experiences such as the popular "Picnic Among the Vines" and the indulgent "Fortified & Fromage" tasting.

Accommodation

For those wishing to extend their visit, Audrey Wilkinson offers on-site accommodation options. Mulberry Cottage is a spacious four-bedroom house perfect for groups or families, while other self-contained cottages are available for couples or smaller groups.

Accessibility and Amenities

Audrey Wilkinson is committed to accessibility, offering wheelchair-accessible facilities, including ramps, parking, and restrooms. The staff are trained in disability awareness and are happy to accommodate visitors with special needs.

Planning Your Visit

When planning your visit to Audrey Wilkinson, consider the following:

• Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful seasons to visit, with pleasant weather and lush vines.

• The winery is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

• Groups are limited to 8 or fewer people, and all members must select the same tasting experience.

• The winery does not accept themed groups.

With its combination of stunning views, rich history, and exceptional wines, Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard offers a quintessential Hunter Valley experience that wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike will cherish like a thoughtful gift.