Whether you are heading to the Hunter Valley for a wine tasting tour or a weekend away, sometimes you might need to break up those vinos with a glass of icy cold beer. Or perhaps, it’s only the beer you are interested in. Either way, we have put together a list of some of the best breweries right here in the Hunter Valley.

FogHorn Brewery at The Mighty Hunter Valley, Nulkaba
Only a fairly recent addition to the Hunter Valley, The Mighty took over the former Potters Hotel site at Nulkaba last year and their friends FogHorn shortly expanded up to the Hunter to join them. So if you’re after a beer in the Hunter Valley, The Mighty have got you covered.

The onsite FogHorn Brewery, has a bar right next to the brewing action. If the brewers are at work at the time, you can have a beer and watch on as they turn hops into liquid gold. There are ten taps in this bar, so you will be spoilt for choice!

But if you can’t make up your mind on what beer to taste first, the beer tasting paddles might be the one for you. Try four tasting sized beers for $16, like the crowd favourite Ginger & Chilli or the highly awarded Slaked Magpie Vanilla Porter.

Or if you want to get more involved, book in a tour on a Friday night or Saturday lunch / evening where for $20pp, the brewers will take you through the process of brewing and there's a three beer tasting paddle to test along the way. Not a bad little activity to kick start the weekend.

And why should the wine lovers get all the fun? FogHorn Hunter Valley Brewery has just commenced Guided Beer Tasting where over the course of 45mins the staff at FogHorn will take you through eight small beers discussing the brewing process, flavours and characteristics of different beer styles.

The FogHorn Hunter Valley Brewery has all your beer requirements under hand and being part of The Mighty means you also have a restaurant, TAB, undercover beer garden, outdoor lawn area and a small outdoor kids play space all available at the one place.

And to make your visit worthwhile the team are offering our HUNTERhunter readers a free tasting beer if you mention the “secret” code word FogHornHUNTERhuntertaster. Only one per person though, we don’t want you being irresponsible with your drinking! Offer valid in the FogHorn Hunter Brewery, not the pub or King Street Brewery.

Address: Wine Country Drive, Nulkaba NSW 2325
Phone: 02 4058 4155
Opening hours: Thursday - Monday 10am - 5pm | Friday and Saturday 10am - 6pm
Book: call 02 4058 4155 or email [email protected]

Hope Brewery, Pokolbin
Hope Estate might be well known for their wine and concerts but did you know they also have a brewery on site?

With a recently renovated cellar door and bar area, there is now a large funky indoor space where you can enjoy a beer from Hope Brewery, which is busy brewing away right there beside you. You could also venture out to the large outdoor, undercover space or the rolling lawns of Hope Estate if the weather is nice.

There are a HUGE 22 beers and ciders on tap, including some quite unique varieties. And with wine and spirits such as gin, vodka and moonshine also available from their brand Hope Distillery, there is plenty to choose from.

There are a range of tasting options from a beer paddle of four for $20pp to a full flight of 12 beers served with a cheese plate for $60pp (fully redeemable per person on case purchases).

You can also purchase take-aways to enjoy at home or at your accommodation.

Address: Hope Estate, 2213 Broke Road, Pokolbin 2320, NSW Australia
Phone: 1800 777 444
Opening hours: Monday - Thursday and Sunday 10am - 5pm | Friday and Saturday 10am - 6pm
Book: Enquire by emailing [email protected] or book by calling 1800 777 444

IronBark Hill Brewhouse, Pokolbin
IronBark Hill Brewhouse overlooks the grape vines on the grounds of Peter Drayton Wines. It’s a great spot with a small indoor space, a large undercover outdoor space and some tables on the law and terrace.

It has 10 beers and 2 ciders on tap, ranging from pales ales and largers to stouts and porters. There are beer/cider paddles available if you're keen to try a few. For $18 you get four 200ml glasses of your choice.

There is food available on site via the Brewhouse Kitchen. They serve up pasta, nachos, pizza and some smaller meals like arancini, fish tacos, savoury tarts and cheese options.

Address: 694 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Phone: 02 6574 7085
Opening hours: Sunday - Thursday 10am - 5pm | Friday - Saturday 10am - 9pm
Book: online

Matilda Bay Brewhouse
One of the more well known breweries in the Hunter Valley, originally the historic Bluetongue Brewery which opened back in 2001, it is now known as Matilda Bay Brewhouse.

This venue has a large outdoor area with a variety of undercover and open seating, plus a small indoor high table seating area.

There are 12 cold ones on tap, usually including 11 beers and 1 cider. They also have paddles so you can taste a few of your favourites...or find a new favourite. These are $17 for 6 tasters and when you return your paddle you get a midi of your choice in return...not a bad little deal.

There is food available via the onsite restaurant which serves up breakfast, lunch, dinner and takeaway food 7 days a week.

Plus, there is wine tasting just next door at Hermitage Road Wine Tasting Cellars.

Address: Hunter Valley Resort, Corner Hermitage Road and Mistletoe Lane, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Phone: 02 4998 7777
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 11am - 5pm
Book: online via find a table

Sydney Brewery, Lovedale
Located at Rydges Resort Hunter Valley in Lovedale, this hidden little brewery is a fan favourite amongst guests at the resort.

Picture this, having a swim after a round of golf, enjoying a beer direct from the brewer and casual food and restaurant all on the site of your accommodation. It’s all a little too convenient we think! But if you can’t quite squeeze in an overnight trip, Sydney Brewery is open to the public as well.

There are a selection of beers/ciders on tap and more available in the can. For my sweeter tooth, the Argave Ginger Cider is one of my favs from this brand. There is also an optional brewery tour for $20pp which goes for 15mins and includes a paddle of 4 tasting beers.

There are pub style casual bites available for brewery visitors via The Lovedale Bar and Restaurant.

Address: Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, NSW 2325
Phone: 02 4991 0947
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 10am till late | Saturday – Sunday 8am till late
Book: call 02 4991 0947