Check out these Hunter Valley wine labels we think you should know
The Hunter Valley is home to a staggering number of wineries and vineyards. But when it comes to tasting the region’s wine, two things are true:
1. We can’t always get to a cellar door for a tasting
2. Finding a lesser-known gem from the region is always rewarding.
Enter: an abundance of Hunter Valley wine labels that can be bought online or in bottle shops, that you probably haven't heard of.
From boutique family-run vineyards to innovative newcomers, here’s our guide to lesser-known Hunter Valley wine labels that we think you should know about. Happy drinking!
Aeon Wines
Aeon Wines is the creation of fifth-generation Hunter Valley vigneron Alisdair Tulloch and Kenisha Tulloch, and its wines are made only from syrah (AKA shiraz) or syrah blends.
The focus on syrah is driven by the duo's obsession with the grape (Alisdair spent years working with syrah in the Rhone Valley), the variety of ways it expresses itself, and the site in which it is grown. You can buy their wines via the Aeon Wines website or taste them by appointment.
Bad Neighbours
A passion project of husband-and-wife duo Leesa and Sam Mealing, whose love for natural wine took them from Marrickville to London, then all the way to the vineyards of France before finding their way home to the Hunter. Their adventure has evolved into one of the region’s most intriguing small-batch wine stories.
With a philosophy rooted in honesty and minimal intervention, Leesa and Sam are crafting wines that champion organically grown fruit, wild fermentation, and a “nothing added, nothing taken away” ethos. The result? Lo-fi, expressive drops that reflect not just the fruit, but the freedom and playfulness behind them.
Beckels Vineyard
Beckels Vineyard is owned and operated by Rebecca and Ian Bower, but this boutique Broke vineyard is very much a family affair, with the couple’s parents and three daughters often helping out.
The fruits of their labour? A very drinkable shiraz, chardonnay, fiano, barbera, and sparkling chardonnay. You can find Beckels’ wines at Modus Brewery in Merewether, Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows, Lake Macquarie Yacht Club, and Marks Point Sports Club, or purchase them via the Beckels Vineyard website.
Chateau Pato
Chateau Pato is led by winemaker and viticulturist Nick Paterson, who continues the legacy of his winemaking father David at the family vineyard and winery that’s been in operation since 1979.
Nick makes a small range of wines starring shiraz, chardonnay, and Semillon. You can purchase via the Chateau Pato website or request a tasting with Nick.
Eagles Rest
Eagles Rest makes its wines from the Maluna vineyard, a spot high in the foothills of the Brokenback Range where, you guessed it, wedge tailed eagles nest.
Run by the Hill family since 2006, keeping things small and intimate has been the goal from the get-go, and it’s resulted in a small yet quality range of wine including semillon, syrah, and chardonnay. The family even has a mobile cellar door at the vineyard – pop in from 1pm-4pm Friday to Sunday or purchase Eagles Rest wine via their website.
Far Distilling
Tucked away in the heart of the Hunter Valley, FAR Distilling is the creation of husband-and-wife duo Ben and Jessica Whittemore-Tulloch. Their small, family-run distillery celebrates the region’s rich character through handcrafted spirits that balance tradition with innovation. With a focus on premium quality and locally sourced ingredients, Ben and Jess bring together time-honoured techniques and a fresh, creative spirit to craft drinks that capture the essence of the Hunter—warm, welcoming, and distinctly unique.
Glover Wines
If you’re a Hunter Valley wine devotee, you might have heard the name Emily Glover. Emily is the winemaker at De Iuliis, but she also has her very own brand, Glover Wines, which brought out its first release in 2022 – a traditional Semillon with a modern twist, made from grapes from the Oakey Creek Vineyard.
Emily is certainly one to watch in the Hunter Valley wine world – there’s even a new wine coming to the Glover Wines label very soon, so keep your eyes peeled. Purchase Emily’s wine via the Glover Wines website.
Gunpowder Wines
We love a wine that begins with a good story, and Gunpowder Wines certainly fits that bill. The name of this Hunter Valley winery pays homage to the failed 1605 plot to assassinate King James I of England by blowing up wine barrels filled with gunpowder beneath the Houses of Parliament.
Gunpowder Wines winemaker Harrison Medley hails from Yorkshire, like Guy Fawkes, but aims to use his wine barrels for good, making shiraz, chardonnay, fiano, and shiraz nouveau from Hunter Valley and Mudgee grapes. Get your hands on a bottle by purchasing via the Gunpowder Wines website.
James Edward Wines
James Edward Wines is the brainchild of James and Jessica Turpie, who make predominantly cool climate styles of wine.
There’s nothing stuffy about these wines, so make sure you crack them open and enjoy them as soon as possible. With a focus on organically-grown grapes and minimal intervention, James Edward Wines are a great option for wine lovers looking to tread a little lighter with their consumption. Find them at Vera Wine in Hamilton.
Lambs Valley Wines
A heartfelt creation of David and Clare MacDougal, who, along with their three sons and two loyal dogs, have made this hidden corner of the Hunter their home. Surrounded by rolling hills and a close-knit community, the MacDougals pour their passion into every vine, crafting small-batch wines that embody family, friendship, and the beauty of their valley.
Their wines are more than just a taste of the Hunter; they’re a reflection of connection, care, and a deep respect for the land they call home.
Majama Wines
Run by partners Millie Shorter (on graphic design duty) and Rojer Rathod (on winemaking duty), Majama Wines doesn’t take wine too seriously. The word majama means happy, enjoyment, or fun in Gujarati, the language of Gujarat, India, where Rojer is from – hence the refreshing, joyful approach to winemaking.
Its wines are minimal intervention, meaning they’re unfiltered and unfined with minimal sulphites. Choose from zibbibo, inzolia, and nero d’avola. Get your hands on a bottle via the Majama Wines website.
NOMAN
Meet NOMAN, the creation of winemaker Sam (and his sidekick, Goose). After studying in Wagga Wagga and working in the Hunter Valley, Sam set out to make wine that feels approachable — less velvet rope, more open door.
Working with growers across Australia, he crafts honest, unpretentious wines guided by his philosophy of “necessary intervention,” letting the fruit and terroir shine naturally. Inspired by The Odyssey, NOMAN celebrates storytelling, wines that reflect their journey, their origins, and the people who share in them.
Pokolbin Vintners
Tucked away on Pokolbin Mountain, Pokolbin Vintners is the passion project of winemaker Brendan Kaczorowski. Here, Brendan brings a fresh, modern edge to a Hunter classic, reimagining the traditional “Hunter River Burgundy” style with his vibrant, medium-bodied Shiraz.
Sourced from the mountain’s rich red clay and limestone soils, these wines are all about balance, intense yet elegant, layered yet effortlessly drinkable.
Sabine Wines
Founded by viticulturist Brent Hutton, Sabine Wines is built on a simple belief, great wine starts in the vineyard. With a hands-on approach and a deep respect for the land, Brent focuses on growing grapes that speak for themselves.
Each vine is nurtured sustainably and tended with care, resulting in wines that capture the purity of the soil and the quiet balance of their environment — honest, thoughtful, and distinctly of the Hunter.
Sabi Wabi
Sabi Wabi winemaker Peta Koltz makes small-batch, lo-fi wine from grapes grown in the Hunter Valley.
Sabi Wabi currently sells pet nat, semillon, and syrah, each providing a refreshing take on popular Hunter Valley varietals. Purchase Sabi Wabi wines via their website or at Vera Wine on Beaumont Street.
Thea Wines
Meet Thea Wines, brought to you by Allanna Wigley and Michael Wells, two wine lovers who believe that every bottle should tell a story. Inspired by Thea, the Greek Goddess of wisdom and insight, their wines are crafted to capture life’s meaningful moments.
Established in 2022, Thea Wines brings a playful yet thoughtful touch to the Hunter, offering approachable, flavour-driven wines designed to be enjoyed anywhere, anytime.
Vales Wines
Having grown up in France and Portugal, Edgar Vales was surrounded by wine, eventually leading him to discover his passion for winemaking.
Edgar now makes wine under the label Vales Wines with his wife Eva and daughters Claudia and Alexandra, focusing on accessibility and drinkability. Edgar keeps things simple and doesn’t tinker with the grapes too much, letting the terroir shine in each bottle. Buy Vales Wines from their website or from Vera Wine in Hamilton.
Woodward's Wines
Nestled on the historic Valley View Vineyard in Pokolbin, planted in 1972, Woodward’s Wines is a true reflection of dedication and passion, handcrafted wines that capture the character of the land, the effort behind every vintage, and the joy of those who share in it.
The businesses featured within this article have not paid to be featured, the content has been curated by the HUNTERhunter editorial team. We only promote businesses we love and think our readers will love too!
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