Hunter Valley Trip Planner - Saddler's Creek

Discover the Valley

Your Adventure Awaits in the Hunter Valley

Unleash your wanderlust as you explore stunning landscapes, amazing wineries, and local delicacies. Create your own unforgettable experiences that will engage your senses and make lasting memories.

Where is Saddler’s Creek Wines? Understanding the Hunter Valley Wine Country

If you’re planning a Hunter Valley trip and want to make the most of your time—especially if good wine, great food, and a bit of winter cosiness are on your list—let’s get you oriented.

Saddler’s Creek Wines is right in the heart of Pokolbin, which is basically the centre of Hunter Valley wine country.

Picture the Hunter as a patchwork of rolling vineyards, winding country roads, and little pockets of gourmet goodness—Pokolbin is where it all comes together. We’re on Marrowbone Road, surrounded by iconic cellar doors, top restaurants, and some of the region’s best scenery (think wide-open skies, vineyard views, and the Brokenback Ranges as your backdrop).

Being so central means you can easily pop in for a tasting, settle in by our firepit with a glass of Shiraz, or use us as your launchpad for exploring the rest of the Valley.

The Sub-Regions of the Hunter Valley (and Why They Matter)

Pokolbin:
The beating heart of the region. It’s where you’ll find Saddler’s Creek Wines (make us your first stop!), loads of cellar doors, hatted restaurants, and plenty of accommodation. If you want to be in the thick of the action, this is your spot.
Mount View:
Just a short drive from Pokolbin, Mount View is all about rolling hills, misty mornings, and boutique wineries with knockout views. It’s a bit quieter and perfect if you’re after a more scenic, laid-back tasting experience.
Lovedale:
East of Pokolbin, Lovedale has a relaxed country feel, with family-run wineries, artisan producers, and a reputation for gourmet food. It’s a favourite for foodies and those who like to take things slow.
Broke Fordwich:
A little further out, Broke Fordwich is rustic and peaceful—think organic vineyards, olive groves, and a slower pace. It’s a great detour if you want to escape the crowds.
Wollombi & Cessnock:
Wollombi is a charming historic village with quirky shops and boutique wineries, while Cessnock is the main service town and the gateway to wine country. Both are handy bases for exploring the whole region.

So, whether you’re staying in Pokolbin and want everything on your doorstep, or you’re up for a bit of a countryside adventure, each sub-region has something special. But wherever you end up, be sure to start (or finish!) your Hunter Valley journey with a visit to Saddler’s Creek Wines—we’re the friendly face of Pokolbin, and the perfect spot to get your winter wine adventure underway.

Plan Your Wine Experiences First – The Smart Way to Explore the Hunter Valley

Most travel guides tell you to book accommodation first, but we think it makes more sense to choose your wineries and activities before you decide where to stay.

Why? Because there's no point staying in Broke Fordwich if you want to spend your days at Saddler's Creek, then visit Mount View wineries, and finish with dinner in Pokolbin. You'll end up driving more than tasting, and that's not what a wine holiday should be about.

Here's the smarter way to plan your trip:

Pick your must-visit wineries first (like Saddler's Creek as your hero stop)
Choose your dining experiences (those hatted restaurants with fireplaces)
Map out your daily wine trails by grouping nearby cellar doors
Then find accommodation that puts you in the centre of your action

This way, you'll spend less time driving and more time enjoying great wine and food. It also makes transport and logistics easier, lets you be more spontaneous, and saves you money on fuel.

Of course, if you've found that perfect vineyard cottage with a fireplace and want to base your whole trip there, booking accommodation first can work. But for most people wanting to explore the best of the Hunter Valley, experiences should drive where you stay.

Next up: Step 1 – Choose Your Wine Experiences and Build Your Perfect Hunter Valley Itinerary.

Step 2: Choose Your Accommodation – Stay Close to the Action

Once you’ve mapped out your must-visit wineries and experiences, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay. Here are some of the Hunter Valley’s most popular and convenient accommodation options—all ideally located for exploring Saddler’s Creek Wines and the best of wine country.

Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort – Set in the heart of Pokolbin, this resort offers one, two, and three-bedroom villa accommodation overlooking an 18-hole championship golf course. Enjoy on-site restaurants, swimming pools, tennis courts, and easy access to nearby wineries and attractions.
15 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin
voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley – Classic country heritage meets contemporary elegance on 70 acres of manicured gardens. Enjoy luxury rooms, the Locavore Restaurant, Epoche Lounge Bar with open fireplace, and beautiful vineyard views.
336 Oakey Creek Rd, Pokolbin
Rydges Resort Hunter Valley – A sprawling resort in Lovedale with something for everyone: pools, a waterpark, spa, golf course, and multiple dining options. Perfect for families, groups, or anyone who wants plenty of on-site activities.
430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale
The Vintage Holiday Houses – Privately owned luxury homes set within The Vintage estate and golf course. Choose from modern villas, spacious cottages, and large homes with fireplaces and vineyard or fairway views—ideal for families, groups, or golf weekends.
Vintage Dr, Rothbury
Chateau Elan – Award-winning luxury resort at The Vintage, offering hotel-style suites, an on-site day spa, and a Greg Norman-designed golf course. Enjoy vineyard views, fine dining, and easy access to wine trails.
Vintage Dr, Rothbury
Hunter Holidays – Local experts offering a range of boutique cottages, vineyard houses, and luxury homes throughout Pokolbin, Lovedale, Rothbury, and surrounds. Ideal for couples, families, or groups wanting a personalised Hunter Valley experience and local advice on where to stay.
hunterholidays.com.au

All of these options put you right in the heart of wine country, just a short drive (or even a stroll) to Saddler’s Creek Wines and many of the region’s best cellar doors, dining, and activities.

Next up: Step 3 – Plan Your Dining and Activities for the Ultimate Hunter Valley Escape

Step 1: Choose Your Wine Experiences – Building Your Perfect Hunter Valley Itinerary

Now that you understand the sub-regions, it's time to plan the fun stuff—your wine experiences. This is where your Hunter Valley trip comes to life, and it all depends on what kind of getaway you're planning.

Start with Your Must-Visit Wineries

Make Saddler's Creek Wines your anchor point. We're perfectly positioned in Pokolbin, so you can easily explore other cellar doors before or after your visit. Plus, our firepit, live music every weekend, and premium Shiraz tastings (including the exclusive Equus flight) make us the perfect place to start or end your wine trail.

From Saddler's Creek, you can easily visit these boutique, family-owned wineries:

Mercer Wines – Sustainable, small-batch wines with a focus on regional character.
John Wallace Wines – Boutique, family-run, with a relaxed vibe and hands-on winemaking.
Wren Wines – Innovative, minimal-intervention wines made with passion and creativity.
Savannah Estate – Family legacy, beautiful scenery, and a diverse range of varietals.
Gartelmann Wines (Lovedale) – Owned by Saddler’s friend Chef Matt Dillow, this boutique cellar door is a Hunter Valley landmark known for elegant, hand-crafted wines and warm hospitality.
Tip: Stop for a hearty breakfast or lunch at the on-site The Deck Cafe Lovedale, run by Chef Matt himself. Overlooking the bushland, it’s a favourite for casual vineyard dining, family gatherings, and functions. Don’t miss the freshly baked bread, house-made pasta, and seasonal local produce.

Plan Your Experiences by Occasion

🍷 Couples' Romantic Getaway

Wine experiences: Premium tastings at Saddler's Creek with Equus Shiraz flight, intimate cellar door visits
Dining: Muse (award-winning with fireplace), Eremo (romantic Italian), Pescara (intimate neighbourhood feel)
Activities: Hot air ballooning at sunrise, couples spa at Chateau Elan, cheese and wine pairings
Live music: Join us for acoustic sessions with artists like Anna Weatherup and Isabella McGavin

🧖‍♀️ Girls' Spa Weekend

Wine experiences: Group tastings at Saddler's Creek, rosé and bubbles trails, Instagram-worthy cellar doors
Spa treatments: Chateau Elan Day Spa (17 treatment rooms), Elysia Wellness Retreat, mobile spa services
Dining: Nineteen Bar & Bistro (relaxed with fireplace), Twine (vineyard views), Voco (elegant manor setting), The Deck Cafe Lovedale (perfect for a long brunch or lunch)
Activities: Hunter Valley Cheese Factory workshops, wine and chocolate pairings

⛳ Golf Boys Weekend

Golf: The Vintage Golf Club (Greg Norman designed, ranked #31 in Australia), Cypress Lakes Resort
Wine experiences: Saddler's Creek for Shiraz tastings and live music, group cellar door tours
Dining: Harrigan's (pub atmosphere with stone fireplaces), Rydges (sports bar feel), Nineteen (bistro classics), The Deck Cafe Lovedale (great for a pre-golf breakfast)
Activities: Driving range practice, segway tours, brewery visits

🏠 Friends Holiday House Weekend

Wine experiences: Saddler's Creek for group tastings and live music, wine trails with designated drivers
Group dining: Harrigan's (big groups welcome), Twine (vineyard setting), Pescara (group bookings), The Deck Cafe Lovedale (casual and social)
Activities: Pool parties, firepit gatherings, group bike tours

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Adventures

Family wineries: Saddler's Creek (kids tasting paddles available), Mercer Wines, Savannah Estate, Gartelmann Wines (animal farm and garden for the kids)
Kids activities: Hunter Valley Gardens (Mega Creatures), Adventure Centre segways, sculpture parks
Family dining: Harrigan's (family-friendly pub), Nineteen (casual bistro), pizza making at Saddler's Creek, The Deck Cafe Lovedale (kid-friendly menu and space to play)
Accommodation: Holiday houses with pools, family-friendly resorts

Our Current Live Music Lineup

Plan your visit around our talented local musicians performing every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday:

June 6-8: Anna Weatherup, Nieko, Lachlan Edwards
June 13-14: Patrick McMahon, Anna Weatherup
June 20-21: Anna Weatherup, Mark Henderson
June 27-28: Howard Shearman, Isabella McGavin

Plan Your Fireside Dining (Where You Can Enjoy Saddler's Creek Wines)

Winter in the Hunter Valley is all about cosy meals by the fire. These restaurants stock Saddler's Creek wines, so you can continue enjoying our Shiraz with your meal:

Muse – Award-winning cuisine with sandstone fireplace (perfect for couples)
Eremo Restaurant – Modern Italian with indoor/outdoor fireplaces (romantic atmosphere)
Harrigan's – Rustic Irish pub with stone fireplaces (great for groups and families)
Twine – Modern Australian with vineyard views (ideal for friends and couples)
Nineteen Bar & Bistro – Bistro classics with fireplace lounge (relaxed for all occasions)
Locavore at Voco – Manor house fireplace dining (elegant for couples and spa weekends)
Pescara – Neighbourhood Italian with warm atmosphere (intimate for couples)
Rydges Resort – Relaxed dining with fireplace (casual for golf weekends)

Pro tip: Book your premium tastings in advance, especially at Saddler's Creek for our Equus Shiraz flight. It's exclusive to members and premium tasting guests, and spots fill up quickly during winter weekends with live music.

Next up: Step 2 – Choose Your Accommodation Based on Your Wine Trail and Occasion

Step 3: Plan Your Dining and Activities – Make the Most of Your Hunter Valley Escape

With your wine experiences and accommodation sorted, it’s time to fill your days (and nights) with the best food, fun, and local flavour the Hunter Valley has to offer. Whether you’re after fireside fine dining, casual bites, family-friendly adventures, or something a little different, there’s something here for everyone.

Fireside Dining & Restaurants That Pour Saddler’s Creek Wines

Muse – Award-winning contemporary Australian cuisine with a sandstone fireplace. Book ahead for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
Eremo Restaurant – Modern Italian at Spicers Guesthouse, with both indoor and outdoor fireplaces and a sophisticated wine list featuring Saddler’s Creek.
Harrigan's – Rustic Irish pub with hearty meals, live music, and a roaring fire—perfect for groups or families.
Twine – Modern Australian fare with vineyard views and a relaxed, welcoming vibe.
Nineteen Bar & Bistro – Bistro classics and a fireplace lounge at The Vintage, ideal for a casual lunch or dinner.
Locavore at voco Kirkton Park – Estate-to-plate dining in a manor house setting, complete with a grand fireplace.
Pescara – Neighbourhood Italian with a warm atmosphere—great for couples or friends.
Rydges Resort – Lovedale Bar & Grill offers relaxed dining and a fireplace, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Breakfast & Brunch Hotspots

The Deck Cafe Lovedale – Enjoy breakfast or lunch overlooking the bushland at Gartelmann Wines, with fresh local produce and house-made treats.
Enzo – Italian-inspired breakfast and coffee in a charming converted church.

Unique Winter Activities

Cheese & Chocolate Tasting – Visit Hunter Valley Cheese Factory or Cocoa Nib for delicious pairings.
Hot Air Ballooning – Soar over the vineyards at sunrise for breathtaking views and a truly memorable experience.
Live Music at Saddler’s Creek – Enjoy local artists every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with a glass of Shiraz by the firepit.
Hunter Valley Gardens – Explore themed gardens, the winter “Snow Time” festival, and family-friendly fun.
Spa & Wellness – Unwind at Chateau Elan Day Spa, Elysia Wellness Retreat, or book a massage in your villa.
Golf – Tee off at The Vintage or Cypress Lakes, both with stunning views and top-notch facilities.
Bike Tours & Horse Riding – Explore the vines on two wheels or horseback for a different perspective.

Family-Friendly Fun

Hunter Valley Gardens – Mega Creatures, rides, and playgrounds for the kids.
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park – See kangaroos, koalas, and exotic animals up close.
Picnic at Saddler’s Creek – Bring the family for a relaxed afternoon with kids’ tasting paddles and plenty of space to play.

Tip: Book restaurants and activities ahead, especially on weekends and during winter festivals. And don’t forget to check what’s on at Saddler’s Creek Wines—there’s always something special happening!

Tag us @saddlerscreekwines #huntervalley #saddlercreekswines

Plan Your Ideal Trip

Whether you’re seeking a romantic retreat or a fun family vacation, we can’t wait to welcome you to Saddler’s Creek Wines

If you want further assistance with tailoring your itinerary and valuable tips to enhance your experience in the Hunter Valley, call our winery on 02 4991 1770.