The Auswine Forum

Is there a greater waste of time than visiting McGuigan's whilst in the Hunter ?

I was dragged along with the love of my life's parents on a horse and carriage ride around some of the vineyards over the weekend. Good idea I thought. Initially. Sadly, we had no choice which ones to visit. That didn't bother her parents as they don't really care for wine much, they were just after the "experience", but I was fuming. I had one day up there and half of it was being carted to two unheard of small (but otherwise respectable) cellar doors and then on to McGuigan's. I know I shouldn't be too critical of individual producers on this forum, but seriously, the cheap commercial style of their operation (not to mention what is in their bottles) really grates especially when it is situated in such a beautiful (and central) spot of the area. It kills me that this is the most frequented cellar door in the Hunter. If I wanted to go to a supermarket I would have stayed in Sydney. And as for the Tempus Two winery across the road ... what were they thinking when that monstrosity was approved ?

Sorry. That's enough of an arbitrary rant for one day.

I only visit McGuigan's for the cheese and fudge, but not wine.

I will be in Sydney for a few days in about a month ... if I get to the Hunter, which cellar doors would you recommend ???

Tyrrell's - earth floors in the tasting room and cellar. Book a tour with them and you'll be shown around the winery.
Brokenwood - good range of wines in their small tasting room. Excellent service
Mount Pleasant - a great range of old Elizabeth's and reds to have over lunch
Lindeman's - try to book a session in the Steven's tasting room - $10 gets you a wine waiter, a cheese platter and all their best and some older wines.

Excellent choices, Blake.

For Brokenwood and Mount Pleasant, make sure you get to try their 'not for tasting' wines as well; also you can ask for bigger tasting glasses at MP .

Also of interest is Petersons wine (not the champagne house), and Tower estate (nice cellar door).

Alan

Also add Lakes Folly, Scarborough and Briar Ridge to that list.

Cheers

Sorry, that last one was from me - forgot to log in

Just watch out that Tyrrell's is closed on Sundays...

cheers,
Graeme

I agree with the above having recently visited the Hunter and can also recommend McLeish & Margan. The small wine makers centre also has the Keith Tulloch Kester Shiraz 00 which they may let you try (usually if you purchase it 1st). As for the carriage ride you should have walked over to Brokenwood instead.

Wandin Valley in Lovedale.
Piggs Peake for a laugh.