Sydney in 1 Day for Couples - Private pick-up from Sydney CBD or Hunter Valley
In Collaboration with Coast to Cork, Hunter Valley Wine Tours. Updated on February 3, 2026.
A relaxed, small-group luxury day for couples: three premium cellar-door tastings, a two-course lunch at Bistro Molinés, and private return transfers from Sydney or within the Hunter Valley. Designed for slow, intimate tasting and memorable vineyard moments.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Coast to Cork, Hunter Valley Wine Tours, inspired by the tour Fine Dining Wine Tour – Pokolbin’s Best Wineries & Hatted Restaurant Experience. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private pick-up from Sydney CBD or Hunter Valley
- Premium tasting at Mount Pleasant Wines with cheese pairing
- Exclusive cellar-door experience at Thomas Allen Wines
- Keith Tulloch Wines — wine, artisan chocolate & optional gin tasting
- Two-course lunch at hatted Bistro Molinés with vineyard views
Itinerary
Day 1
Start with pick-up in Sydney CBD (or from Hunter Valley locations), enjoy three intimate winery experiences in Pokolbin with a long lunch at Bistro Molinés, then return to your drop-off point.
Pick-up & Scenic Drive to Hunter Valley (Sydney CBD pick-up starts 08:00)
Your private driver/guide collects you from your specified Sydney CBD address (or Hunter Valley pickup starting 10:30) and begins the coastal drive north to Pokolbin in a luxury, air‑conditioned vehicle.
Tips from local experts:
- If you're in Sydney, expect the pick-up window to be confirmed the day before — keep your phone handy and wear comfortable layers for the morning drive.
- Sit on the passenger side for the best morning light and couples' selfie opportunities as you head north — the coastline-to-vineyard transition makes for beautiful photos.
- Bring a small day bag and any wine purchases you plan to buy; the vehicle has secure storage and a seatbelt for every guest for safety and comfort.
Mount Pleasant Wines — Guided Premium Tasting with Cheese & Lavosh
Arrive at Mount Pleasant for a curated tasting of the estate's premium range paired with local cheeses, olives and lavosh. Expect storytelling about the vineyard's history and cellar-focused pours.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your host for a quiet spot on the terrace or beside the vines — it's perfect for a relaxed, romantic photo with a glass of Semillon or Shiraz.
- Share the cheese board slowly — pacing tastings with food helps you savour each wine and keeps the experience intimate rather than rushed.
- If you fall in love with a bottle, ask about shipping — Mount Pleasant will often assist with arranging delivery for tourists so you can bring special bottles home without extra luggage.
Thomas Allen Wines — Exclusive Winery‑Only Tasting
A focused cellar-door experience at Thomas Allen — a private, membership-style tasting that emphasises small-batch wines and detailed winemaker insights.
Tips from local experts:
- Thomas Allen is intimate and quiet by design — request a table with a vineyard view if you want a private moment together during the tasting.
- Dress smart-casual: this cellar-door welcomes a slightly elevated look and it helps with the elegant ambience for couples.
- Because the experience is exclusive, keep your camera ready for scenic, low-key photos but avoid flash — the lighting and setting are part of the charm.
Keith Tulloch Wines — Wine, Artisan Chocolate & Optional Gin Tasting
A multi-sensory stop: enjoy Keith Tulloch’s award-winning wines, sample artisan chocolate on-site, and (optionally) experience a complimentary local gin distillery tasting produced at the property.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan to try a wine and chocolate pairing together — it’s a naturally romantic, sensory moment and great for tasting notes you’ll remember.
- If you’re curious about gin, opt for the complimentary distillery tasting — it’s a quirky, intimate addition that complements the wines and makes for a playful couple’s memory.
- Ask for verandah seating when available — late-afternoon light over the vines creates a warm setting for lingering over a favourite bottle.
Long Lunch at Bistro Molinés — Two‑Course French‑Inspired Dining
Bistro Molinés provides a leisurely two-course lunch (guests pay on the day). Enjoy seasonal plates framed by sweeping vineyard views — the perfect slow, romantic meal in Hunter Valley.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a window or verandah table when you arrive — the vineyard outlook enhances the long-lunch vibe and is ideal for couples.
- Let your server know any dietary preferences in advance or at arrival; the kitchen adapts seasonal dishes and can help pace courses for a relaxed afternoon.
- Order a shared entrée and a couple of main-course options to taste each other’s dishes — sharing is a lovely way to linger and talk between tastings.
Return & Drop‑off — Hunter Valley or Sydney (approx. arrival times)
After the final stop we head back to your chosen drop-off address. Hunter Valley guests are typically returned first (approx. 16:30) and Sydney guests arrive by around 18:30.
Tips from local experts:
- If you bought bottles, hand them to your guide for safe stowage — they’ll keep them secure for the journey and it saves carrying them during the return leg.
- Use the return drive to relax — your guide can often recommend a bottle to open later that evening for a quiet, romantic night in.
- Plan transport or reservations at your accommodation if you intend to continue the celebration — many Hunter Valley B&Bs and hotels offer late-arrival check-in or romantic add-ons.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 4 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Experience, Restaurant |
