Chef-Led Hunter Valley Gourmet Food and Wine Day Tour from Sydney
Description
This is not your average Hunter Valley wine tour. From the moment you leave Sydney, you’re hosted by a qualified chef who is also your driver and guide, creating a seamless food-and-wine experience from start to finish. The day begins with a stop at the brand new Sydney Fish Market, the third-largest fish market in the world, where fresh local seafood is selected before heading north. To break up the scenic two-hour drive, enjoy breakfast by the Hawkesbury River before arriving in wine country. In the Hunter Valley, visit three hand-picked boutique wineries. From his mobile kitchen your chef prepares modern Australian dishes on site, carefully paired with the wines you’re tasting—transforming each visit into a true culinary experience. Along the way, there’s a strong chance of spotting native wildlife, including kangaroos and birdlife among the vineyards. A relaxed, immersive day blending great food, boutique wines, and chef-led hospitality.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Pickup from a choice of 7 locations around the city. Your guide/driver/chef will give a little commentary along the way pointing out various landmarks and places to visit as we make our way to The Sydney Fish Market. (Don't stress you can grab a fantastic coffee there) Drinking water is also supplied on board the customised kitchen bus.
Visit the brand-new $836 million Sydney Fish Market for a cook’s tour and learn all about the famous seafood auction at the world’s third-largest fish market. Jimmy—your guide, driver, chef, and mate—will point out local specialties and share expert tips on how to select, prepare, and cook them. He’ll also pick up the freshest seafood for The Long Lunch.
We break up the two-hour drive with a stop at the picturesque Hawkesbury River, home to the renowned Sydney Rock, Pacific, and Akoya oysters, as well as the legendary Hawkesbury River prawn. Jimmy will cook up a hearty breakfast to put a proper lining on your stomach in preparation for the wine adventures that follow.
Keep an eye out for wildlife—especially Eastern Grey Kangaroos—as we enter wine country. Jimmy will share insights into the climate, what’s being grown, and what’s happening in the vineyards that surround us. It’s truly stunning. We’ll visit 3 boutique wineries, sampling exceptional wines. As we move from the 2nd to 3rd winery, Jimmy will open his mobile kitchen and prepare dishes to pair with each wine during our long lunch. The menu highlights uniquely Aussie ingredients, with dishes like barramundi paired with Semillon, and kangaroo with shiraz. Finish with a decadent dessert and sweet dessert wine to wrap up the experience. Continue to a handpicked winery with panoramic views of the Great Dividing Range. Enjoy local wines and expertly paired dishes prepared by your guide/chef. The Hunter Valley is renowned for regional produce like olive oils, chutneys, olives, and chili sauces. If time permits, we’ll stop at a local produce store to sample these delicious treats.
Once back in the city, your driver, guide, and new mate will take you over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Along the way, they’ll point out great spots for a meal, as well as must-see landmarks and attractions around this stunning harbourside city. We’ll drop you off at the same locations as the pickups, except for The Sydney Fish Market.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pickup is NOT at 6:30am from all hotels. Please contact Tour Operator directly, 24 hours prior to the tour to confirm exact Pickup time and location and to advise of any special dietary requirements or food allergies if any. Please note if meeting us at The Sydney Fish Markets there drop off is in the city.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Maximum number per booking is 16 people
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum drinking age is 18 years
- Dress code is smart casual
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking as most food is prepared prior
Reviews(773)
Amazing day with Jimmy! Our 2nd time doing this tour. Great wine, amazing food, and insightful conversation. Don’t hesitate to book this!!
Excellent tour! Jimmy is fabulous! What an amazing day we had with JImmy cooking for us and visiting wineries and seeing kangaroos in the wild. Magical!
Fantastic day in the Hunter Valley with good wine and food. Jimmy was full of local knowledge and entertaining
We had a wonderful time on this day long tour. Starting out at the Sydney Fish Market, we got some solid information and a great sneak peak early in the day, before the crowds set in. Then we got back in the comfy van and completed part of the journey after which we had a stop with picturesque views to take in while Jimmy prepared a top notch breakfast. There was then a bit more of a drive into the Hunter Valley to begin the wine-tasting part of our day. We visited three wineries in all over the course of the day, each of which was a bit different, offering a nice variety of experiences. All three of the wineries offered lovely wines, delivered in generous pours. Jimmy prepared delicious food to truly elevate this experience tremendously. The food, wine and scenery were all amazing. But, the absolute star of the show is Jimmy. He gave credit to his Mum for suggesting he combine his talents as a chef and a tour guide. So happy he took her advice! Those talents are impressive and we benefitted from them. But it was his ability to engage with us and all of his guests in such a thoughtful and humorous way that absolutely made this feel like a day spent with friends enjoying all that was around us. Truly, this was one of the best vacation days we have ever experienced. We wholeheartedly recommend this tour!
Best tour for sure! Food was amazing! Selection of wineries was good as well! Jimmy was an amazing tour guide!!
Here what we shared with our FB Travel group: Wednesday was a planned day in Sydney, no rushing to catch a flight. Instead, I booked a tour to the Hunter Valley wine region with a pick up before 7:00AM. Since we have no idea what time zone we are in, it was fine. We were actually up at 4:30AM (7:15 Chatham time, 6:30 Auckland time, 5:30 Norfolk time and 8:30 in Tahiti.) We didn’t just go on a wine tour, but booked with Jimmy’s Gourmet Getaway Tour. First stop the Sydney Fish market, WOW. Then we had a cooked breakfast in Brooklyn, and visited 3 wineries where Jimmy provided hot nibbles to accompany the wines. Jimmy was a 10, food was a 10, wine was drinkable but not memorable. Thursday, we rush off early in the morning to another island.
Jimmy did a great job and it was well worth the cost for this tour. Good variety with the 3 different wineries and the fish market, and the food was excellent!
A fabulous day from start to finish. The day was filled with fun and new experiences. The food and the wine pairings were perfect. Jimmy was the ultimate host, great chef, informative tour guide and bus driver. A man of many hats and a perfect personality for all.
This tour is so much more than the description leads you to believe. From the tour of the Fish Market to breakfast at the river and, of course, the three lovely boutique wineries, you will not be disappointed. Jimmy is a natural born chef and tour guide. He provides an invaluable stream of knowledge and information that only adds to your experience. And the food he prepares is exquisite and an excellent accompaniment to the delicious wine tastings.
This is a MUST do if you like good food & Wine. Jimmy is a great guide and amazing chef who keeps your belly filled With yummy offerings
