Brunch among the vines, with bubbles. This short, easy Hunter Valley stop is all about sparkling wine, great views, and a guided food and pairing experience at Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard in Pokolbin.

Two things I really like about it are the shared brunch board built around local, gourmet ingredients, and the way you get four specially selected wine pairings alongside your meal. You also get an educational component, so the wines are more than just something to drink.

The main thing to consider is time. At about 1 hour, the pace is brisk, so this is best if you want a morning taste-and-savor, not a long, slow multi-course lunch. If you have dietary requirements, note them when booking.

Key things worth knowing before you go

• Sparkling start with a welcome glass in the vineyard setting
• Shared brunch board with locally sourced, gourmet ingredients
• Four wine pairings selected to match your brunch
• Take-home wine included, with one bottle shared between two people
• Small group size with a maximum of 12 travelers
• Good weather required since the experience runs outdoors in the vines

Entering Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard for a sparkling morning

This is the kind of Hunter Valley experience that feels like it was designed for real life. You meet at 750 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, then start your morning in a vineyard location where the views are part of the point. You’ll typically get a warm welcome and a glass of sparkling wine right away, which sets the tone fast, before you even get to the food.

Because it runs for about one hour, you do not need to plan a full day just to enjoy something wine-country themed. It also means the experience stays focused. There is not a long walking tour, no complicated itinerary, and no sense that you’re rushing from one far-flung stop to another. Instead, you’re there for the food, the wine, and the scenery at Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard.

One nice detail is that service is described as more personalised and attentive. In a small setting, that matters. You’re not a nameless party number. You’re likely to get quick answers about what you’re tasting and how the pairings work.

The brunch board: local ingredients, shared and social

Your brunch is served as a shared board, so think casual and communal rather than formal plated courses. The food is described as locally sourced and gourmet, which is a good sign for quality even if the portion style is shared. It’s also a simple format for getting multiple flavors without needing a long meal.

What I like about a shared board in a tasting setting is that it keeps the pairing fun. If the board includes different bites, you can take a few tastes, then switch wines and see how your palate responds. You’re not stuck with one dish while the wine changes around it.

Also, shared food tends to make the whole thing feel lighter. This is not a heavy lunch stop. It’s an experience you can comfortably slot in before other Hunter Valley plans, especially since it ends back at the meeting point.

Practical tip: if you know you’ll prefer lighter items, eat slowly and pace your first wine sip. Sparkling wine is refreshing, but it can also make you feel faster than usual, especially on a warm morning.

Four wine pairings made for matching your bites

The heart of this experience is the pairing. You get four Audrey Wilkinson wines with your brunch, with “specially selected wine pairings” planned to go with what’s on the shared board. That gives you a structured tasting, not just random sampling.

Here’s why that matters for your enjoyment. In wine-country, it’s easy to end up with a good glass but no idea what makes it work. With organized pairings, your brain gets a hook. You taste, you connect flavors, and you start learning what the winery thinks pairs well with brunch-style food.

You’ll also have an educational component, which can help you pick up quick, usable context. Even when you’re not a wine nerd, a few pointers can turn tasting into something you remember. It changes the experience from sip and smile to sip and understand.

One more thing: you should expect the sparkling wine to be the vibe-setter. Starting with sparkling helps keep the morning lively, especially with food in front of you.

The educational component: useful, not overbearing

The experience includes education designed to deepen your appreciation for the wine and the place you’re tasting. Since this is only about one hour, the teaching style is likely to be compact and practical, not a long lecture. That’s exactly how wine education should feel on holiday, short enough to stay fun, detailed enough to make a difference.

What you’ll likely get out of it is a clearer sense of:

• why the wines chosen for your board make sense,
• how sparkling styles can interact with food,
• and how pairing guidance can help you order smarter later.

This part is also great for mixed groups. If you’re going with someone who wants an easy experience, they still get the views, the food, and the tastings. If you’re the one who wants to understand what you’re drinking, the pairing structure gives you something to pay attention to without needing extra research.

If you’re a complete beginner, don’t worry. The key here is that the experience is set up so you’re guided while you taste. You’re not left to guess.

The take-home bottle: why it feels like more value

You also get a take-home bottle of wine included, with the note that it’s “one take-home bottle of wine between two.” In plain terms, if you’re coming with another adult, you’ll share that take-home bottle. If you’re coming as a single person, you’ll want to confirm how the provider handles the between-two phrasing when you book.

Why I think this is such a good add-on: it turns a one-hour experience into something you can enjoy later at home. You’re not just paying for the moment on-site. You’re also buying a little follow-through.

It also makes the whole experience feel more gift-like. One positive detail from a happy family experience is that they felt appreciated with an extra wine gifting. I can’t promise that level of extras every time, but the general theme is clear: they want you to leave feeling well looked after.

If you like bringing home a specific wine from each destination, this makes it easy.

Timing, group size, and how to enjoy the one-hour window

This runs for about 1 hour, and the tour has a maximum of 12 travelers. That small group size is a big deal. It usually means less waiting around, more chance to ask questions, and a calmer tasting environment. It’s also easier to hold attention during an experience that is intentionally short.

Here’s how to make the most of the pacing:

• Arrive with a clear idea of what you want: sparkling and brunch pairing, not a full winery day.
• Keep your water handy and take breaks between sips.
• If you have dietary requirements, flag them during booking. The provider explicitly asks you to note requirements, so don’t keep that in your head.

Because it’s a morning activity, it can pair well with other Hunter Valley stops the same day. You’ll still have energy to explore, and you’ll have a glass of something local already guiding your mood.

Price and value in Hunter Valley wine country

At $57.38 per person, this isn’t the cheapest thing you can do in the Hunter Valley. But it also isn’t priced like a bare-bones tasting either.

What you’re paying for is a package:

• a brunch experience served as a shared board,
• alcoholic beverages included,
• four wine pairings selected to match your food,
• plus the educational component,
• and a take-home bottle shared between two.

Even without comparing to other specific wineries, you can feel the value logic. The price includes the alcohol and the structured tasting moments, not just a view and a snack. If you were to buy brunch and wines separately, the bundle pricing starts to make more sense.

One note: all fees and taxes are not included in the stated price. That’s a small detail, but it affects your total budget. Also, since this is often booked ahead, with an average booking window around 17 days, you’ll want to lock in your date if you’re traveling soon.

Who should book this brunch in the vines?

This works especially well if you like:

• wine tasting but want it organized and not overwhelming,
• a scenic stop without committing to a full day,
• couples who want a shared food and wine experience,
• anyone who enjoys small groups and attentive service.

It’s also a good pick if your schedule is tight. You’re done in about an hour, and it ends back where you started.

On the other hand, if you want a long sit-down meal, a big food program, or a deep winery walkthrough, you might find this brisk. This is a short, well-designed highlight, not a full-day winery deep dive.

And if you’re traveling with a pet, there’s a plus: service animals are allowed. If you’re hoping to bring a non-service puppy or pet, the data only explicitly confirms service animals, so you’ll want to ask the provider directly.

Should you book Sparkling Brunch in the Vines?

I’d book this if your ideal Hunter Valley day includes sparkling wine, a shared brunch board, and a simple, guided pairing that you can finish with time to spare. The views, the four wine pairings, and the take-home bottle are the three strongest reasons it feels like more than a quick drink stop.

Skip it if you want a long, slow meal or a deep winery tour day. In that case, you’ll probably want a different, longer format.

If you’re deciding between this and a generic wine tasting, pick this when you want the food and wine to be paired with intention. It saves you guesswork, and the whole experience stays friendly and focused.

FAQ

How long is Sparkling Brunch in the Vines?

It runs for about 1 hour.

Where does the experience start and end?

You start at 750 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia, and it ends back at the meeting point.

What is included in the brunch?

You get a shared brunch board.

Is alcohol included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included, and your brunch comes with selected wine pairings.

How many wines are paired with your brunch?

You’ll enjoy specially selected wine pairings with four Audrey Wilkinson wines.

Do I get a take-home bottle?

Yes. A take-home bottle of wine is included, with one bottle between two people.

What is the maximum group size?

The experience has a maximum of 12 travelers.

What should I do if I have dietary requirements?

When booking, note any dietary requirements you may have so the provider can be aware of your needs.

Is the experience dependent on weather?

Yes. It requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.