Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard
Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard
4.5
About
Set on the crest of a hill, the cellar door has 360-degree views of the picturesque patchwork of vines and paddocks of the Hunter Valley. The sandstone and timber building tips its hat to the history of the vineyard. The Wilkinson's were true pioneers of the Australian winemaking industry. Despite two earlier ventures in Australia, the Wilkinson family returned after the brothers Frederick and John had studied winemaking in France and Germany. In 1866 the family acquired the present site of the Audrey Wilkinson vineyard. Living in tents, they cleared the land and planted vines which were sourced from the MacArthur Onslow property. By the early 1900s, Audrey Wilkinson collected awards around Australia for his Hock, claret and fortified wines. Large quantities were exported to London. Audrey committed to leading edge technology which, at the end of the 19th century, included open cement fermenters and steam powered crushers and hoppers. It was here the Audrey Wilkinson legacy was born.
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  • V3721TNmarcs
    5 contributions
    A great place
    Thoroughly enjoyed the experience at Audrey Wilkinson. Only some confusion over bringing our dog which was not communicated to the staff upon booking (we did notify the booking). Dogs are permitted but only on the deck and not inside. Was a minor issue and the staff were accommodating to make arrangements to suit.
    Dear Guest, Thank you so much for sending through this feedback. I am delighted to read that you had an enjoyable experience and the staff looked after you. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
    Written January 8, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 7, 2023
  • NRJF
    Sydney, Australia56 contributions
    Underwhelming and Unmemorable
    We visited Audrey Wilkinson after being recommended by multiple friends in Sydney; I’m hoping we just visited on an off-day because our experience was extremely underwhelming. The grounds were beautiful, but the atmosphere, wines and service was lacklustre to say the least. Unlike the other wineries we visited throughout our stay, we didn’t receive a warm welcome, much information about the wines and our entire experience seemed very rushed even though we were only one of the two groups visiting at the time. As I stated earlier, we have a lot of friends who have loved their visits here, but we sadly won’t be returning.
    Dear Nicky, Thank you for taking the time to write to us. I am sorry to hear that we did not deliver on our high standard of service that we pride ourselves on. I was hoping that you could contact me at your earliest convenience so that we could go through your experience and learn from the shortfalls from your visit. My contact details are as follows: m 0429 032 953 or e. brooney@agnewwines.com.au Once again, I am sorry for the poor service you received, and I look forward to hearing from you. Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
    Written March 14, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written March 14, 2023
  • Tessa H
    Port Hedland, Australia38 contributions
    Delicious wines with a view!
    A great experience for those looking for a winery with fantastic views! The drive up to the venue was superb overlooking different vineyards and once you get to the top, the view was amazing. The wines were delicious and our host was observant and well informed on the wines and certain tastes. It was nice to see the history of the winery throughout the venue and I can see why it was on every list I read for Hunter Valley wineries to visit. A place I would like to visit again next time I am in the Hunter Valley.
    Dear Tessa, I am delighted to read that you had an enjoyable experience and that the staff looked after you. I will be sure to pass on your wonderful feedback to them in due course. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
    Written April 7, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 6, 2023
  • Richard P
    Northamptonshire, United Kingdom107 contributions
    Reasonable but unexciting
    An interesting if unremarkable wine tasting. We were given samples from about 10 wines in very small quantities. The narrative from the server was reasonable. We had a cheeseboard with it which was expensive for what we got Woukd I go again? I wouldn't avoid it but I'm sure there are lots more vineyards to sample
    Dear Richard, Thank you for taking the time to write to us during your recent visit to our Cellar Door. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
    Written August 30, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 30, 2023
  • Rachel G
    1 contribution
    Poor service and disappointing wine
    Unfortunately despite the recommendations we had received previously, we had a disappointing experience at Audrey Wilkinson this past weekend. We arrived expecting to be able to sit outside and look at the view it is so famous for, only to be seated in a dingy barn with barely any natural light. When we asked the young server to be moved outside we were initially told it would be fine and then after he spoke with his manager she came over and just sharply said “is there a problem?” (Rude) and after we explained that we just wanted an outdoor table we were just simply told no, we can’t because we aren’t doing a premium tasting. There was no option for us to upgrade our tasting to make this possible or even the offer of a different table. We then proceeded with the tasting with the young server, who was very friendly and polite but also clearly very new to the role and therefore lacked knowledge and actually told us some facts that we knew to be incorrect. He made some interesting comments such as that the sweet desert wine is great poured over McDonald’s ice cream and that all the other tastings we would do that day would just be forcing semillon down our throats. He also asked if we wanted to try any other wines and then after going away to get what we had asked for, he returned and just said there’s nothing else to taste and left it at that. We have done tastings at upwards of 30 different cellar doors throughout the Hunter this year and can confidently say that the quality and taste of the wine from Audrey Wilkinson is the worst we have tasted, particularly the reds. In respect of the server, I do appreciate that everyone starts their career somewhere and if there hadn’t been such a big disappointment with the table and rude manager we wouldn’t have given such a low rating, however when you add all the issues together it makes for a very poor experience.
    Dear Rachael, Thank you for taking the time to write to us. I am sorry to hear that we did not deliver on our high standard of service that we pride ourselves on. We do try and conduct tastings outside when the weather permits. Unfortunately, we experienced higher than normal temperatures on the weekend and as a result we moved our tastings in doors for a more comfortable experience. There were a few guests who had purchased wine and were enjoying this on the deck, but our tastings remained inside. I am sorry this wasn’t explained in better detail to you at the time and this is something I will follow up with my team so that we learn from your shortfalls. Rachael, as you highlighted you visit the Hunter Valley frequently, so I was hoping to welcome you back at a time that suits you. If you would like to contact me and I would like to personally look after you. My contact details are as follows: m 0429 032 953 or e. brooney@agnewwines.com.au Once again, I am sorry for we didn’t deliver on our high standards during your experience and I look forward to hearing from you. Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
    Written November 13, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 11, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,371 reviews
Excellent
1,043
Very good
184
Average
69
Poor
30
Terrible
45

Ariel M
14 contributions
Jun 2020 • Friends
We had booked a premium tasting experience for our party of 4 and was very much looking forward to the experience at such a prominent winery. Unfortunately we left with such a very disappointing experience. While the staff were polite, we had little insight and information into the wines and felt like the staff were just there to pour the next drink on the list.

We were seated promptly however waited around 10 minutes before a staff approached to pour the first wine, then there were usually long idle moments before the next wine. I didn't catch anyone's names as we had 3 different servers.

At the end I asked if I could quickly sample the Moscato wine as many people have recommended it and I wanted to see what the hype was about, to be met with the response, "Well I can't do that now because there's the next group waiting", which in hindsight I should have mention that we were kept waiting throughout the duration of the tasting!

The views of the vineyard were gorgeous and there were some fantastic wines, but based on our experience compared to the tastings at other wineries we went to, I would definitely not recommend spending the money on the premium tasting experience.
Written June 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Arielm, Thank you for taking the time to reply to us. I am sorry to hear that we did not deliver on our high standard of service that we pride ourselves on. I was hoping that you could contact me at your earliest convenience so that we could go through your experience and learn from the shortfalls from your visit. My contact details are as follows: m 0429 032 953 or e. brooney@agnewwines.com.au Once again I am sorry for the poor service you received and I look forward to hearing from you. Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
Written June 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Wendy M
Sydney, Australia7 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
We booked on the same day as our tasting, and unfortunately for a group of 6 we needed name, email and phone details for each individual.
Also, we booked and paid $15 each for a premium tasting and were presented with the list for that basic $5 tasting and only had this rectified when we checked other lists ourselves. Interestingly, there was no availability online to book the basic tasting online for that day.
The premium experience involved our host working 3 our 4 tables at once reciting the details of each wine, pouring a small sample and then disappearing to serve other tables.
At the end of the tasting, we placed our orders and were surprised to learn that there was no discount or redemption of the tasting fee against our purchase. Our expectation was based on every other cellar door I have visited over several years, including a previous visit here.
I don’t think I’ll be revisiting Audrey Wilkinson again, any time soon.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Wendy, Thank you for taking the time to write to us. I am disappointed to read that you did not have an enjoyable experience. I think it’s important to highlight that as part of COVID regulations we require the details of all our guests visiting our cellar door. Our premium tasting is hosted at a private table, however we focus our staffing resources for private wine tastings to our wine club members only. Our premium wine tasting fee is non-redeemable and gives you access to a set menu of seven wines that we believe best represent our premium and reserve range of wines from Audrey Wilkinson. We do offer a refund on tasting fees when joining our wine club. I am sorry for the confusion of receiving the wrong menus at the start of your tasting and will follow up with my team to see why this occurred. If you would like to discuss any further feedback please do not hesitate to contact me on m 0429 032 953 or e. brooney@agnewwines.com.au Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
Written September 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gai K
Newcastle, Australia1 contribution
Mar 2022 • Friends
Such a disappointment. We paid for a group of four to experience the Heritage Tasting and included a cheese board costing us $140 ..which was fine ..if the experience had been any good.
We had just had another tasting down the road at Gundog which was amazing and informative so we were ready and excited to visit the beautiful Audrey Wilkinson . We were seated and ignored for close to 10 minutes . Three staff interacted with us but none gave us any real information or history of the winery or the wines …just filled up our water jug. We were interested in hearing about the history of Audrey and his brother ..and I only know that he had a brother as it was written on the wall. But nothing ..just wine poured into two glasses .. a really brief description then off he went again .Between each wine style tasting we waited far too long. The main gentleman who occasionally sat with us was back and forth to the door checking other people in , chatting at the bar with staff and looking at his phone messages. I assumed that booking an experience several weeks in advance and paying $140 we would be assigned a staff member to run this experience. I even asked if they were understaffed and they told me they weren’t and visitors not coming due to threat of rain on this weekend. I have never complained before but this got the better of me ..it was not good enough..how do you call this an experience..?
we just got up and left ..I don’t think anyone even noticed.
Written March 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Gal, Thank you for taking the time to write to us. I am sorry to hear that we did not deliver on our high standard of service that we pride ourselves on. I was hoping that you could contact me at your earliest convenience so that we could go through your experience and learn from the shortfalls from your visit. My contact details are as follows: m 0429 032 953 or e. brooney@agnewwines.com.au Once again I am sorry for the poor service you received and I look forward to hearing from you. Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
Written March 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lynda
4 contributions
Sep 2020
As a group of 6 we booked a premium wine tasting yesterday at a cost of $15 per person, the setting was great but feel its not value for money. Most places if you make a purchase after the tasting, you either dont need to pay the tasting cost or get it as a credit, not the case at Audrey Wilkinson. We also thought for a group of 6 and paying this amount ($90 total) we would have a serving person to look after our table only, the girl who was very good served our group plus 2 other groups at the same time. A suggestion for the winery is anyone selecting the premium tasting get the choice of having 6 wines from either of the two tasting menus available, therefore allowing white wine drinkers more choice. I think the venue is great and a spectacular view but wouldn't recommend the $15 premium tasting.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Lynda, Thank you for passing on your feedback. We offer a variety of tasting options at Audrey Wilkinson all of which offer estate grown wines and are hosted by our wonderful team. Our premium tasting is hosted at a private table, however we focus our staffing resources for private wine tastings to our wine club members only. Our premium wine tasting fee is non-redeemable and gives you access to a set menu of seven wines that we believe best represent our premium and reserve range of wines from Audrey Wilkinson. We do offer a refund on tasting fees when joining our wine club. We hope to welcome you back again in the near future. Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
Written September 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lyzzee1977
Sydney, Australia127 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
We had booked and paid for a 45 minute premium tasting as per current practice. It was very busy and some groups were turning up without bookings and other groups were late for bookings.

The view is magnificent and there were plenty of people there for the view.

We were seated about 10 minutes after our start time and it soon became apparent that they are understaffed. The gentleman serving us was polite and knowledgeable but had too many people to attend to and we had to leave before we could complete the tasting. We enjoyed some of the wines but the overall experience was not positive.

To their credit, when I raised this issue via email we received a full refund of tasting fees and a request to book through the manager in the future.

Perhaps a weekday tasting would be less rushed.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Lyzee, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We apologise once again for not providing a positive tasting experience on this occasion and as mentioned we hope to get the opportunity to welcome you back in the near future. Please feel free to reach out to us when you do decide to revisit. My contact details are as follows: m 0429 032 953 or e. brooney@agnewwines.com.au Once again I am sorry for the poor service you received and I look forward to hearing from you. Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
Written September 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

PaulaRoumanous
Sydney, Australia38 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
Having to make 2 seperate bookings online to cater for our group of 7 was fine because you can only book for 6 people at a time! No trouble at all. I even called to confirm our booking is for a total of 7 people. No worries, I was told. We’ll see it when we take your booking.
So when 7 people arrived to be seated at a table for 3 we said....Um, we won’t fit there. The person at the door said with his hands raised “calm down” You’ll be seated soon, just wait.
The mountain view was a distant memory by now.
I didn’t come to the Hunter Valley for this experience!
He then followed that remark with a fast pour of wine and another terrible comment of “right we’ve got a schedule to keep”
Our wine tasting experience lasted approximately 16 minutes!
16 minutes of wine tasting of a less than average range of wines that they suggested were better to drink after a few years in the cellar.
I couldn’t recommend this vineyard to anyone.
Written May 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Paula, Thank you for taking the time to write to us. I am sorry to hear that we did not deliver on our high standard of service that we pride ourselves on. I was hoping that you could contact me at your earliest convenience so that we could go through your experience and learn from the shortfalls from your visit. My contact details are as follows: m 0429 032 953 or e. brooney@agnewwines.com.au Once again I am sorry for the poor service you received and I look forward to hearing from you. Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
Written May 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Donna L
7 contributions
Jun 2021
We loved all of the wines at Audrey Wilkinson but the service overall was lacking. It took a while for someone to come over and start the tasting then she left mid-way through and somebody else came over who was working between multiple tables. So we had to wait a long time between tastings and had to rush out of there to make it to our next winery. This seems to be an ongoing issue with all of the wineries in the Hunter we went to over the weekend...seems they are booking large groups to wine taste but few staff to handle it. I miss the pre-covide wine tasting days for sure.
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Donal, Thank you very much for taking the time to write to us during your recent visit to our cellar door. I take your feedback on regarding the service and hope to welcome you back in the near future. Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
Written June 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

HannahT
2 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
We visited based on the beautiful views and they didn’t disappoint. However the wine tasting experience was one of the poorest I’ve ever experienced. We tried the Heritage tasting.

Our sommelier was in and out, barely staying with us for 1 minute at a time. When we was describing the wines, he wasn’t even looking at us but rather looking around the room at what was happening in other areas.

He asked a few of the same questions over again and evidently didn’t recall our answers.

Very disappointed and wouldn’t recommend going for a tasting.
Written March 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Hannah, Thank you for taking the time to write to us. I am sorry to hear that we did not deliver on our high standard of service that we pride ourselves on. I was hoping that you could contact me at your earliest convenience so that we could go through your experience and learn from the shortfalls from your visit. My contact details are as follows: m 0429 032 953 or e. brooney@agnewwines.com.au Once again I am sorry for the poor service you received and I look forward to hearing from you. Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
Written March 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

DaveR
1 contribution
Jun 2020
We went on the "Picnic among the vines" with included wine tasting and tour of the Wine House. We were greeted at the door with a glass of the Winemakers Selection Blanc Et Noir by David, our host and guide for the day.

David was extremely friednly and knowledgeable and following a background of the winery dating back to the 1800's and a wine tasting to boot we were provided with a pinic hamper, blanket and bottle of wine.

The view for the picnic was second to none.

I can not recommend this experience strongly enough. I highly enjoyable package.
Written June 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear David, Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful review after visiting our Cellar Door. I am delighted to read that you enjoyed your "Picnic Among the Vines” experience. I will be sure to pass on your wonderful feedback to David. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
Written June 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lindsay W
2 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Absolutely stunning views over the valley. Lovely cellar door. Ally who looked after our tasting was very knowledgeable and friendly. We didn't feel rushed during our tasting nor feel pressured into purchasing wines. However we did because the wines were lovely. Would definitely recommend as a must visit to anyone coming to the Hunter Valley
Written October 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Lindsay, Wow!! What a lovely review about Allie! Thank you for taking the time to write to us during your visit to our Cellar Door. I will be sure to pass on your wonderful feedback to them in due course. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Kind Regards, Brian Rooney Operations Manager
Written October 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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