Six Shiraz vintages, one great hour. This Tulloch Wines experience is built around tastings of Pokolbin Dry Red Shiraz across multiple vintages, matched with a generous local cheese and charcuterie board, all while you learn the Tulloch family story. I like that you get a guided, seated tasting format with an individual mat to help you track what you’re tasting, and I like that the pacing is designed for real comparison between vintages, not random sips. One possible consideration: kids and teen tastings depend on having the right table setup, so if weather changes or seating is limited, your experience may feel a bit different.

What makes this particularly useful is the structure. You’ll get a wine ambassador in your own seated area, a take-home wine experience guide, and the option for a Kids Junior Tasting or Teens Kombucha Tasting if you’re travelling as a mixed group. It’s also wheelchair acceptable, and service animals are allowed, which makes planning easier for families and anyone with mobility needs.

Key things that make this Tulloch tasting worth your time

• Six wine tastings in one session focused on Pokolbin Dry Red Shiraz across vintages
• Charcuterie pairing at your table with a generous local cheese and charcuterie board
• A wine ambassador + tasting mat to guide comparisons so you actually learn something
• Kids Junior Tasting and Teens Kombucha option so non-drinkers have their own experience
• Wheelchair accessible and private seating for your group’s comfort

Hunter Valley Shiraz lesson at Tulloch Wines (and how the hour is paced)

Tulloch Wines sits in the Hunter Valley’s Pokolbin area, and this experience is designed to be a focused tasting block rather than a long winery day. The total time is about an hour, and it runs in one place at the cellar door: you meet at Tulloch Wines on De Beyers Rd in Pokolbin, then return to the same spot at the end.

The big practical win here is that you don’t have to “figure out” the tasting. A private wine ambassador works with you from a seated setup, and you get an individual tasting mat that helps you move through each pour in a clear order. That matters, because tasting six wines can otherwise turn into a blur of similar aromas.

You also get a take-home wine experience guide. That’s not just a nice extra. It’s useful if you want to remember what you liked and why, or if you’re fuelling a future bottle hunt back at home. If you’re the sort of person who buys one wine and forgets the rest, this kind of guide can save you.

One more helpful detail: it’s set up for groups. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. That generally keeps things calm and makes questions easier.

The six vintages of Pokolbin Dry Red Shiraz: what you’re really comparing

This isn’t a random flight. The concept is comparison. You’re tasting six Tulloch PDR Shiraz (Pokolbin Dry Red Shiraz) vintages over a range of years, and the ambassador guides you through what changes and what stays the same.

Here’s why that format is so satisfying: you can taste time in the glass. Younger Shiraz tends to show different fruit character, texture, and development than older bottles. By tasting multiple vintages back-to-back, you’re more likely to notice how the style evolves rather than just whether you like one specific year.

The experience leans into why Pokolbin matters for the Shiraz style. You learn about the region’s wine and the Tulloch approach to making this PDR Shiraz the kind of wine that carries the family name. You’re not just reading a label; you’re learning a framework for tasting.

And because there are six generous tastings, you’re not stuck doing tiny “sampler sips” that don’t give your palate enough input. Six pours with food tends to work better for most people than smaller flights, especially if you want to compare structure—think tannins and how the wine settles on the finish—rather than just chasing aroma.

Tulloch’s family story starting in 1895 (and why it matters for your tasting)

One of the most interesting parts is the story of how Tulloch ended up where it is today. The experience connects the wine you’re tasting with a real origin point: back in 1895, John Younie Tulloch (JY) accepted 43 acres in Pokolbin as settlement of a debt. He also had five acres of Shiraz vines, from which the first Tulloch Pokolbin Dry Red (PDR) Shiraz was made.

That history isn’t trivia padding. It gives your tasting context. When you hear how the property and Shiraz plantings began, it’s easier to understand why the winery’s focus stays centered on this style. You’re tasting something that’s meant to be recognized over time, not just a one-off vintage experiment.

From past visits, Tulloch staff have been credited with bringing this history to life—names that show up include Jeff for the winery story. You may also meet other ambassadors in this role, such as McKenzie or Nyria, who have been described as attentive and engaging in how they connect wine and place.

The takeaway for you: if you like wine best when it has a human story behind it, this experience is built for that. If you only want straight-to-the-point wine tasting and don’t care about background, you can still enjoy the flight—just know the ambassador-led narrative is part of the package.

Cheese and charcuterie pairing: how to use it to taste better

Food here isn’t an afterthought. You get a generous local cheese and charcuterie board matched alongside the six Shiraz tastings. In practice, this helps you taste more clearly.

Why? Because when you’re working through multiple wines quickly, your palate can fatigue. Having something to eat between pours refreshes taste impressions and helps you keep the comparisons honest. It also gives you something to do with the moments when a wine is still on your tongue.

The board is local, and the pairing is designed to work with the PDR Shiraz profile. That matters because Shiraz generally has enough body and tannin to need food support. The combination can make a wine feel smoother, while also letting you notice whether the wine leans more toward fruit, spice, or structure in different vintages.

If you’re the type who usually eats first and then tastes, try the opposite once or twice. Taste a wine, note what you notice, then take a bite and re-taste with food. You’ll start to learn your own palate cues faster.

Kids Junior Tasting and Teens Kombucha: family-friendly in a practical way

This is one of the most important reasons to pick Tulloch for families. Kids can be catered for with a Kids Junior Tasting, and teens or non-drinkers can take a Teens Kombucha Tasting.

Kids Junior Tasting (ages 3 to 12)

Kids get their own tasting experience with soft drinks and snacks. The information provided points to nut and gluten free options. You’ll see two sets of numbers listed—either 3 or 4 soft drinks and 3 or 4 snacks—so the most practical approach is to expect a kids tasting built around soft drinks plus snack-sized bites, with dietary care.

The value here is that kids aren’t just sitting there while adults taste. They get their own guided setup that keeps them involved.

Teens Kombucha Tasting (ages 13 to 17)

Teens and non-drinkers can enjoy a kombucha tasting paired with a local cheese box. The kombucha is from Mailer McGuire (as listed), and the pairing gives them something similar to what adults get—structure and food—without alcohol.

One key consideration for families

This experience depends on table setup for the kids and teen tastings because there’s a large tasting mat involved. If you’re travelling with kids and want the smoothest experience, plan ahead so you’re seated in the right setup. Weather can matter if seating options are limited, so dress for the conditions and don’t assume the experience will automatically be in an indoor child-friendly space.

Price and value: what you’re paying for at $60.25 per person

The price is $60.25 per person, with tastings, food, a private ambassador, a tasting mat, and a take-home wine experience guide included. That can look like a lot if you’re comparing it to casual cellar-door tastings where you pay for a “few sips” and you’re done.

What makes this more value-heavy is the structure:

• You get six wine tastings in a single hour.
• You get a generous cheese and charcuterie board that’s meant to be used with the flight.
• You get a private ambassador plus an individual mat so you can actually compare vintages.
• You get a take-home guide, which extends the value beyond the visit.

There’s also a “mixed group” value angle. If you’re travelling with kids or a teen who doesn’t drink alcohol, the experience includes separate options (Kids Junior Tasting or Teens Kombucha Tasting) rather than forcing everyone to sit through the same adult-focused flight.

If you’re fuelling a Hunter Valley wine weekend, this is a good anchor plan. You’ll leave with enough understanding to make smarter buying choices later, instead of just buying what you happen to like most that day.

Practical tips for an easy, comfortable tasting hour

A few details can help you get the most out of the hour.

Plan for a seated, guided format

This is not a roam-around tasting. You’re in your own seated area, and the ambassador leads you through the flight. That works well if you prefer comfort and focus.

Accessibility and service

The tour notes it is wheelchair acceptable, and service animals are allowed. If you have specific mobility needs, it’s still smart to arrive early so the team can set up comfortably.

Transportation is on you

Private transportation is not included. You’ll want a plan for getting to Tulloch Wines and back to your accommodation in Pokolbin/Hunter Valley.

Dress for the real world

Because weather can influence where you sit, especially if space is limited, dress in layers. If you’re travelling with kids, bring a light extra layer so they’re comfortable during the hour.

Optional additions for groups

You can add a Kids Junior Tasting or a Teens Kombucha Tasting at modified prices (prices aren’t listed here beyond the adult price). If you’re coordinating different ages in one group, consider choosing those add-ons so everyone has a purpose-built experience.

Who should book this Tulloch Shiraz tasting, and who might not love it

You’ll likely love it if you:

• Want to taste multiple vintages of one style rather than a scattershot flight
• Enjoy food pairing that’s used to support the tasting
• Travel with kids or teens and want them included in a separate, age-appropriate format
• Prefer a private, seated setup with guidance and a take-home guide

You might not love it if:

• You want a long winery walk-through or a hands-on cellar tour (this experience is centered on the tasting session)
• You’re looking for a casual stop with no structure and no learning component

Should you book the Tulloch PDR Shiraz tasting with charcuterie?

Yes, if your goal is a clear, guided tasting of Pokolbin Dry Red Shiraz across six vintages with real food support. At about an hour, it fits nicely into a Hunter Valley plan without eating your whole day.

I’d especially book it if you’re travelling as a family or group with mixed ages. The kids and teen options are built to keep everyone participating, not waiting around with empty hands.

If you’re tight on time, still consider it. The format is efficient: six tastings, matching food, ambassador guidance, and a take-home guide. That’s a lot of value for one seated hour, as long as you plan your transport and you keep expectations aligned with a guided tasting experience.

FAQ

How long is the Tulloch Wines tasting?

The tour runs for about 1 hour (approx.).

What’s included in the adult tasting?

Adults receive 6 Tulloch wines to taste, plus a generous local cheese and charcuterie board. You also get a private wine ambassador in your own seated area, a tasting mat, and a take-home wine experience guide.

Do children get their own tasting?

Yes. Kids aged 3+ can have a Kids Junior Tasting. It includes their own soft drinks and snacks, with nut and gluten free options noted.

Are teens and non-drinkers catered for?

Yes. Teens aged 13–17 (youth pricing) can join a Teens Kombucha Tasting with a selection of Mailer McGuire kombucha paired with a local cheese box.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair acceptable.

Can we bring a service animal?

Service animals are allowed.

What age rules apply for this experience?

The experience is available only to guests 18+ years of age, while kids can be added with the Kids Junior Tasting option and teens with the Teens Kombucha Tasting option.

Are infants included?

Yes. Infants aged 0–2 are included when sitting on an adult’s lap or in their stroller.

Do you get a guide to take home?

Yes. You receive a take-home wine experience guide with additional details.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount paid isn’t refunded.

You Might Also Enjoy

2.5hr Non Stop Incredible Islands TourMoreton Island: Tangalooma Snorkel Tour with Helicopter TourMagnetic Island Round-Trip Ferry From TownsvilleYarra Valley: Hot Air Balloon Experience with Breakfast