Vintage Connections
Vintage Connections
5
Multi-day ToursDistillery ToursBeer Tastings & ToursPrivate ToursWine Tours & Tastings
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Full view
About
Discover great wines and uncover fantastic hidden gems. Vintage Connections is perfect for beginners and connoisseurs of fine wine. Our connections in the area allow us to have access to behind the scenes privilege. We provide an exceptional personalised experience. Travel in luxury and style in a modern Mercedes Benz. We do half day (4 hour) private wine tours, full day (7 hour) private wine tours and a two day private tours and transfers package. Half price after hours transfers available to wine tour participants. Our tours are totally flexible with options to include Gourmet Food, Cheese and Wine, Chocolate and Wine, Gin and Wine, Cocktails and Wine, organic wine's, Grape Stomping and more. We have a specific emphasis on quality and luxury with a dedicated focus on high end customer service. We have great standard tour inclusions with many add on options.
Cessnock, New South Wales, Australia
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingRevenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Similar Experiences
Vintage Connections
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravellers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
107 reviews
Excellent
106
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Suebuch
Brisbane, Australia5 contributions
June 2021
Our group of 3 couples did a full day tour with Bryan. He was punctual and catered to our specific tastes within our wine knowledge. He introduced us to some amazing boutique wineries and now we have expanded our knowledge and tastes to wine we had previously thought we weren't keen on. Fantastic day and lunch at La Cassalinga was superb. Bryan's knowledge of the Hunter region makes for a memorable day catered to your specific requirements and tastes. He even went and sourced olives for us to have with our cheese board and wine that night. Can't recommend Bryan and Vintage Connections higher for a small personalised tour of the Hunter region and wineries. Fantastic day that we'll remember for ages and would definitely book with Bryan when we are next in the Hunter.
Written 25 June 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.
Hi Sue and crew!
Thank you so much for leaving a review of your private Hunter Valley wine tour experience with Vintage Connections.
It was such a pleasure touring with you folks! I have some great memories of heads in vats, barrel tastings and some true surprise as we found you wines that you did not think that you liked... and now do! Awesome!
How good were those olives?
'Good wine and Great memories flow together like honey and gold' - Bryan, Vintage Connections web site
It is a privilege and a pleasurer to help build memories and experiences that enrich lives. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your experience!
I apologies for my slow response, we have had a lot going on with trying to survive the latest Covid 19 lock down..
Stay safe and we hope to see you again soon!
Warm regards
Bryan
Written 8 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
aussiesseetheworld
Sydney, Australia300 contributions
July 2020 • Couples
Bryan from Vintage Connections is an absolutely superb host and guide. He take special care of every single guest and goes above and beyond to ensure that each person on his tour receives the highest possible customer service. on a wet and rainy Sunday afternoon, wE were privileged to receive the benefit of his knowledge of the Hunter Valley and because of his deep connections with winemakers in the area, benefitted from opportunities to meet professionals whose passion for their craft matched his own commitment to excellence. We cannot recommend Vintage Connections more to highly to Hunter Valley visitors who value quality, excellence and personal service. If you are looking for a memorable, special day in the Hunter, Bryan Hampton and Vintage Connections should be your first point of call. Simply brilliant!
Written 26 July 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.
Hi Aussieseetheworld!
Thank you for your wonderful review
As you have taken the time to review so many of your experiences and clearly speak your mind and rate according to your experience, we are super proud of your 5 star rating. Thank you.
I love that you picked up on the advantage of a local tour operator committed to customer satisfaction and connection to the area.
It was a delight to take you an a private tour of some of Australia's oldest commercial wine region and show you some of what lies beyond the bottle!!
We would love to see you again!
Warm regards
Bryan
Written 29 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lauren C
Brisbane, Australia6 contributions
Dec 2019
I would highly recommend the services of Vintage Connections.
Bryan put much time into personalising the tour to suit our personal wine preferences. He knew of many small local and very private wineries that we would never have known about had Bryan not provided the introduction.
Bryan took photos throughout the day, provided his own insight into the region and also ensured the car was running all day so the purchased wines were not sitting in the heat. It was all of these small touches that made it a fantastic experience.
We loved it that much that we booked a second tour again for later in the week.
Bryan put much time into personalising the tour to suit our personal wine preferences. He knew of many small local and very private wineries that we would never have known about had Bryan not provided the introduction.
Bryan took photos throughout the day, provided his own insight into the region and also ensured the car was running all day so the purchased wines were not sitting in the heat. It was all of these small touches that made it a fantastic experience.
We loved it that much that we booked a second tour again for later in the week.
Written 6 January 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.
Hi Lauren
It was fantastic to tour with you twice in one week! Thank you for taking the time to appreciate the personalised and detailed customer service that we offer to our guests. Our lovely Mercedes Benz has a fabulous climate control system, and even on the hottest of days we are indeed able to keep you and your wine comfortable. I hope that you enjoy the photos and that they will give you a lasting memory of the things that made your tours special to you and your friends. Looking forward to the next!
Warm regards
Bryan
Written 10 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dion A
Newcastle, Australia15 contributions
Nov 2021
For lovers of a unique wine experience, this is the tour for you. Bryan's passion, knowledge and flexibilty can cater for your needs. His rapport with cellar doors and wine makers guarantees a special experience. I recently had Bryan put together an intinery for my wife's surprise birthday. From the pick up at home, then to 5 boutique wineries ( Saltaire, Horners Wines, Hart and Hunter, Elbourne and Mira Wines) and then a beautiful Italian lunch at La Cassilinga, Bryan ticked all the boxes. His Mercedes bus sits 8 comfortably, with the A/C and window tint making cruising around the vineyards that much more pleasant. Plenty of room in the back for purchases. Our day was memorable in so many ways. A lookout stop at Mira Wines provided a fantastic opportunity for photos. Byran took photos and videos for the day and then shared these with tour members, all part of his service. Vintage Connections is a must and I would happily recommend them to anyone considering a wine tour in the beautiful Hunter Valley.
Written 7 November 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.
Hi Dion!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review of your private Hunter Valley wine tour.
It was so awesome to be a part of your birthday celebration - and a great surprise for your lovely wife! Well done. What a great crew.
It is always a joy to take folks who know their way around the Valley and show you some lesser known places and introduce you to some great people and new experience's.
Because you are seasoned Hunter Valley visitors, your appreciation of what we do to make your tour the best that it can be means so much to us - Thank you again.
I am so glad that we found you plenty of awesome wines to take home.
Until the next, Cheers!
Warm regards
Bryan
Written 11 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John H
3 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
This is the third year in a row we’ve booked Bryan and Vintage Connections. We’ve come to understand that giving Bryan full authority to choose and book our full day tour works best with the simple instruction for “boutique, rustic wineries with a personal touch”. Subsequently we have consistently been introduced to numerous innovative, family-run, intimate wine producers with exceptional wines and interesting back stories. Already looking forward to next year’s sojourn. Thanks Bryan.
Written 31 October 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.
Hi John
Thanks so much for leaving a review and testing the Mercedes suspension by stocking up your wine collections!
I am keeping track of where we have been and am looking forward to our next Hunter Valley private wine tour experience with great expectation!
I love that you support local and trust me as a local Hunter Valley tour guide.
Your love of wine and the specific nature of the Hunter Valley wine region makes us a great match!
I hope we continue to surprise and delight, and look forward to the next!!
Until next time - Cheers!
Warmest regards
Bryan
Written 16 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eliza C
Sydney, Australia4 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
I have been to the Hunter Valley 12 times and each time done a wine tour. I can do with absolutely certainty that Bryan’s service and vehicle made this recent tour the best yet. Very knowledgeable guide, the car was outstanding, all the extra touches like water in a fridge in the boot, looking after our purchases with care, photographing the day and sending a drop box later that evening with all the shots. I will definitely use the service again and recommend to anyone looking for a wine tour with something extra.
Written 5 March 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.
Oh My.. Thank you so much for your review..
I Love that you are a regular to the Hunter Valley, and that you found your experience with us so notable compared to your previous visits..
We are proud of the top end bespoke style of private tour that we offer. Thank you for enjoying what we do.
Stay well and continue to love life and great experiences!
Looking forward to the next!
Warmest regards
Bryan
Written 20 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kmcd2015
Brisbane, Australia16 contributions
Sept 2022
We are a group of wine-loving friends who were celebrating milestone birthdays. We knew nothing about the Hunter Valley before travelling there, so we were really relying on someone with local knowledge to guide us. Bryan found out what we wanted from our time there and tailored an itinerary for us over 4 days. We had a fantastic time and had the best food and wine. Bryan has so much knowledge of the area, the winemaking process and the families of the Hunter region, would highly recommend Vintage Connections. We have also now found some great winemakers and we will all continue to buy direct in the future.
Written 29 September 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.
Hi Kmcd!
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
A four day private wine tour including Newcastle airport transfers? Challenge accepted! Absolutely love that you have a strong connection with good wine and such an interest in wine regions around the world.
It was such a pleasure to show you around our amazing and unique Hunter Valley wine region.
I am so glad that we found you some fantastic wines and that you got to meet some of the great wine makers that craft Hunter Valley wine.
It is so fantastic that you will be able to maintain an ongoing relationship with these wines and enjoy new vintages and new releases into the future.
Having a story and a memory of lived experience connected to the wines that you love is pure gold.
I hope that we see you again!
Warm regards
Bryan
Written 1 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah D
Brisbane4 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
I booked some transfers and tours with Bryan at Vintage Connections to celebrate my birthday with a group of friends and family. To say we had a great time is an understatement. From the outset, Bryan was super keen to provide a personalised boutique wine tour experience for our group. His communication leading up to our visit was thorough and he was very helpful is so many aspects of the organisation of our stay. He went above and beyond to ensure we were looked after, even in ways that were really outside his scope of service. We appreciated him looking after our luggage and helping us out while we waited for our house to be available.
We had a full day and a half day wine tour and we’re able to experience an excellent selection of wineries, incredible wines and met the most lovely people along the way. If you get the opportunity to book with Bryan, I truly suggest you ask him to design an itinerary that showcases the best boutique wineries the Hunter has to offer. Skip the big guys - you won’t regret it. We had a wine tasting on the Elbourne family’s veranda overlooking their farm and vineyard while their dog Trevor lazed nearby. We met Kiros and Ana at Mira wines and were mesmerized by their story telling (and the best Limoncello). We were treated to last minute breakfast cheese platters (thanks to Bryan’s quick thinking and phone call) at Mercer Wines. Some other highlights were M&J Becker, Bonvilla, Hart & Hunter (we love you Rebecca!) and John Wallace Wines.
Overall, the passion with which Bryan operates shines through in all he does. He loves the Hunter, he loves wine, he loves jokes. I challenge you to find a tour operator with better connections and relationships with the locals. You’ll leave your tour feeling as though you’ve made a new best friend. Brother Bryan - you’re the best!
From Sarah and the Licorice All Sorts
We had a full day and a half day wine tour and we’re able to experience an excellent selection of wineries, incredible wines and met the most lovely people along the way. If you get the opportunity to book with Bryan, I truly suggest you ask him to design an itinerary that showcases the best boutique wineries the Hunter has to offer. Skip the big guys - you won’t regret it. We had a wine tasting on the Elbourne family’s veranda overlooking their farm and vineyard while their dog Trevor lazed nearby. We met Kiros and Ana at Mira wines and were mesmerized by their story telling (and the best Limoncello). We were treated to last minute breakfast cheese platters (thanks to Bryan’s quick thinking and phone call) at Mercer Wines. Some other highlights were M&J Becker, Bonvilla, Hart & Hunter (we love you Rebecca!) and John Wallace Wines.
Overall, the passion with which Bryan operates shines through in all he does. He loves the Hunter, he loves wine, he loves jokes. I challenge you to find a tour operator with better connections and relationships with the locals. You’ll leave your tour feeling as though you’ve made a new best friend. Brother Bryan - you’re the best!
From Sarah and the Licorice All Sorts
Written 11 January 2023
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.
Hi Sarah
Thank you so much for leaving a review of your experience.
What a great way to celebrate your birthday!
It was an absolute pleasure to be able to take care of all of your needs from the airport to the personalized private wine tastings and everything in-between.
You have a lovely bunch of colourful friends - forever the 'Licorice All Sorts!'
There are some great new vintages at the places that you enjoyed.. The latest Phat Chardonnay at Hart & Hunter is ridiculously delicious!
I have recently chased down a few new experiences that are right up Vintage Connections alley.. I sincerely hope that some day I will get to show you!
You will be SO welcome!
Warm regards
Bryan
Written 13 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian A
3 contributions
Jan 2021
Bryan is a master in picking the right winery for your tastes!! Not being a big wine drinker myself, he concentrated on high quality local producers and we were not let down. Bryan had it all in hand including a lovely cheese platter for us at the mid way point.
Conversation was great with fantastic local knowledge and stories of the owners of the wineries.
Cannot recommend enough. Go a private tour and soak in the knowledge.
We are booking again for later in the year.
Excellent day
Conversation was great with fantastic local knowledge and stories of the owners of the wineries.
Cannot recommend enough. Go a private tour and soak in the knowledge.
We are booking again for later in the year.
Excellent day
Written 8 January 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.
Hi Ian
Thank you for taking the time write this review. It was such a pleasure to share our local knowledge and connections with you. Platters and wine tasting is just brilliant!
It was fantastic touring with you and sharing with you some great information about what quality wine can offer us in our journey of flavor. Life is good!
I look forward to the next!
Warm regards
Bryan
Written 18 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark M
4 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
Bryan's personality and humour make this tour go up to 11, his close relationships with the wineries give you a great experience plus his local knowledge of the valley gives you a great understanding of what goes into winemaking and understanding of your palette
There were no additional fees to pay, like tasting fees etc you just pay for the wines you'd like to purchase and your lunch. Bryan planned a fantastic day that was customised to our preferences and included extra activities like meeting the winemakers and a visit to the distillery. Highly recommend Vintage Connections for anyone visiting the Hunter Valley, I know we will 100% be using him again the next time we're up! Cannot thank you enough Bryan!
There were no additional fees to pay, like tasting fees etc you just pay for the wines you'd like to purchase and your lunch. Bryan planned a fantastic day that was customised to our preferences and included extra activities like meeting the winemakers and a visit to the distillery. Highly recommend Vintage Connections for anyone visiting the Hunter Valley, I know we will 100% be using him again the next time we're up! Cannot thank you enough Bryan!
Written 11 March 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.
11 out of 10!!😁
Thank you so much for reviewing your experience with us!
Your interest in what wine is all about and your attention to detail in describing your personal preferences in the planning stage enabled us to give you an experience to remember.
Although we do not include tasting fees in our tour costs, if we do our job well and take you to wines that you wish to purchase, it is quite common for out customers to pay no, or minimal tasting fees.
Looking forward to the next!
Warm regards
Bryan
Written 24 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.