Bubbly wine, plus a Welcome to Country. At Tulloch Wines in Pokolbin, you get a virtual Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony led by Uncle Warren, followed by a guided tasting of three sparkling wines and a bush-food brunch board.

I like that the experience stays tight and friendly: about 45 minutes, focused pours, and a shared food spread that actually makes the tasting feel like a proper stop (not just small sips). One heads-up: the smoking ceremony is virtual, not performed live on site.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Uncle Warren guides a virtual Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony
• Three sparkling wines included: Vineyard Selection Cuvée, Cellar Door Release Prosecco, and Cellar Door Release Verscato
• Shared Brunch board paired with the tastings, built around indigenous bush foods and botanicals
• Certified English-speaking guide for clear explanations and easy conversation
• Private group format: only your group participates
• Mobile ticket and service animals allowed for a low-stress visit

Virtual Welcome to Country with Uncle Warren sets the tone

This is not your usual Hunter Valley wine detour where you only hear about grapes and glassware. You start with a virtual Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony led by Uncle Warren, the Wonnarua elder welcoming you onto the land of the Wonnarua people, the original custodians of the Hunter Valley.

What I like about this approach is the pacing. You get the cultural context up front, before the tasting gets loud and casual, so you’re in the right frame of mind for the rest of the experience. It’s also short and digestible, which matters when you only have an hour or so.

The only caution is expectations. If you’re choosing this specifically because you want a live ceremony performed in front of you, note that the ceremony is described as virtual, not on-site. That mismatch is the kind of detail that can affect how people feel about the experience.

Tulloch Wines and the Wonnarua connection in Pokolbin

The tasting isn’t just about what’s in the glass. You also hear about Tulloch’s long family presence in the region, including four generations and 129 years connected to the Wonnarua Nation land.

For me, that matters because it shifts the story from generic wine tourism to local roots. You’re listening to why Tulloch has stayed in Pokolbin and how that local connection ties into the Welcome to Wonnarua theme. It gives the tasting a sense of place, not just a checklist of products.

And since this is a private group experience, you get more of that “talking with someone who knows” vibe, rather than squeezing in beside a crowd.

The 45-minute sparkling tasting: three bottles, one guided comparison

After the Welcome to Country portion, the main event is a guided tasting of three included sparkling wines. You’ll sample:

• Vineyard Selection Cuvée
• Cellar Door Release Prosecco
• Cellar Door Release Verscato

The strength here is variety without overload. You’re not trying to memorize ten labels in one sitting. In around 45 minutes, you can compare styles and learn what makes each one different, while the guide keeps things moving.

Since the tasting is included, you don’t have to hunt for menu options or guess what you’re paying for. You simply show up, listen, taste, and get food alongside it. Also, wine sales aren’t included, so you’re not locked into buying a bottle at the end. If you like something enough to take it home, that’s a separate decision.

Brunch board pairs bush foods with classic comfort

One of the most satisfying parts is the shared Brunch board. It’s not a token cracker plate. It includes several items, and it’s presented to match the tasting experience.

Here’s what’s on the board:

• Scone with Kakadu Plum Jam
• Smoked Salmon with Labna and Lemon Myrtle
• Hummus with Saltbush Macadamia Nut Dukkah
• Cheddar & Brie with Bush Tomato Relish

Why this works for a sparkling wine tasting: bubbly tends to refresh your palate, and brunch food gives you something substantial to balance the alcohol. The menu also has a range of textures and flavors, from jam sweetness to savory herbs and spreads, so you can keep noticing differences between each pour without the whole table turning into the same taste.

If you’re someone who likes to snack while you drink (rather than drink to sip), this format is a big win. You’re basically doing a short pairing lunch in disguise—perfect for a Hunter Valley morning where you still want time for other stops later.

What you get from the guide and why it feels personal

The experience includes a certified English-speaking guide, and that’s a practical detail. Clear explanations mean you’ll actually understand what you’re tasting instead of just doing the motion of tasting.

You also get a private setup: only your group participates. That changes the feel in a big way. In a small group, it’s easier to ask questions and get responses that fit your interests, whether that’s about the wines, the local story, or how the food is meant to work with the drinks.

Also, the ticket is mobile. That’s one less step—no paper hunt, no standing around waiting for someone to find your booking.

Price and value: $32.28 with wine plus a full board

At $32.28 per person, this sits in the “serious enough to feel worth it” category. The math isn’t complicated: you’re paying for a tasting of three sparkling wines plus multiple brunch items, and the guide is included.

The bigger value play is the combination. In Hunter Valley, you can often spend around this level on wine tastings that give you only drinks with a light snack. Here, the food is part of the experience, built around indigenous bush foods and botanicals, so you’re getting a fuller stop for your time.

And because wine sales aren’t included, you keep control. You can enjoy the experience, try what’s offered, and decide later if you want to purchase anything.

Practical plan for a smooth visit at Tulloch Wines

This activity starts at Tulloch Wines, 638 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, and ends back at the same meeting point. That makes it easy to slot into your day—no hopping between locations, no transport puzzle.

Because the duration is approximately 45 minutes, I suggest arriving a few minutes early so you can settle in without feeling rushed. Short experiences run on timing, and you’ll want your full attention for both the Welcome to Country portion and the tasting.

If you’re traveling with a service animal, it’s allowed. And since it says most travelers can participate, you don’t need a special fitness plan—this is more of a seated, guided tasting experience than anything physically demanding.

Who this Hunter Valley experience fits best

This tasting is a strong fit if you want:

• A short, guided sparkling wine experience
• A cultural start that’s built into the program, not tacked on
• A food pairing component that’s more than a snack

It’s also a good choice for wine beginners. You don’t need deep wine knowledge to enjoy three sparkling styles and a guided explanation. If you’re pairing this with other Hunter Valley activities, the 45-minute length keeps you flexible.

On the other hand, if you’re specifically aiming for a hands-on, live smoking ceremony performed on site, make sure you’re comfortable with the fact that the ceremony is virtual. That’s the one detail most likely to create disappointment.

Should you book the Wonnarua sparkling tasting at Tulloch?

I’d book this if you like your wine stops to feel grounded in place, with a guided story and a brunch board that makes the whole thing feel like a real outing. The combination of Uncle Warren’s welcome, three included sparkling wines, and bush-food brunch is exactly the kind of value you can’t always find in a short Hunter Valley slot.

I’d hesitate only if your top priority is a live, on-site ceremony. If that’s non-negotiable, the virtual format may not match what you’re hoping for. If your goal is a thoughtful, easy-to-fit cultural and sparkling-wine experience at Tulloch Wines, this one is a solid bet.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Wonnarua Sparkling Wine Tasting?

The experience lasts about 45 minutes.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Tulloch Wines, 638 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320, Australia, and ends back at the meeting point.

How much does it cost?

The price is $32.28 per person.

What is included in the tasting?

You’ll receive alcoholic beverages (a tasting of three sparkling wines), plus a shared brunch board and a certified English-speaking guide.

Which sparkling wines are included?

The tasting includes: Vineyard Selection Cuvée, Cellar Door Release Prosecco, and Cellar Door Release Verscato.

Is wine sales included?

No. Wine sales are not included.

What food is included on the brunch board?

The brunch board includes scone with Kakadu Plum Jam, smoked salmon with Labna and Lemon Myrtle, hummus with Saltbush Macadamia Nut Dukkah, and cheddar & brie with bush tomato relish.

Is the Welcome to Country smoking ceremony live?

The Welcome to Country Smoking Ceremony is described as virtual.

Can I use a mobile ticket?

Yes, the tour includes a mobile ticket.

Is cancellation possible after booking?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.