Calais Estate
Award-winning vineyard in Pokolbin offering exceptional wine tastings, a highly-rated picnic, and stunning vineyard views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Picnics and tastings are popular
Calais Estate
Best Time
Picnics and tastings are popular
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Award-winning vineyard in Pokolbin offering exceptional wine tastings, a highly-rated picnic, and stunning vineyard views.
"Our favourite winery in Hunter valley, absolutely beautiful location and stunning wine."
🎯 Book Picnic & Tasting Ahead
Secure your spot for popular picnic packages and wine tastings, especially on weekends.
🍷 Reds Are a Must-Try
Many visitors highlight the distinct and delicious red wines offered at Calais Estate.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wine Tasting Experience
Discover a range of delicious wines, with reds that truly stand out. Knowledgeable staff tailor tastings to your preferences.
Grazing Picnic Package
Generous and beautifully presented picnic spreads offer exceptional value and a romantic setting amidst the vineyards.
Kawul Restaurant Dining
Enjoy delicious food with stunning vineyard views, complementing your wine journey at Calais Estate.
Idyllic Vineyard Views
Experience breathtaking scenery across award-winning vineyards, making for a picturesque and memorable visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Wine Tasting & Picnic in Advance
Explore Beyond Wine: Dining & Shopping
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Picnic & Tasting Ahead
Secure your spot for popular picnic packages and wine tastings, especially on weekends. +1
🍷 Reds Are a Must-Try
Many visitors highlight the distinct and delicious red wines offered at Calais Estate. +1
🍽️ Lunch at Kawul Restaurant
Combine your wine experience with a meal at Kawul Restaurant for stunning views and great food.
🎁 Visit Come What May Shop
Explore unique homewares and gifts downstairs after your tasting or meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Picnic & Tasting Ahead
Secure your spot for popular picnic packages and wine tastings, especially on weekends. +1
🍷 Reds Are a Must-Try
Many visitors highlight the distinct and delicious red wines offered at Calais Estate. +1
🍽️ Lunch at Kawul Restaurant
Combine your wine experience with a meal at Kawul Restaurant for stunning views and great food.
🎁 Visit Come What May Shop
Explore unique homewares and gifts downstairs after your tasting or meal.
🚗 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Expect exceptional service; staff are passionate and go above and beyond for visitors. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Calais Estate is highly praised for its exceptional wine tasting experience, particularly its distinct red wines, and its outstanding grazing picnic package, which offers great value and generous portions. Visitors consistently commend the friendly, knowledgeable staff who provide personalized service, and the breathtaking vineyard views contribute to a beautiful and memorable visit.
"Had such a wonderful tasting/wine journey with Cassie, thank you so much for taking the time to teach us about all the amazing wines made at Calais. We enjoyed this tasting experience a lot more than some of the other places so far and really enjoyed all the wines we got to try. Thanks again!"
Lauren Midgley
"Our favourite winery in Hunter valley, absolutely beautiful location and stunning wine. I recommend getting lunch here while wine touring around the region. The owners are super friendly too. The reserve Chardonnay, 2021 Semillon, chambourcin and Dr VIII are our go to favourites!"
Joe Hillier
"WOW!!!! What an incredibly beautiful property inside and out. We spent the weekend in the Hunter Valley and stopped by this stunning Vineyard as we had heard from close friends of ours, how special it was.
The views are breath taking, the wine delicious. Special thank you again to the ladies in the cellar door who made us feel so welcome and took the time to share their story with us."
Emma Cloran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Calais Estate is located at 151 Palmers Lane, Pokolbin, NSW. It's easily accessible by car, situated within the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region. Many visitors arrive as part of a wider Hunter Valley wine tour. 
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at Calais Estate, making it convenient for those driving to the winery.
Absolutely! Calais Estate is a popular stop on many Hunter Valley wine tours. It's also a great destination if you're planning a self-guided tour of the region's wineries.
For a relaxed experience, consider booking a wine tour bus or hiring a private driver. This allows you to enjoy tastings without worrying about driving.
While specific accessibility details should be confirmed directly, wineries generally aim to accommodate visitors. It's advisable to call ahead if you have specific mobility concerns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your wine tasting in advance, especially for weekend visits, to secure your preferred time slot and ensure availability. +1
Calais Estate is typically open for tastings and dining. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information. Instagram posts suggest they are open for lunch and tastings.
Tasting fees can vary, but many visitors find the experience to be well-priced, especially considering the quality of the wines and the service. It's advisable to check their website or inquire when booking for current pricing.
Generally, there is no entry fee to visit the grounds of Calais Estate. Fees typically apply for specific experiences like wine tastings, picnics, or dining.
Yes, you can purchase wine directly from Calais Estate. Many visitors leave with several bottles after enjoying their tasting experience. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Calais Estate features Kawul Restaurant, offering delicious food with vineyard views. They also offer a highly recommended grazing picnic package.
Yes, visitors consistently praise the grazing picnic package for its generous portion sizes, excellent value, and beautiful presentation, often described as superior to other wineries. +1
Booking the grazing picnic package in advance is strongly recommended due to its popularity. This ensures you have a spot and can arrange any dietary preferences.
The chef at Kawul Restaurant is accommodating of dietary preferences, such as preparing picnics without pork. It's best to communicate any specific needs when booking.
Kawul Restaurant offers a menu that complements the wine experience, with visitors enjoying delicious meals that pair well with the estate's wines.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Calais Estate boasts breathtaking vineyard views and an incredibly beautiful property, making it a photographer's dream. +1
The rolling vineyards, the winery buildings, and the picturesque landscape offer numerous stunning backdrops. Golden hour is particularly magical for capturing the scenery.
Yes, you're welcome to take photos during your wine tasting to capture your experience. Just be mindful of other guests and staff.
Drone usage is typically subject to winery policy and local regulations. It's best to inquire directly with Calais Estate before flying a drone on their property.
Calais Estate is ideal for landscape photography, wine-related content, romantic couple shoots, and capturing the essence of the Hunter Valley wine region.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Some visitors have noted that the estate is a good stop when traveling with toddlers, suggesting it's a place where kids can be accommodated. It's worth confirming if there are any specific child-friendly activities or areas available, but the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful grounds make it a potentially enjoyable stop for a family outing in the Hunter Valley.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Beyond the picnic, enjoying a wine tasting together, perhaps with a focus on the distinct red wines, can be a delightful shared experience. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through the selection, adding an educational and engaging element to your romantic outing. The overall ambiance of the estate contributes to a memorable and intimate visit.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
While wine tastings may have a fee, the wines themselves are reasonably priced for purchase. Opting for the picnic over a more formal restaurant meal can be a cost-effective way to enjoy the estate's offerings. Focusing on the tasting and purchasing a few favorite bottles can also be a budget-friendly approach to experiencing Calais Estate.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Calais Estate Wine Experience
Many reviewers highlight the distinctiveness of the red wines, noting that each variety offers a unique flavor profile. Popular choices include the Reserve Chardonnay, 2021 Semillon, Chambourcin, and Dr VIII. The wines are also considered well-priced, generally ranging from $30-$50 per bottle, making them an attractive purchase for those who enjoyed their tasting.
Beyond the tasting itself, the overall atmosphere at Calais Estate contributes significantly to the experience. The beautiful property and friendly staff create a welcoming environment where visitors feel valued and eager to learn more about the wines. This combination of quality wine, expert guidance, and a charming setting makes Calais Estate a standout destination for wine lovers.
Picnic Perfection at Calais Estate
Guests appreciate the generous portion sizes and the attention to detail in the presentation. The ability to accommodate dietary preferences, such as arranging for a no-pork option, further enhances the appeal of this offering. This flexibility ensures that a wider range of visitors can enjoy the picnic experience.
For those seeking a romantic getaway or a delightful lunch amidst the vineyards, the picnic at Calais Estate is a highly recommended choice. It offers a perfect blend of quality food, stunning scenery, and excellent value, making it a memorable part of any Hunter Valley itinerary.
Beyond the Bottle: Dining and Shopping
+1Complementing the culinary offerings is the Come What May Homewares gift shop, situated downstairs. This charming shop provides an opportunity to browse and purchase unique homewares and gifts, adding another layer of enjoyment to your visit. It's a perfect place to find a memento of your trip or a special item for your home.
Together, Kawul Restaurant and Come What May Homewares transform Calais Estate into a destination where visitors can indulge in fine food, discover unique treasures, and savor the picturesque surroundings, creating a well-rounded and satisfying experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit