Sip, Savour and Stay for Sunset at Pokolbin Cider House
- Rosie Hoad
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
When most people think of the Hunter Valley, wine is the first thing that comes to mind. But nestled among the vines with sweeping views of the Great Dividing Range, Pokolbin Cider House has been quietly rewriting the region's drinks story one beautifully crafted cider at a time.
What began as a side venture in 2011 has grown into the Hunter Valley's only authentic cider house, and its evolution has been anything but ordinary. Rather than taking a conventional approach, the team behind Pokolbin Cider House applies sophisticated winemaking equipment and technical expertise to their craft, producing a range that sits in a category entirely its own.
The journey began with the Classic Draught Cider, a traditional apple cider that laid the foundation for everything that followed. From there, the range expanded to include the popular Raspberry Cranberry blend, premium sparkling varieties crafted through secondary fermentation and bottle aging, and the boundary-pushing Grape Cider — a true bridge between wine and cider traditions. Today, the lineup extends to nine varieties, including a Sweet Spiced Cider, a pear-based Perry, a Passionfruit Perry, cider slushies, and cask-aged creations that draw on techniques from both the wine and spirits industries. The fruit is predominantly sourced from the Orange region, celebrated for its exceptional growing conditions and quality produce.
The result is a tasting experience unlike anything else in the Hunter Valley.
As the sun dips behind the Brokenback Range and casts a golden glow across the Lambloch Estate vineyards, Pokolbin Cider House transforms into one of the region's most magical spots to spend a Friday or Saturday evening. The Sunsets at Cider House sessions run until 9 pm every Friday and Saturday night, inviting guests to slow down, soak up the views, and explore the cider range in a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere.
Settle onto the spectacular outdoor deck and order a tasting paddle of four different ciders or mix it up with a combination of ciders and wines. Crowd favourites like the Pear Perry, Dark Grape, and Classic Draught Apple Cider make for a well-rounded paddle, showcasing the range's depth and variety. Cider cocktails are also on offer for those who like their evening drinks with a creative twist.
To complement your drinks, Brazilian BBQ is available on Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 8 pm, and it’s the perfect match for a crisp, cold cider as temperatures drop. For those visiting on the weekend, the Brazilian BBQ also runs from 11am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Whether you're a seasoned Hunter Valley visitor or discovering the region for the first time, Pokolbin Cider House offers something refreshingly different. And on a Friday or Saturday evening, with a paddle in hand and the mountains glowing at dusk, it's hard to imagine a better place to be.
For more information or to plan your visit, head to www.pokolbinciderhouse.com.au.
MOTHER’S DAY AT POKOLBIN CIDER HOUSE
Celebrate Mother’s Day with an indulgent all-you-can-eat Brazilian BBQ and live music from midday! For tickets, visit www.pokolbinciderhouse.com.au/events/.
