Top Wineries to Visit by Helicopter from Sydney & Hunter Valley

Best Helicopter Winery & Lunch Tours from Sydney (2024)

Sydney, renowned for its iconic harbour and vibrant culture, is also a gateway to some of Australia's most popular wine regions including the Hunter Valley and Southern Highlands wine regions.

Just a 45 minute flight from Sydney, a helicopter wine tour to Hunter Valley allows you to land at several unique vineyards near the local township of Polkolbin, making it a perfect half-day trip to experience gourmet food and fine wines.

Those seeking an even closer helicopter lunch tour can choose from the picturesque Central Coast (30 minutes north Sydney) or Southern Highlands region (30 minutes south of Sydney) boasting a selection of boutique wineries, charming restaurants, and stunning scenery.

Here's our guide to the best winery and lunch destinations by helicopter from Sydney.

What are the best Winery Tours by Helicopter from Sydney?

The best helicopter wine and lunch tours from Sydney are:

  1. 8 at Trinity
  2. Bistro Molines
  3. Leogate Estate (The Gates Restaurant)
  4. Bimbadgen Winery (Esca Restaurant)
  5. Peterson House (Restaurant Cuvee)
  6. Audrey Wilkinson
  7. Bonus: Pub Crawl in Hunter Valley

We've outlined each helicopter wine and lunch tour for you below, and you can also see our entire collection of helicopter winery flights from Sydney.

 

1) 8 at Trinity Restaurant in Lake Macquarie

Location: 81 Trinity Point Dr, Morisset Park NSW 2264
Open: Thursday to Sunday for Lunch

8 at Trinity is a luxury restaurant on the shores of Lake Macquarie showcasing the best of modern Australian cuisine in a unique, waterfront setting.

Part of the impressive $580 million Trinity Point development project, 8 at Trinity  restaurant invites you to a luxurious dining experience just 30 minutes by helicopter from Sydney. Arriving by helicopter to Trinity Point Marina, you'll land just a few steps from this brand new, 380-seat restaurant setting by the water.

The restaurant specialises in modern Australian cuisine with a mediterranean touch, featuring dishes such as Kingfish Ceviche, Singapore Chilli Prawns, and Crab Spaghettini. For the discerning meat love, 8 at Trinity also offers a range of premium MBS9+ and MBS 12+ wagyu steaks. 

What to order: The seafood platter is our highlight including Sydney Rock Oysters, Morton Bay Bugs, Tiger Prawns and Lobster Mornay... Need we say more.

How much does a helicopter winery lunch at 8 at Trinity cost? Visit our helicopter lunch tour to 8 at Trinity page for pricing details including return flights, lunch and drinks. Gift vouchers are also available to make any occasion unforgettable.

Summary: 8 at Trinity combines gourmet dining with stunning waterfront views not available anywhere else outside Sydney. 8 at Trinity is a unique helicopter lunch tour and a must-visit for those who appreciate a luxurious experience set on Sydney's stunning Central Coast.

 

2. Bistro Molines in the Hunter Valley

Helicopter wine tour to Bistro Molines

Location: 749 Mount View Road, Mount View NSW 2325
Open: Thursday to Monday for Lunch

Bistro Molines offers a French-inspired culinary journey in the heart of the Hunter Valley.

Bistro Molines is an award-winning restaurant that has received multiple Chef's Hats, and hosts an intimate lunch experience that feels like a slice of Southern France. Upon arrival by helicopter, you'll be greeted with stunning views of the vineyard and a charming ambiance typical of Provence, France.

The restaurant combines locally sourced Australian ingredients with classic gourmet French cooking techniques. Enjoy a three-course meal starting with dishes such as baked figs filled with gorgonzola wrapped in prosciutto, followed by main courses like slow-cooked beef short rib in red wine jus. Each dish has been crafted by their head chef as a dedication to the quality and flavour of southern France.

What to order: The menu changes seasonally but always includes favourites like the house-smoked plump quail, a delightful starter, and the "Little Hill Farm" chicken, a main course that embodies the essence of rustic French cooking.

How much does a helicopter winery lunch at Bistro Molines cost? Visit our helicopter tour to Bistro Molines page for pricing details including return flights, wine tasting, and a three-course lunch menu. Gift vouchers are also available to make any occasion unforgettable.

Summary: Bistro Molines is not just a dining destination but an immersive experience into the art of French cuisine amidst the tranquil beauty of the Hunter Valley.

 

3. Leogate Estate and The Gates Restaurant in the Hunter Valley

Helicopter wine tour to Leogate Estate

Location: 1693 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Open: Wednesday - Sunday for Lunch

Leogate Estate is a luxurious winery in Polkolbin and location of the acclaimed Gates Restaurant.

With views to the Brokenback Ranges, Leogate Estate is not only blessed with stunning scenery, but has also received several awards for its wines and sustainable winemaking, earning a coveted James Halliday 5-Star Winery rating.

Wine tasting at the Cellar Door includes a wine expert on hand to guide you through their award-winning Chardonnay, Semillon, and Shiraz varieties. Lunch at The Gates Restaurant is a Chef Hat's affair featuring a three-course menu expertly paired with Leogate’s wines.

What to order: Signature dishes include Kingfish and Ocean Trout Mosaic with blood orange and avocado mousse, Dry Aged Beef Tenderloin with mushroom and Marsala cream, and for dessert, the Malibu Poached Pineapple with coconut pineapple sorbet.

How much does a helicopter winery lunch at Leogate Estate cost? For detailed pricing, including return helicopter flights, guided wine tasting, and a gourmet lunch, visit our helicopter wine tour to Leogate Estate page. Gift vouchers also available for celebrating special moments.

Summary: Leogate Estate provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable helicopter wine tour, and the best balance of world-class wines and gourmet dining.

 

4. Bimbadgen Estate amd Esca Restaurant in the Hunter Valley

Helicopter wine tour to Bimbadgen Winery

Location: 790 McDonalds Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Open: Wednesday to Saturday for Lunch

Bimbadgen Estate stands out with its distinctive architecture and a commanding position atop a hill in Pokolbin, offering broad views of the Hunter Valley. The name 'Bimbadgen', meaning 'Place of Good Views', aptly describes this setting.

Arrive via a private helicopter, landing directly at the estate's helipad. Your first stop involves a guided tasting at the Cellar Door with a selection of Bimbadgen's finest, including old vine Semillon and Shiraz. You'll learn about the winemaking process and unique terrain that characterizes the estate's wines.

Next, Esca Restaurant offers a contemporary Australian menu with dishes like wood-fired peaches with cheese and macadamia, beef tartare with crispy potato, and yellow fin tuna ceviche, reflecting local flavours typical of the region.

How much does a helicopter winery lunch at Bimbadgen Estate cost? For details on pricing, including the helicopter tour and four-course lunch, visit our Helicopter Tour to Bimbadgen Estate page. Consider a gift voucher as a unique gift for a birthday or anniversary.

Summary: Bimbadgen Estate delivers a helicopter lunch package that combines fine wines and excellent food with stunning aerial views of the Hunter Valley, and manages to deliver on every level.

 

5. Peterson House and Restaurant Cuvee in the Hunter Valley

Helicopter wine tour to Peterson House

Location: 2457 Broke Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Open: Seven days a week for Lunch

Peterson House is the first stop for many visiting the Hunter Valley, known for its extensive range of sparkling wines and relaxing location by a private lake.

The Peterson House Cellar Door features of over 30 sparkling wines, including the popular Pink Blush Rose and traditional Pinot Noir Chardonnay Meunier — A showcase of the winery's dedication to their motto "Life's Flat without Bubbles!"

Wine tasting is followed by a gourmet modern Australian lunch at Restaurant Cuvee under the guidance of Head Chef Chad Pridue, bringing seasonal flavours and fresh local produce to life. Dishes like stuffed pumpkin, Sydney Rock Oysters, and wagyu beef lasagna will cater to every discerning vegetarian, pescatarian and meat-lover.

How much does a helicopter winery lunch at Peterson House cost? Detailed pricing for the helicopter tour, including the meal and wine tasting, can be found on our helicopter tour to Peterson House page. Gift vouchers also available for special occasions.

Summary: Peterson House is the destination for sparkling wine in the Hunter Valley. Combining bubbles with a gourmet lunch at Restaurant Cuvee, Peterson House truly has something for everyone.

 

6. Audrey Wilkinson in the Hunter Valley

<img style="float: none;" alt="Helicopter wine tour to Audrey Wilkinson" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0557/8286/7094/files/Audrey_Wilkinson_Helicopter_Tour_Hunter_Valley_from_Sydney_16x10_634cfca2-03e2-45e6-a20f-5148be5c095d_1024x1024.jpg?v=1715616637">

Location: 750 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Open: Seven days a week for lunch.

Audrey Wilkinson stands out as one of the most romantic destinations in the Hunter Valley.

Renowned for being the perfect destination to pop the question, this picturesque vineyard sets the scene for perfect romantic moments. But before you get too carried away, you'll be treated to a private museum tour to learn all about their winemaking process, followed by a wine tasting masterclass.

Audrey Wilkinson doesn't play host to a restaurant on-site and instead provides a selection of gourmet picnic hampers filled with local cheeses, fruits, and chocolates, accompanied by a signature bottle of wine. You can then enjoy a relaxing picnic anywhere in the vineyard — Amongst the vines and under the sun is usually the most popular spots.

For those planning an engagement surprise, Audrey Wilkinson also provides the engagement package with a secluded gazebo beautifully decorated with flowers and rose petals, and with breathtaking vineyard views, setting the scene for your magical moment.

How much does the helicopter picnic proposal at Audrey Wilkinson cost? For pricing details, including the helicopter ride, wine tasting, and picnic setup, visit our Audrey Wilkinson Winery Proposal in Hunter Valley page.

Summary: Audrey Wilkinson sets the bar for the most romantic winery in the Hunter Valley. The laid-back picnic hampers are a wonderful way to enjoy lunch at your own pace, with the stunning backdrop of the Brokeback Ranges providing the views.

Which Helicopter Lunch or Wine Tour will you choose?

If you have a question or need guidance on choosing a winery destination, you can reach us at (02) 8296 1111 or concierge@rotor.one.

Whether you're celebrating a birthday or anniversary with your partner, taking a corporate group our for lunch, or just looking for a random adventure, these spectacular helicopter wine tours in Sydney will guarantee an unforgettable day out.

Sydney Helicopter Ride over Bondi Beach

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a helicopter wine tour in Sydney cost?

Helicopter wine tours start from $1,490 per person departing Sydney for winery destinations in Hunter Valley and Southern Highlands.

Where can I book the best helicopter wine tour Sydney?

See our list of recommended Hunter Valley helicopter rides to book the best winery lunch package from Sydney.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

  • Luke K.

    "Our pilot Ed was a consummate professional, communication with the company was great and our day trip couldn’t have been better. We'll be back.”

  • Shell H.

    "Steve our pilot was extremely friendly, caring and chatty. Ensured safety and allowed time for pictures to be taken of my partner and I. It's a BIG YES FROM US!”

  • Liz R.

    "What a beautiful day we had. Thank you so much to Ed, our knowledgeable and kind pilot. You made this day one that we'll never forget. The day trip of a lifetime.”

1 of 3

About The Author

Edward Taylor - Owner & Commercial Pilot at Rotor One

Edward Taylor is a Helicopter Pilot based in Melbourne, Australia. He holds a Commercial Pilot's License (CPL-H) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is the Owner and a Commercial Pilot at Rotor One (Australia). Edward is a local expert in helicopter tours across Australia and has had the pleasure of flying helicopters in England, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, the USA and Israel. Edward also loves flying with his Golden Retriever, Leo.

✉️ Send Edward an Email

About Us

Rotor One - Sydney Helicopter Rides 🚁

We're excited to announce we now offer helicopter rides in Sydney, providing the same exceptional service and unforgettable experiences we're known for in Melbourne.

Our flights offer unparalleled views of Sydney's iconic landmarks, from Sydney Harbour to the majestic Blue Mountains. Our tours to the famed Hunter Valley region offer a wine tasting and lunch experience that our guests have described as "the coolest thing I've ever done!!".

We believe a helicopter ride is more than a flight — it's a breathtaking adventure that you'll remember for a lifetime.

Have a question?

📞 Call us on (02) 8296 1111