Located in New South Wales, the region has played a pivotal role in the history of Australian wine as one of the first wine regions planted in the early 19th century. Semillon is widely considered the iconic grape and wine of the region but the Hunter also produces wine from a variety of grapes including Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Verdelho. The majority of the Hunter Valley's most prestigious vineyards are located on the southern valley and foothills of the Brokenback Range.

While the Hunter Valley has been supplanted by the massive Riverina wine region as the largest producer of New South Wales wine, it still accounts for around 3% of Australia's total wine production and is one of the country's most recognisable regions. Today there are over 120 wineries in the Hunter, producing a wide range of wine.