ElyssaIf you’re looking to indulge in some of the world’s finest New World wines, why not try them straight from the source? Australia is one of the biggest producers of New World wines, and New South Wales is home to a large chunk of their cellars and vineyards. If you’re looking to taste some of the best wines this side of the equator, here are some of the best wineries from Sydney and beyond!
Image credit: Boudewijn Boer
Also read: Sydney Travel Requirements: What to Do Before Visiting Australia
Hunter Valley
Did you know that Hunter Valley has the most cellar doors in all of Australia? So, it wouldn’t be an over-exaggeration to call it the wine capital of the Land Down Under. With rolling hills, rustic scenery, and enough wineries to occupy you for an entire week, Hunter Valley is without a doubt our top pick on this list.
Also read: My Gourmet Tour in Hunter Valley – Australia’s Oldest Wine Region
Tyrrell’s Wines
Image credit: Ultimate Winery Experience
The accolades of Tyrrell’s Wines are both extensive and impressive. This world-renowned winery is one of Australia’s leading producers of wine and has been helmed by the Tyrrell family for over 163 years, going into its fourth and fifth generation under the direction of Bruce Tyrrell and his children, John, Chris, and Jane.
Image credit: Ultimate Winery Experience
Today the winery produces Australia’s most awarded white wine. The ‘Vat 1 Hunter Valley Semillon’ has won an astounding 5,475 medals and 332 trophies. Most recently, the ‘2021 Vat 1 Semillon’ was included in James Suckling’s Top 100 Wines of 2021 (Worldwide) and the ‘2018 Stevens Shiraz’ made it into James Halliday’s Top 100 Wines of 2021 (Australia).
Address: 1838 Broke Rd, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Audrey Wilkinson
Image credit: Audrey Wilkinson Official Instagram
Audrey Wilkinson is another one of Hunter Valley’s oldest wineries. Perched on top of a foothill of the Brokenback Mountain Ranges, this 109-hectare vineyard is named after one of Australia’s earliest wine pioneers. It has also been recognized as one of the best vineyards in Australia by famed wine critic James Halliday.
Image credit: Audrey Wilkinson Official Instagram
Apart from sampling some crisp fine wine and taking a tour of the verdant vineyard, you can also stay the night on-site in one of their guest cottages!
Address: 750 De Beyers Rd, Pokolbin, NSW 2320
Also read: Best Farm Stays in New South Wales to Help You Escape Reality
Canberra
Canberra’s wine district can give Hunter Valley a run of its money. With over 40 vineyards within 30 minutes of the city, wine enthusiasts that are looking for something further away from Sydney can look forward to visiting some of the most acclaimed wineries in Australia.
Lerida Estate
Image credit: Lerida Estate Official Facebook Page
Located in the sub-region of Lake George and Bungendore, Lerida Estate is best known for its groundbreaking pinot noir, shiraz viognier, and botrytis pinot gris. It is also one of only 10 wineries in the district to have received a 5-star rating from James Halliday.
Image credit: Lerida Estate Official Facebook Page
Overlooking Lake George, the winery offers mesmerising scenery as you sip on award-winning wines. Here’s another fun fact for you: The cellar door was designed by internationally renown architect Glenn Murcutt, which means this place is both figuratively and literally a work of art.
Address: 87 The Vineyards Rd, Collector, NSW 2581
Mudgee
Mudgee is the third-largest grape-producing region in New South Wales. With more than 32 cellar doors, this region undoubtedly has a deep appreciation for fermented grape goodness. Beyond visiting the wineries, wine-loving travellers should look out for the annual Mudgee Wine and Food Festival held in Spring. It’s a unique month-long festival that celebrates the most exquisite wines with live music and delectable food.
Lowe Wines
Image credit: Lowe Wines Official Website
You cannot visit Mudgee without paying a visit to Lowe Wines. Pick up some of their premium organic wines, including the 2012 Lowe riesling and 2014 Lowe Nullo Mountain pinot gris as well as the flagship red, the 2012 Lowe Organic zinfandel.
Image credit: Lowe Wines Official Website
Aside from meandering through the beautiful vineyard, you can choose to experience staying in their unique new Boutique studio accommodation called Shed by Zin. As its name suggests, it’s a spruced up shed nestled amongst an extensive kitchen garden that overlooks the vineyard!
Address: Tinja Ln, Mudgee, NSW 2850
Robert Stein Winery
Image credit: Robert Stein Winery Official Facebook Page
Founded by a family with a long history of winemaking in 1976, Robert Stein Winery started out with a humble 2 hectares of Shiraz and slowly expanded to what it is today with the help of family and friends. Today, the winery produces some of the most sought-after wines in the region, with seven vintages to its name both on a national and international level. It was also awarded 5-stars by famous wine critic James Halliday.
Image credit: Robert Stein Winery Official Facebook Page
Additionally, the winery is home to the renowned Pipeclay Pumphouse Restaurant which serves up mouth-watering food alongside wines from their very own vineyard and more! Did we mention that there’s also a vintage motorcycle museum?
Address: 62 Quarry Ln, Budgee Budgee, NSW 2850
Southern Highlands
Located southwest of Sydney, the Southern Highlands is characterised by rolling hills, lush forests and complex viticultural soils excellent for growing pinot gris and pinot noir grapes. Home to the beautiful Wollemi National Park and over nine distinct food and wine clusters, Southern Highlands is the idyllic countryside holiday destination we all dream of.
Tertini Wines
Image credit: Tertini Wines Official Facebook Page
Founded by Julian Tertini and guided by the expert hands of winemaker Jonathan Holgate, Tertini Wines is an award-winning winery nestled in the Southern Highlands. This world-class vineyard produces an array of quality blends, from pinot noir to chardonnay, and offers a selection of locally sourced cheeses to elevate your wine-tasting experience.
Image credit: Tertini Wines Official Instagram Page
Pay an early visit to the winery and get the chance to sip on some artisanal coffee!
Address: Kells Creek Rd, Mittagong NSW 2575
Also read: 7 Types of Post-pandemic Experiences to Look Forward to in New South Wales, Australia
Mount Ashby Vineyard Cellar Door
Image credit: Mount Ashby Vineyard Cellar Door Official Website
Aside from being one of the most breath-taking and rustic wineries in the Southern Highlands, Mount Ashby Vineyard Cellar Door is also one of the few remaining Holstein studs in the area. Guests can look forward to seeing herds of mooing gentle giants and dine on a range of marinated cheeses made with the milk the cattle produces.
Image credit: Mount Ashby Vineyard Cellar Door Official Website
Nothing beats sipping on a glass of merlot as you enjoy homemade soup, cheese and fresh bread! Really make you contemplate the merits of moving to the countryside, huh?
Address: 128 Nowra Rd, Moss Vale, NSW 2577
Helm Wines
Image credit: Helm Wines Official Instagram Page
Helm Wines is one of the first wineries in the Canberra Wine District. Founded in 1973, it has proven itself to be a notable contender in the world of fermented beverages. Helmed by Ken Helm, this winery was one of the pioneers of the wine scene in Canberra.
Today, lucky visitors can look forward to meeting the founder and winemaker himself. He might even offer to give you a tour or personally guide you through a wine tasting session!
Image credit: Image credit: Helm Wines Official Instagram Page
Address: 19 Butts Rd, Murrumbateman, NSW 2582
New South Wales is without a doubt a wine aficionado’s dream vacation destination. Wherever you go, premium wines and award-winning wineries are just around the corner. It doesn’t matter if you choose to stick close to Sydney or want to venture further from the known and done, New South Wales and its cellars will not disappoint!
