The Canberra District, the Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Orange, the Shoalhaven Coast, and the Southern Highlands are among New South Wales’ most distinguished wine regions, demonstrating an impressive diversity of climate and terroir. While the wines and vineyards are the regions’ crown jewels, the regions also offer a host of unique experiences, ranging from horseback adventures to hot air ballooning, that take you off the beaten path and allow you to enjoy the wonders of the area, whether you’re a foodie or nature lover.
1. The Canberra District
Named after Australia’s nearby capital, the Canberra District’s wine region is a three-hour drive from Sydney. This highly-regarded and flourishing young wine region is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, with more than 140 vineyards and 30 cellar doors producing award-winning, elegant wines.
Those wanting an unforgettable wine tasting experience in the Canberra District can head to Shaw Wines, located in the very heart of the cool-climate wine region in Murrumbateman. The family-owned and operated business produces wine locally from their estate-grown fruit takes wine tastings to a new level with its indulgent Shaw Escape; taking off from Sydney, you’ll be flown on a private aircraft directly to Canberra. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your helicopter pilot for a touch of adventure with a scenic flight over the expansive vineyards of the Canberra District Wine Region. Fly along the charming Murrumbidgee River for your final destination – the picturesque world-class winery, Shaw Wines.
A must-visit for animal lovers wanting to discover something new is the Blackwattle Alpaca Farm, named after the Black wattle trees growing across the property. The farm is an impressive working alpaca farm running a herd of 70 alpacas. The farm offers multiple unrivalled tours with the alpacas, including a meet and greet private guided tour, an afternoon tea and feeding session with the alpacas. You can also book a VIP alpaca adventure to take a stroll around the farm with these exquisite animals, before you enjoy a gourmet BBQ and indulge in some DIY activities. DIY activities include dyeing your own yarn at their studio and of course, taking some selfies with the alpacas at the farm shop.
Gourmands will delight in Poachers Pantry, an artisan smokehouse straddling the northeast facing slopes of the granite hills that lie in the heart of the Murrumbateman and the Canberra District wine region. It has grown to include a smokehouse restaurant, vineyard, farm shop and cellar door. Indulge in award-winning smoked goods and meats, which use traditional natural wood smoke techniques, and learn about those techniques in Poachers Pantry’s dedicated smoking masterclass. This is a picturesque rural setting for you to relax in the company of friends and family and indulge in soft peppery shiraz and elegant aromatic white wines.
For a unique stay in the Canberra District, book a cottage at Tallagandra Hill Winery which has been designed to meet your every need. Tallagandra Hill’s boutique accommodation consists of 3 separate cottages situated next to the vineyard. Imagine sitting on your own private deck, relaxing and enjoying a cheese or charcuterie platter while sipping a glass of shiraz – all the while taking in the view from the vineyard and landscaped gardens and courtyards.
2. The Hunter Valley
As Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley is an iconic name, having forged an international reputation for acclaimed wines, from distinguished semillon and classic shiraz to other emerging varieties. Surrounded by magnificent natural beauty, and only two hours from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is an unrivalled destination that has delighted since vines first thrived in the 1820s. Expect a range of unique experiences including hot air ballooning, meeting winemakers and exploring the region on horseback.
Wine lovers can get a taste of something a bit different at Tulloch Wines. Those with a sweet tooth will delight in the Wine & Chocolate Tasting Experience, which pairs mouth-watering flavours of Tulloch Wine with local artisan chocolate, while young ones can join in the fun with the Kombucha Tasting Experience, which showcases 3 different tastes of Mailer McGuire specialty kombucha and a selection of local cheese.
There’s no more unique way to experience the Hunter Valley and its wines than on horseback with Murchessons Horseback Wine & Dine tours. Opt for the Horseback Brunch Ride and Afternoon Trek; this 90-minute excursion gets you acquainted with your horse before heading off to the alluring Tuscan styled Cellar Door, Irongate Estate for a VIP wine experience. You get to ride through the olive groves and gorgeous vineyard before returning for an elaborate wine tasting session.
A great way to soak in the Hunter Valley’s abundant natural beauty in a truly memorable way is from above in a hot air balloon. Balloon Aloft boasts an exceptional team to ensure the smoothest flight with spectacular views of the wine region. With several championship-winning pilots and tourism awards under its belt, you will be soaring high across the New South Wales skyline.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind Hunter Valley experience then the Llama Collective is a must-do on your itinerary. Take a stroll through the enchanting Ben Ean Vineyard at Pokolbin with your very own llama. The 3km walk with your new companion through the vines and the magnificent backdrop of the Broken Back mountain range is an experience you won’t forget.
For a quirky stay experience, head to Starline Alpacas Farmstay, which is a working alpaca farm offering a peaceful and relaxing farmstay accommodation experience. You’ll be surrounded by the spectacular Brokenback ranges and the Yengo-Wollemi National Park. Enjoy the misty mornings, the clear night skies, the peaceful rural landscape of the Hunter Valley.
3. Mudgee
Mudgee is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions and the birthplace of Australian Chardonnay. An easy three-and-a-half hour drive northwest of Sydney through the Blue Mountains, the Mudgee wine region is a favourite among nature and food and wine lovers for its beauty, heritage, world-class produce, as well as its many off-the-beaten-path activities and sites.
For a laidback appreciation of the region’s fine wine, head to Burnbrae Wines for their iconic Lazy Pizza Sundays. Expect a relaxed atmosphere coupled with live music as you indulge in fantastic wine and delicious pizza on the lawn. For a taste of France in Mudgee, make a trip to De Beaurepaire Wines, a renowned multi-generational boutique producer of French-style wines. Their exceptional terroir is the closest comparable in Australia to Burgundy, with limestone enriched soils and ultra-cool climate enabling cultivation of outstanding grapes.
Head to Mudgee’s Lowe Wines to try organic wine on the lawn under the shade of wisteria trees. You can also dine at the on-site restaurant, Zin House, which uses produce from the extensive kitchen garden, orchards and grazing farmland and what they don’t grow themselves they source from producers across the region.
Foodies can also get their fill at Alby & Esthers, a favourite haunt for drinks and sharing plates, tucked away in a welcoming laneway – try the bruschetta made with local mushrooms. Another hidden gem is Mudgee Brewing Company, which is housed in a 100-year-old red brick wool store in the centre of town. Try the signature stout, Mudgee Mud, and ask to hear the story behind the name. Early birds can enjoy their breakfast in the hidden courtyard of Artisan on Lewis – the small, mostly vegetarian menu is based on produce from local farmers and gardeners. Check out the shop, which stocks homewares, accessories as well as homemade pickles and reserves.
While tasting the region’s wine is a given, a trip to Mudgee is incomplete without a visit to Baker Williams Distillery, a micro-distillery that makes handcrafted spirits and liqueurs focusing on native ingredients and influences. You can taste a wide range of flavoursome spirits and liqueurs including gin, vodka and whisky. Another local product that should not be missed is Mudgee Honey; make a stop at Mudgee Honey Haven which stocks a vast range of various honeys. Watch the bees hard at work through a special glass window that shows a cross-section of a real working beehive, whilst tasting their honey wines and liqueurs, ideal for those with a sweet tooth.
If you want a countryside getaway from your busy city lives, then a trip to Sierra Escape is essential. The award-winning Luxury Eco Glamping site is home to all kinds of Australian wildlife and enticing landscapes. Be sure to unwind in the comfort of your luxury tents, as you soak in the atmosphere and gaze up at the starry night sky with an open campfire and a heavenly glass of Mudgee wine. Another lodging option is Evanslea Luxury Boutique Accommodation, afive-star luxury boutique accommodation nestled alongside the Cudgegong River. Though minutes away from the centre of Mudgee, the historical, beautifully appointed cottages offer a luxurious refuge. Many special creature comforts await including a beautiful shared pool for the warmer months and wood fires in all of the accommodation in the cooler months. Every cottage is equipped with its own fireplace, spa bath and outdoor area, allocated under-cover parking space, kitchenette and BBQ
4. Orange
The Orange wine region is located just three-and-a-half-hours’ drive from Sydney, increasingly renowned for its wine and food attractions, and with an ever-increasing Orange wine map full of bustling cellar doors. This cool climate high altitude wine region is known for its refreshing white wines and lighter-bodied red wines. Indulge your senses in the delights of Orange and the surrounding villages and towns. Orange wineries are also renowned for their collaborative Orange wine and food festival – Orange F.O.O.D Week, a highlight for many foodies.
Head to Ross Hill Winery for an intimate cooking class; this delicious culinary experience offers the opportunity to learn from the best chefs of the region, getting their insight on the intricacies of wine and food matching or tips on how to source the best regional produce. Once you’ve completed the cooking class, you’ll be able to tuck into your homemade fare, paired to perfection with their locally produced cool climate wines. The team at Ross Hill can also custom build a cooking class for you that spills into their newly designed cellar door and courtyard space. Another one for the foodies is the BBQ experience at Stockman’s Ridge Wines, where you can bring your own food to barbeque or relish their artisan grazing boards in a rural setting. Explore the different BBQ setups such as ‘Globe Bonfire’ and ‘Bush Bonfire’ for a cosy night tucked away from everything. If you’re looking for something uniquely local, the restaurant at The Agrestic Grocer serves up dishes made from hyperlocal produce with a sustainable focus. Don’t forget to take some of their house made pickles and relish with you.
Another unique wine experience is at Printhie Wine, which is the first winery in Orange to be listed in the Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia. They have created a special tasting experience in The Packing Shed amongst their vineyards and a heritage apple orchard. You can enjoy Printhie’s award-winning wines, including the Swift Sparkling methodé traditionelle range, now considered one of Australia's best, which have all been created in their five-star rated winery.
Rowlee Wines makes wines exclusively from its single vineyard, located in the foothills of Mount Canobolas. Rowlee Wines offers intimate tastings, wine and food pairings, picnics in the vines and luxury accommodation. Surrounded by vineyards, farmland and a conservation area, the winery dates back to the mid-1800s and includes the original homestead and outbuildings. Grapes are harvested by hand and crafted in small batches. For the exclusive wine tasting experience and ultimate getaway, Rowlee’s own private, luxury guesthouse is set within the estate. Comfy yet sophisticated, this accommodation is perfect for couples. The guesthouse includes a master bedroom, spacious dining and lounge and a large ensuite with a freestanding stone bathtub. Relax in your own private verandah with views across the vineyard and the garden.
From mid-June to early September, celebrate truffle season at Borodell Vineyard, where you can learn how to hunt for the rare produce with the vineyard’s experienced trainer and famous truffle dog Bailey. Join the ‘The Back Tie and Gumboot Truffle Hunt and Dinner’, a 5-course degustation feast featuring freshly harvested truffles and paired wines. Another seasonal event is the cherry picking at Hillside Harvest from November to December. With a long history of producing quality fruit in the Orange region, drop by this 75-acre property and enjoy a picnic lunch amongst the trees while you indulge in some cherry-picking.
5. The Shoalhaven Coast
The Shoalhaven Coast is just two hours from Sydney on the NSW South Coast. Meandering through luscious green valleys and overlooking some of the country’s most pristine beaches, the region is a haven for nature and wine lovers, and also offers a host of hidden gems.
For a taste of some of the region’s finest wine, head to Cupitt’s Estate, which is tucked behind the hills of Milton and also boasts a brewery, fromagerie, restaurant and cottage accommodation, offering beautiful views over the vineyard to Burrill Lake and the Budawang Ranges. The Tour and Taste Experience includes a guided tour of the property with Cupitt’s head winemaker and a sampling of wine, beer and cheese. Other experiences include a Sunset Winery Tour, Meet the Maker Tour, as well as masterclasses and workshops.
Coolangatta Estate is a convict-built estate dating back to 1822 and one unique way to experience the estate is to take Bigfoot Adventures - a thrilling and scenic ride to the summit of Mt Coolangatta on a 4WD open-sided tractor-bus where you can enjoy sweeping views of the South Coast. The one-of-a-kind experience allows you to taste the estate-grown wines from the cellar door, stay in their convict-built cottages and take a stroll through the historic grounds.
Making the most of the Shoalhaven Coast’s expansive beaches, explore Seven Mile Beach on horseback with the Regal Horseriding School or whale watch from late May to November at some iconic viewing points including Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, Warden Head Lighthouse (Ulladulla), Crookhaven Heads, Cape St George Lighthouse, Mollymook and many more. If you fancy getting up close and personal, take a whale or dolphin watching cruise with Jervis Bay Wild. Their Winter Whale Cruise from late May to November gives you the rare opportunity to witness the majestic beauty of our migrating Humpback Whales while the Dolphin Tour gives you a glimpse of the Bottlenose Dolphin that live in the crystal clear waters of Jervis Bay and is highly recognisable and known for its long snout and distinctive smile.
Don’t leave the Shoalhaven Coast without getting a taste of the area’s fresh seafood. You can visit Australia’s champion oyster opener Jim Wild at his oyster farm for a taste of these exotic sea creatures. Dive into the world of oysters, as Jim explains their history by giving examples of each stage, including oyster samplings. You can also buy the Sydney Rock Oysters or Pacific Oysters that are grown in the estuary of the nearby Crookhaven and Shoalhaven Rivers.
For a unique stay experience, head to Paperbark Camp, a peaceful bush retreat in beautiful Jervis Bay, which encompasses 13 canvas safari-style tents amongst the eucalyptus and paperbarks, or Bangalay Villas, private luxury villas features golf course or garden views, as well as a fireplace and a sun-filled north facing deck. Make your stay all the more memorable with a horse-riding experience along the fringe of Seven Mile Beach National Park and on Seven Mile Beach.
6. The Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands is located just 90 minutes south of Sydney and is a cool climate wine region with 17 cellar doors, ranging from elegant French provincial to contemporary architectural statements. The perfect villages set amongst green rolling hills and forest reserves have been attracting visitors for more than 140 years. There’s something for every kind of traveller in the Southern Highlands of NSW, from those looking for unique accommodation to foodies hungry for distinctive culinary experiences and festivals.
The Bendooley Estate is a beautifully preserved 200-acre property near Berrima, a romantic village known for its shopping, restaurants and idyllic charming setting. Bendooley Estate has so much to see and do. You can enjoy wine tastings at the onsite cellar door, explore Berkelouw Book Barn, stay in its luxurious cottages or dine at Bendooley's restaurant.
Built early last century, the iconic Berkelouw Book Barn is both the HQ of Berkelouw Books and the alluring centrepiece of Bendooley Estate. The Berkelouw Book Barn houses Australia’s most atmospheric bookstore as well as the Estate’s restaurant and bar. This spellbinding space must be experienced. Showcasing endless rows of rare books, cathedral ceilings and king-sized iron chandeliers, there’s no better place to be – curled up by the stone fireplace with great wine amongst this precious world of literature.
Experience wine-focused casual dining with a divine backdrop of revered books or enjoy an alfresco meal surrounded by the Estate’s heavenly gardens and vineyard.
Truly escape and relax in Bendooley's luxurious cottages. Enjoy glorious vistas of the serene lake, valleys and groomed gardens. Individually designed, the inviting interiors are an elegant harmony of rustic and glamour. Choose from their studios and two and three-bedroom cottages – enhanced by the picturesque surroundings.
Other seasonal activities in the Southern Highlands include Pie Time, which lasts for 30 days (usually in June) where all things pie are celebrated in numerous formats, as well as Tulip Time Festival where you’ll be able to experience a kaleidoscope of tulips carpeting public gardens and premier private gardens during season. The 75,000 mass-planted tulips nestled among blossoming mature trees in Corbett Gardens are the centrepiece of the Tulip Time Festival where there is daily live musical entertainment, an array of market stalls and lots of photo opportunities. These seasonal activities are sights to behold and the ideal off-the-beaten-path experiences to add to your itinerary.
A culinary treat, Wild Food Adventures’ tailored tours are immersive, practical and creative adventures connecting with people, place and produce. In April and May, partake in a Mushroom Hunt led by a local guide where you’ll be able to try your harvest as the fungi will be pan-fried to perfect caramelisation before being served with locally made sourdough and coffee. For those who prefer something more active, Canoes and Canapes is the perfect mix of food, wine and wilderness. Glide downstream Kangaroo River from Beehive Point to the mouth of Yarrunga Creek with the backdrop of the Morton National Park. Enjoy the magical beauty of this waterway with its ancient sunken forest while indulging in wild native canapés and local award-winning wine. For the ones who are looking for something a bit different, these tours go off the beaten path and offer deeper, richer and more fulfilling experience.
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