Must-visit wineries and food experiences in Country NSW

Great wine, farm-fresh produce and memorable dining experiences are all part of a road trip through Country NSW.

From Mudgee and the Hunter Valley to smaller cool-climate wine regions around Tumbarumba and New England, there are plenty of cellar doors worth building into your next getaway. We've picked up to three experiences in each region, from special-occasion destinations to relaxed spots that work well for families.

Mudgee wineries and food experiences

Surrounded by vineyards, farmland and passionate local producers, Mudgee has become one of NSW's favourite destinations for a food and wine getaway.

Pipeclay Pumphouse – for a special occasion

Located at Robert Stein Winery, Pipeclay Pumphouse is one of Mudgee's standout dining experiences. The menu celebrates home-grown and locally sourced produce, with dishes changing according to the seasons and what's available from the kitchen garden.

Settle in for a long lunch overlooking the vineyard or make an evening of it with dinner among the vines. This is one to book ahead.

• Address: 62 Quarry Lane, Budgee Budgee NSW 2850
• Drive time: Around 10 minutes from Mudgee CBD
• Website:Visit Pipeclay Pumphouse

Lowe Family Wine Co – a great all-rounder

This organic and biodynamic family-owned winery is a Mudgee favourite. Its Tinja Lane property produces small-batch wines with a strong focus on organic, biodynamic and regenerative farming.

The relaxed cellar door and beautiful grounds make it an easy place to spend a few hours. The property is also home to The Zin House, where seasonal produce grown on the farm takes centre stage.

• Address: 327 Tinja Lane, Mudgee NSW 2850
• Drive time: Around 10 minutes from Mudgee CBD
• Website:Visit Lowe Family Wine Co

Burnbrae Wines – for families and relaxed afternoons

Burnbrae Wines offers a more laid-back way to enjoy Mudgee wine country. The cellar door has a welcoming country feel, with plenty of space to settle in and enjoy the vineyard surroundings.

It's a good option for groups and families looking for something casual rather than a formal tasting experience, with regular food and live-music events adding to the relaxed atmosphere.

• Address: 548 Hill End Road, Mudgee NSW 2850
• Drive time: Around 10 minutes from Mudgee CBD
• Website:Visit Burnbrae Wines

Yass Valley and Murrumbateman wineries

Yass and nearby Murrumbateman sit within the Canberra District wine region, known for cool-climate varieties including Riesling and Shiraz.

Clonakilla – for serious wine lovers

Clonakilla is one of the Canberra District's best-known wineries and a great choice for visitors looking for a more refined tasting experience. The family-owned vineyard has built an international reputation, particularly for its Shiraz Viognier.

Its Murrumbateman cellar door offers the chance to taste wines close to where they're grown while learning more about the people and place behind them.

• Address: 3 Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman NSW 2582
• Drive time: Around 20 minutes from Yass, NSW
• Website: Visit Clonakilla

Four Winds Vineyard – for families

Wine and wood-fired pizza make Four Winds Vineyard an easy crowd-pleaser. The cellar door overlooks the vines and has a relaxed feel that's ideal for a leisurely lunch.

Order a pizza, settle in with a glass or tasting flight and enjoy an afternoon in the Murrumbateman countryside.

• Address: 9 Patemans Lane, Murrumbateman NSW 2582
• Drive time: Around 15 minutes from Yass, NSW
• Website:Visit Four Winds Vineyard

Helm Wines – a great all-rounder

Set inside a historic schoolhouse, Helm Wines offers a cellar-door experience with plenty of character. The family-run winery is particularly well known for Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon.

It's a great stop for visitors wanting to discover another side of the Canberra District without the need for a lengthy dining experience.

• Address: 19 Butts Road, Murrumbateman NSW 2582
• Drive time: Around 20 minutes from Yass, NSW
• Website: Visit Helm Wines

Tumut, Tumbarumba and the Snowy Valleys

Around an hour south of Tumut, the high-altitude vineyards surrounding Tumbarumba have earned a reputation for cool-climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine.

Courabyra Wines – for a special occasion

Courabyra Wines is a family-owned vineyard set among the rolling hills outside Tumbarumba. Its high-altitude location produces elegant cool-climate wines, with sparkling wine a particular highlight.

The scenic vineyard setting and on-site dining make this a good choice when you want your winery visit to feel like an occasion rather than a quick tasting stop.

• Address: 805 Courabyra Road, Tumbarumba NSW 2653
• Drive time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes from Tumut, NSW or 10 minutes from Tumbarumba, NSW
• Website: Visit Courabyra Wines

Johansen Wines – a relaxed option

Johansen Wines offers a relaxed introduction to the Tumbarumba wine region, with cool-climate wines reflecting the area's high elevation and cooler growing conditions.

It's a good addition to a day exploring Tumbarumba and the surrounding Snowy Valleys, particularly for visitors keen to seek out smaller regional producers.

• Address:
• Drive time: Around 10 minutes from Tumbarumba, NSW
• Website: Check current tasting and visitor details before travelling.

Inverell and the New England wine region

The New England High Country is one of Australia's highest-altitude wine regions, producing distinctive cool-climate wines across a landscape very different from the better-known Hunter and Mudgee regions.

Topper's Mountain Wines – for something different

Located near Tingha, Topper's Mountain is known for experimenting with alternative grape varieties alongside more familiar favourites.

It's an interesting stop for wine lovers keen to try something a little different and discover one of NSW's lesser-known wine regions.

Address: 13420 Guyra Road, Tingha NSW 2369
Drive time: Around 35 minutes from Inverell
Website:Visit Topper's Mountain Wines

Tamworth and surrounds

Tamworth might be best known for country music, but the surrounding New England region also produces cool-climate wines and local produce worth seeking out.

Winery options close to Tamworth are more limited than in regions such as Mudgee or the Hunter Valley, so we'd keep this section selective rather than adding venues simply to make up the numbers.

Tangaratta Vineyards – a local option

Located just outside Tamworth, Tangaratta Vineyards is one of the closest vineyards to the city and offers a taste of the broader New England wine region.

It's worth checking directly with the vineyard before visiting, as tasting and visitor arrangements can vary.

Address: 340 Old Winton Road, Tamworth NSW 2340
Drive time: Around 15 minutes from Tamworth CBD
Website: Check current visitor details before travelling.

Hunter Valley wineries

One of Australia's oldest and best-known wine regions, the Hunter Valley is synonymous with Semillon and Shiraz. You'll find everything from historic family wineries to polished cellar doors and relaxed vineyard experiences.

Audrey Wilkinson – for a special occasion

Audrey Wilkinson combines Hunter Valley history with one of the region's most spectacular vineyard settings. Its hilltop cellar door looks across the vines towards the Broken Back Range.

Book a tasting, take in the views and allow some extra time to enjoy the surroundings. It's a particularly good choice for couples or anyone looking to make their Hunter Valley visit feel special.

Address: 750 De Beyers Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Drive time: Around 15 minutes from Cessnock
Website:Visit Audrey Wilkinson

Scarborough Wine Co – for families

Family-owned Scarborough Wine Co offers a relaxed Hunter Valley cellar-door experience and is a good choice when travelling with a group or family.

Its tastings have an approachable feel, with sweeping vineyard views and plenty of opportunity to slow down rather than rush between wineries.

Address: 179 Gillards Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Drive time: Around 15 minutes from Cessnock
Website:Visit Scarborough Wine Co

Tyrrell's Wines – a Hunter Valley classic

Tyrrell's has been part of the Hunter Valley wine story since the 1800s and remains one of the region's most recognisable producers.

The historic Pokolbin property is an excellent all-round choice for first-time Hunter visitors, particularly if you'd like to learn more about classic Hunter Semillon and Shiraz.

Address: 1838 Broke Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320
Drive time: Around 15 minutes from Cessnock
Website:Visit Tyrrell's Wines

Planning your Country NSW food and wine getaway

Cellar door and restaurant opening hours can change throughout the year, particularly at smaller regional producers. Check directly with each venue before travelling and book ahead for popular restaurants, tastings and weekend visits.

Planning several wineries in one day? Organise a designated driver or book a local wine tour so everyone can enjoy the experience safely. Staying nearby also gives you more time to explore the region without rushing from one stop to the next.

Stay and explore Country NSW

Reflections Holidays destinations make a handy base for exploring many of these regional food and wine areas.

For Mudgee, stay at Reflections Cudgegong River, Reflections Mookerawa Waters or Reflections Lake Burrendong. Reflections Tumut River puts the Snowy Valleys and Tumbarumba wine region within day-trip distance, while Reflections Copeton Waters is well placed for exploring Inverell and the New England High Country.

Further north, Reflections Lake Keepit is a great base for Tamworth and the surrounding region, while several Reflections Holidays destinations put the Hunter Valley within reach for a memorable food and wine road trip.

Pack the car, bring your appetite and start planning your next Country NSW getaway.