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Best Wineries in NSW for Wine Tasting

24 Feb 2026
5 minutes

Explore local wineries in these beautiful NSW locations

NSW is home to some of Australia’s best wine regions, from the famous Hunter Valley to cool-climate gems like Orange and the Canberra District. Whether you're planning a wine tasting road trip or looking for the best wineries in NSW, there are cellar doors and vineyard experiences across the state worth discovering.

Wine regions to explore in NSW

NSW is home to some of Australia’s best wine regions, including:

  • Hunter Valley (the oldest region)
  • Orange
  • Mudgee
  • Southern Highlands
  • Riverina

These regions vary widely in climate and wine styles, which is why NSW is considered one of Australia’s most diverse wine destinations.

Exploring the wineries of the Hunter Valley & Upper Hunter

The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s most iconic wine regions, and while the central valley gets much of the limelight, the Upper Hunter offers a more relaxed, boutique vibe.

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Credit: Destination NSW
  • Hollydene Estate Wines (Jerry’s Plains): A stunning winery and restaurant just over an hour from Glenbawn, offering premium wines and long lunches in a beautifully restored building.
  • Two Rivers Wines (Denman): Known for its sustainable approach and cool-climate varietals, it’s perfect for a quiet tasting or picnic on the lawn.
  • James Estate Wines (Baerami): Offers both Upper Hunter and Pokolbin vineyards, and their cellar door is ideal for a low-key tasting experience.

Stay nearby:

Reflections Lake Glenbawn is ideal for a wine-and-water getaway—fish or paddle by day, then head out for a tasting in the afternoon.

New England High Country wineries

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Credit: Destination NSW

The New England wine region is one of NSW’s newest but most exciting cool-climate wine areas, thanks to its high altitude, rich soil, and seasonal variation. The area around Inverell, Armidale, and Uralla is growing a reputation for elegant, aromatic wines.

  • Whyworry Wines (Inverell): This boutique winery offers warm hospitality, great views, and small-batch wines.
  • Merilba Estate Wines (Uralla): A sophisticated cellar door and restaurant offering a paddock-to-plate experience with standout Syrah and Viognier.

Stay nearby:

Combine your wine adventure with camping, mountain biking, or fossicking near Reflections Copeton Waters or a luxe stay in Wilderluxe Lake Keepit's new glamping offering.

Central West wineries, NSW

The Cowra wine region, Hilltops wine region and Canowindra wine regions fly under the radar but deliver seriously good wine, especially crisp whites and expressive reds from warm climates.

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Credit: Destination NSW
  • Rosnay Organic Wines (Canowindra): Family-owned and fully organic, this vineyard is known for sustainable farming and characterful wines.
  • Kalari Wines (Cowra): Enjoy tastings in a relaxed, scenic environment. The cellar door is intimate and welcoming—perfect for a quiet afternoon with a cheese platter and a glass of red.

Stay nearby:

Reflections Wyangala Waters is just a short drive away, perfect for a weekend of lakeside relaxation and vineyard visits.

Wineries and wine-tasting on the Mid North Coast / Coffs Coast & Northern Rivers NSW

While better known for beaches and rainforests, the Coffs Coast is quietly nurturing a growing wine and artisan drink scene.

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Credit: Destination NSW
  • Raleigh Winery & House (Raleigh): A boutique winery and restaurant on the banks of the Bellinger River—perfect for long lunches, tastings, or even riverside glamping.
  • Barrel Room at Cassegrain Wines (Port Macquarie): A celebrated stop for lovers of French-inspired wines and refined cuisine.

Stay nearby:

Enjoy the perfect balance of coast and country with a stay at Reflections Urunga or Reflections Nambucca Heads.

Discovering the wineries of the NSW South Coast & Canberra region

If you’re heading south through NSW or planning a getaway near the nation’s capital, you’ll find several standout cool-climate wine regions worth exploring. The Canberra District wine region, Murrumbateman Wine Region, and the Tumbarumba wine region are all known for producing elegant wines and offering relaxed cellar door experiences surrounded by scenic countryside. These wineries are well worth adding to your itinerary:

  • Mimosa Wines: A spectacular cellar door near Bermagui overlooking vineyards, bushland and the coast, known for its refined cool-climate wines and restaurant dining.
  • Dionysus Winery: A boutique Canberra District winery producing small-batch wines with a focus on quality and traditional winemaking methods.
  • Pankhurst Wines: A welcoming family-run winery near Young in the Hilltops region, offering relaxed tastings of classic regional varieties.
  • Brindabella Hills Winery: Set among rolling hills just outside Canberra, this winery pairs panoramic vineyard views with award-winning cool-climate wines.

Stay nearby:

Reflections Wee Jasper is a peaceful base for exploring the Canberra District and Murrumbateman wineries, while Reflections Bermagui places you near coastal cellar doors like Mimosa Wines. Further south, Reflections Eden offers a relaxed coastal stay and a great base for exploring the wineries and produce of the NSW South Coast.

NSW is a wine-taster's paradise

Whether you prefer bold reds, crisp Rieslings or long lunches overlooking the vines, NSW’s wine regions offer something for every palate. Turn your tasting trail into a relaxing escape and stay with Reflections Holidays.

Stay near NSW wineries with Reflections Holidays

Frequently asked questions

Didn’t find what you were looking for? We’re here to help. Get in touch here.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? We’re here to help. Get in touch below.
What are the best wine regions in NSW?

Hunter Valley, Mudgee, Orange and the Southern Highlands are among the most popular regions for cellar door experiences.

Are there wineries on the Mid North Coast?

Yes, while better known for beaches, the Mid North Coast also has boutique wineries and artisan producers.

Can you visit wineries on a day trip from Sydney?

Yes, Hunter Valley and Southern Highlands are both within easy driving distance.

When is the best time to go wine tasting in NSW?

Autumn and spring are ideal for visiting wineries in NSW, with comfortable weather, vineyard views and seasonal events at many cellar doors.

Do you need to book wine tastings in NSW?

Many wineries welcome walk-ins, but it’s a good idea to book tastings ahead of time, especially on weekends and during peak travel seasons.