Australia is renowned for its award-winning wineries, with over 2,400 of them sprawling across the country. A significant number are nestled in the beautiful New South Wales (NSW), a region blessed with diverse climates and fertile soil that yield exceptional wines. If you’re an oenophile or just looking for a relaxing getaway, here are five exquisite wineries you should visit in NSW.
1. Tyrrell’s Wines, Hunter Valley
First on our list is the historical Tyrrell’s Wines, located in the beautiful Hunter Valley, Australia’s oldest wine region. Tyrrell’s is a fifth-generation family-owned winery that has been creating exceptional wines for over 160 years. With a strong commitment to traditional winemaking methods combined with modern techniques, they produce high-quality wines, particularly their world-renowned Semillon and Shiraz.
As you step into the estate, the sight of vineyards stretching out under the Australian sun is nothing short of breathtaking. The winery offers guided tours, where you can learn about its rich history and winemaking process, followed by a wine-tasting session.
2. Robert Stein Winery, Mudgee
Next, head to the enchanting region of Mudgee to visit the Robert Stein Winery. This family-owned vineyard has been operational since 1976, known for its excellent red wines and Rieslings. The vineyard’s location at an altitude of 584 meters gives it an edge, with cooler climates allowing for a longer and more varied growing season.
At Robert Stein Winery, you can cycle through the vineyards on their designated bike track, visit the on-site motorcycle museum, and conclude your day with a delectable meal at the Pipeclay Pumphouse, their acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant. Be sure to taste their Dry Riesling, a delightfully crisp and aromatic wine that reflects the unique terroir.
3. De Bortoli Wines, Riverina
In the heart of Riverina, Australia’s ‘food bowl’, resides the De Bortoli Wines. Established in 1928 by the De Bortoli family who migrated from Italy, it has grown into a premium wine company, offering a diverse range of wine styles. De Bortoli is especially celebrated for their Noble One, a botrytis Semillon, often touted as Australia’s most famous dessert wine.
The vineyard offers behind-the-scenes tours where you can discover their sustainable winemaking practices and barrel aging process. The tour concludes with a personalized tasting at the cellar door, where you can savour their extensive wine selection. Round off the experience with a visit to the cheese maturation room and a stroll in their beautiful gardens.
4. Brokenwood Wines, Hunter Valley
Back in the Hunter Valley lies Brokenwood Wines, a winery established in 1970. What started as a hobby venture among three lawyers has since grown into one of Australia’s most reputable wine labels. Their focus is on producing high-quality wines with strong regional characters, especially their notable Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz.
Visitors to Brokenwood can enjoy their unique ‘tasting pods’ experience, a personalized and intimate wine-tasting journey. The winery also houses ‘The Wood Restaurant’ and ‘Cru Bar + Pantry’, where you can indulge in fresh local produce paired with their excellent wines.
5. Cupitt’s Estate, Shoalhaven Coast
Last but not least is Cupitt’s Estate, an idyllic winery located in the Shoalhaven Coast region. This boutique winery and vineyard, set on a lovely hillside overlooking Burrill Lake and the Milton countryside, is known for its artisan cheeses, boutique beers, and of course, fantastic wines.
Here, visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and winery, followed by a tasting of their handcrafted wines. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in their delicious farm-to-fork cuisine at Cupitt’s Kitchen, complemented by the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Take Care of the Wine You Purchase
Having a wine fridge for when you purchase wine from a vineyard offers numerous benefits. Primarily, it ensures the optimum storage conditions for the wine, preserving its quality and flavour. Wine fridges offer consistent temperature control, which is crucial in preventing spoilage and maintaining the wine’s character. They also provide a controlled humidity environment that prevents the cork from drying out, which can lead to the wine’s oxidation. Additionally, they protect wine from harmful UV rays that can degrade and prematurely age the wine. Lastly, wine fridges provide an organized storage system that allows for horizontal storage of the bottles, which is crucial in keeping the cork moist and preventing unwanted air from getting into the bottle. Thus, having a wine fridge ensures that the fine wine purchased from a vineyard is perfectly aged and enjoyed at its very best. At DIVIN Australia, some of our models like DV-636DK and DV-568DSD have display shelves to showcase your precious wines while storing them.