Sydney Wine Tours | Plan Your Wine Tasting Sydney Tour
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Wine tasting is by far one of Sydney’s top tourist attractions, and for good reason. What are the available Sydney wine tours for you and how can you select the perfect matching tour for you? Sydney is home to a multitude of high-quality wineries. These include the Hunter Valley wine region. HV region is the oldest and most popular wine region in all of Australia.
Snapshot to wine tasting
Sydney is also home to 14 other best-known wine regions. These include Orange, Mudgee, Southern Highland, and the Canberra District wine regions. So, how can you avoid a wine tour while you are in Sydney?
Due to the growing variety of grapes, producing wines for both cool and warm climates; a wine tasting trip near Sydney is the perfect place to awaken your taste buds and indulge in a variety of Australias finest wines.
In addition to the incredible wine-tasting experiences, you can also enjoy some of the best food festivals in the area. From taking a stunning balloon ride over the beautiful vineyards of Hunter Valley to meeting the winemakers personally. There is an abundance of things to do and see in Hunter Valley wine country on a trip. From dining in acclaimed restaurants, having the chance to learn the art of winemaking, to peacefully playing golf among the vineyards.
How are you going to decide which wine tour to take first from Sydney? Indeed, it’s the toughest question if this is the first time visiting Sydney. Hence, we have put together a detailed list featuring popular wine regions near Sydney. In addition, the type of tours available, grape varieties, wineries, and more. So, why are you waiting? Discover tips for your wine tasting tour from Sydney.
Sydney Wine Tours to Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley is by far the most popular wine region in NSW. This makes the first choice of wine tour from Sydney for wine lovers. Providing you with the chance to explore everything from the many iconic grape varieties. In addition, you can find new blends and finally to emerging varieties. It is the perfect way to experience high-quality and very distinctive varieties of wine.
Wine Varieties
Hunter Valley vineyards boast a huge variety of incredibly tasty wines; from the classic Semillon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz varieties. To the new and emerging European varieties such as Arneis, Albarino, Barbera, Fiano, Tempranillo, and Touriga Nacional.
Best Hunter Valley wines
The Hunter Valley Semillon is by far Hunter Valley’s most famous wine. Made at Tyrrell’s vineyard is the world-renown Vat 1 Hunter Semillon. It was first made in 1963 and uses the values of patient bottle aging.
Hunter Valley wineries
Besides the world-renown Tyrrell’s winery in Wyndham. Other very well-established family-owned wineries include Lindeman and Drayton and Tulloch.
Sydney wine tours to Hunter Valley
- There is a reliable shuttle service to Hunter Valley available from Cessnock.
- Private Hunter Valley wine tour from Sydney including expert guide and hotel pick up and drop off.
- Small group Hunter Valley Wine tours from Sydney.
- You also have the option to self-drive to the Hunter Valley Region.
Sydney to HV wine-tasting guide
- Tyrrell’s Wines is one of the best Hunter Valley wineries – For the best Semillon in your wine-tasting Sydney tour.
- Hunter Cheese Co – For the tastiest cheeses.
- Gartelmann wines – For the most impressive Cellar Door, located in Lovedale.
- Audrey Wilkinson wines – For the most stunning views over Hunter Valley.
- Oaks Cypress lakes resort – For the best chance of spotting a wild kangaroo.
Orange Wine Region
Idyllically set on a majestic dormant volcano; Mount Canobalas. Orange region is not to be missed as part of your Sydney wine-tasting experience.
As a result of the naturally high altitude and with mineral-rich soils. Orange Wine Region has the perfect growing conditions to create a careful selection of delectable cool climate wines.
In addition, the Orange region is also home to a variety of well-renowned restaurants available for you to choose from in the evening time after your full and eventful day of wine-tasting Sydney.
Wine Varieties
Grape varieties available in the Orange region include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
Orange wineries
Being the most popular winery, Ferment would be the perfect place to start your wine-tasting Sydney experience. Equally as exciting though is Ross Hill Wines; where you can learn all about the art and science of winemaking at Australia’s first carbon-neutral winery.
Furthermore, you cannot miss the chance to try some of the tastiest wines at Orange wine region wine pioneer, Philip Shaw wines.
Finally, finishing off your Sydney wine trip at Colmar Estate is a great way to enjoy some Alsace inspired wines in the gorgeous and serene countryside.
But with a cellar door of over 20 producers, there is a lot of choices when it comes to wine tasting in the Orange wine region.
Sydney Wine Tours to Orange Region
- A private driver-guide from Sydney to Orange – At nearly 250 km outside of Sydney; Orange Wine Region is a 3.5 hour drive and is only accessible by booking a private tour.
- Self-driving – Also an option, if self-driving from Sydney it is advised to stay overnight in the Orange Region.
Travel guide to Orange wine region
- Best views – De Salis’ vineyard is the best place to visit for some stunning 180 degree views over the stunning slopes of Mount Canobolas.
- Best lunch ideas – Heifer Station, the 100 year old shearing shed offers wine tastings and the unique opportunity to experience a private picnic on their gorgeous estate.
- Most unique experience – Swinging Bridge offers a sit-down wine tasting experience.
- Blue Mountains – Private wine tasting tour from Sydney usually also cover the most popular tourist attractions on the way, such as the stunning Blue Mountains.
- Finally, It is advised to check the weather conditions in the Orange region before planning your trip.
Mudgee Wine Region
Mudgee wine region has a long history of winemaking, dating all the way back to the 1850s. It is known for the intense flavours created by the slow ripening of the grapes, thanks to the area’s naturally temperate climate.
Significantly, Mudgee is known for its selection of elegant wineries producing a variety of complex red wines and golden chardonnays.
In addition to being home to over 35 cellar doors; the Mudgee region is actually the most popular food and wine escape from Sydney. Offering the experience of regional fine dining, multiple delicious food events throughout the year, and a stunning selection of cozy cafes serving delicious gourmet treats.
Wine Varieties
Leading varieties in the Mudgee wine region include the shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and chardonnay.
More recently the Sangiovese, Barbera, and Petit Verdot have also been planted in the region.
Mudgee wineries
Popular wineries in the Mudgee region include Moothi Estate, Lowe Wines, and Blue Wren Wines. These are great choices for a fun wine tasting experience closer to Sydney.
Furthermore, don’t miss out on Robert Stein Winery which is home to the Pipeclay Pumphouse and also features a vintage motorcycle museum.
Finally, High Valley Cheese Co is very popular for its smaller boutique wines on offer for tasting and purchase.
Mudgee wine tour from Sydney
- Private Sydney wine tours – At a 3 hour 30 minute drive away from Sydney, a private tour would be the only option.
- Self-drive – In addition to a private tour, it is possible to self-side from Sydney.
- An overnight stay is required in Mudgee if driving from Sydney and it is recommended to check weather conditions before planning your trip.
Travel tips
- Logan Wines – For the tastiest cheese platters.
- Di Lusso Estate – For a relaxing vineyard lunch.
- Mudgee Brewing Co – For the best beer in Mudgee Region.
- Pipeclay Pumphouse – For regional fine dining at the paddock to plate restaurant
- Mudgee Wine and Food Festival – A unique month-long festival offering live music, long lunches, and exquisite dinners. Held in the Spring.
- Blue Mountains – Private tours usually also cover the most popular tourist attractions of Blue Mountains on the way, such as the stunning Blue Mountains.
- Lawson Park Hotel – For the best little classic country pub in Mudgee region.
Wine tasting in Blue Mountains
Without any doubt, Blue Mountains is the most visited destination in Sydney. Many travelers visit the Blue Mountains for sightseeing; however, some travelers book Blue Mountain and Megalong Valley winery tour. Passing Katoomba, next is Blackheath. Take a left turn from Blackheath, you can reach to greenest Megalong valley. Some take trips here for wine tasting at Megalong Creek Estate and Dryridge Estate. Relatively, very young wineries in Blue Mountains region and producing some of the best Chardonnays and Rieslings.
Sydney Wine Tours to Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven
With more than 50 vineyards and a dozen cellar doors; Southern Highlands is known for producing some of Australia’s highest-quality of cool-climate wine ranges thanks to its perfectly fertile soils and high altitudes.
With rolling hills and charming little towns, the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven are the perfect tranquil and rural getaway from Sydney.
With everything you need from locally acclaimed restaurants to classic country pubs, there is something for everyone.
Wine Varieties
Popular wine varieties available in the Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven wineries include Pinot, Nebbiolo, Shiraz, Reisling, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay.
Southern Highlands & Shoalhaven wineries
Artemis Wine and Tertini Wines near Mittagong are the most sought-after wineries in the Southern Highlands.
Otherwise, Centennial Vineyards and Diamond Creek Estate near Bowral are also wise choices.
Other popular wineries include Joadja Estate near Berrima, Eling Forest Winery and South Highland Winery near Sutton Forest, and Cuttaway Hill Wines near Exeter.
Southern Highland & Shoalhaven wine trip
- Private guided wine tasting tour to South Coast – A private tour guide from Sydney is your best option. With Bowral is a 90 minutes’ drive from Sydney and two hours south of Canberra.
- Train – Alternatively you can make your way to the Southern Highlands via train. From there you can join a wine tasting tour such as Grape Escape or Highlands Food and Wine Tours.
- Self-drive – A good option for families and those wanting more freedom to drive around the area independently.
Southern Highland wine tasting Sydney tour tips
- Grand Pacific drive – If self-driving, head to the Southern Highlands via the Great Pacific drive in order to catch some magnificent views at the Stanwell tops (popular for Adventurous skydiving) through the countryside en route via Moss Vale.
- Local specialties – Indulge in some local specialties such as Toulouse geese, Angus beef and Wessex Saddleback pig.
- Try some local treats – Don’t forget to also taste the huge variety of local cheeses, olives, olive oil, truffles, berries, cherries and pome fruits on offer.
Canberra District Wine Region
Home to the region’s wine capital, Yass Valley; the Canberra District isn’t one to be missed. Featuring iconic wineries such as Clonakilla and Helm wines, only in the Canberra District region can you taste such a variety of acclaimed local wines.
Above all, the Canberra district wineries are all set in such a flourishingly beautiful countryside setting. You can experience the Collector Lake George as well as discover the cellar doors around Murrumbateman, Wallaroo, and Gundarooand Yass.
Wine varieties in the Canberra district
Varieties of wine is available for your enjoyment in the Canberra District including the region’s signature wines; an elegant Shiraz and a crisp Riesling.
Popular wineries in Canberra District
Popular Wineries in the Canberra District region include the popular Mount Majura Vineyard in Majura. The Pialligo Estate in Pialligo and Capital Wines in Hall.
Wine tasting day trip to Canberra from Sydney
- Private tours – At 300 Km away from Sydney; a private tour is the only available transport option aside from self-driving.
- Self-drive – Driving from Sydney to Canberra is also an option and will take you around 3 hours.
Canberra wine tasting Sydney tour guide
- Mount Kosciuszko – For some stunning scenery, book a trip to the snowy mountains of Mount Kosciuszko while you’re in the area.
- Local produce – Enjoy some of the district’s prized truffles.
- The Canberra District wineries are placed quite a distance apart; therefore a private tour guide in Sydney or a hire car is recommended for your visit.
Undeniably all of the choices mentioned in this article will deliver you an incredible time, regardless of the region you decide to visit. With something for everyone, Sydney truly is the perfect place to experience wine tasting.
Need more help deciding where else you can visit during your time in Sydney? Check out further options listed throughout the Sydney Private Tours website or contact us personally for more information. Read our other articles on Day trip to Royal National Park, Sydney Brewery Tours, Amazing caves near Sydney, NYE Sydney, Blue Mountains Day trip, and Best Blue Mountains hikes.
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