Love a wine weekend? If you crave an escape to the country, head 3.5 hours from Sydney to the picturesque wine region of Mudgee. Less crowded than Hunter Valley, bask in the sunshine, enjoy the slower pace and opportunity to meet the maker at this beloved wine region.
Mudgee has a reputation for exceptional quality wine in a range of varieties including the classics Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon and Shiraz as well as alternative varieties such as Tempranillo, Barbera and Zinfandel. Situated on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, Mudgee has some of the highest vineyards in Australia ranging from 450-1180m above sea level. With sunny days and cool nights, Mudgee's cool climate makes for an appealing wine weekend or romantic getaway destination.
Mudgee wine region boasts more than 40 family-owned cellar doors, so to narrow the search, here is our list of must-visit Mudgee cellar doors:
Best Cellar Doors in Mudgee
Logan Wines
If you're driving from Sydney, make Logan Wines your first stop on your wine weekend. Located in the picturesque valley of Apple Tree Flat, the architecturally designed Tasting Room is a spectacular spot to sip delicious wines and enjoy the panoramic vineyard views from the sunny deck. Don't miss ordering a local cheese and antipasto platter featuring High Valley Cheeses, Rylestone Olive Oil, Mudgee hazelnuts, local honey and more delicious morsels, all washed down with a show stopping Shiraz!
Rosby Wines
Visit Rosby Wines rustic winery on the weekend and sip vino in the sunshine from the alfresco cellar door, surrounded by sculptures. Co-owner and resident artist Kay Norton-Knight is responsible for many of the sculptures dotted around the vineyard as well as the driving force behind the annual exhibition 'Sculptures in the Garden'. Held in October, the event attracts over 3,500 visitors each year and proceeds raised go toward local arts initiatives and the creation of the public sculpture walk in Mudgee's Lawson Park.
Lowe Wines
Meeting passionate winemaker and Mudgee ambassador David Lowe is a great introduction to the Mudgee region. Lowe produces small batch wines at his organic winery that you won't find anywhere else. If you're a Champagne lover (who isn't?) then make sure you seek out the Gentleman's Daughter Sparkling, our favourite drop at the cellar door. Lowe's wife, Chef Kim Currie will also reopen her popular restaurant Zin House in July. In the meantime, her regional platters available at the cellar door showcase local goodies and garden produce including their homemade salsa verde smothered over High Valley Feta.
Robert Stein Winery & Vineyard
With a wide variety of quality wines on tasting, including their flagship Rieslings, stop by Robert Stein cellar door and linger longer for lunch at well-loved Pipeclay Pumphouse Restaurant. There you'll be treated to a menu featuring as much locally and farm grown produce as Chef and owner Andy Crestani can get his hands on. If you're a lover of vintage bikes, there is also a Motorcycle Musem onsite for enthusiasts.
The Cellar by Gilbert
In a match made in heaven, you'll find the highly addictive High Valley Cheese Co (https://www.highvalley.com.au/) tasting room alongside The Cellar by Gilbert, conveniently located on the edge of town. Visitors to the cellar door can taste current and museum release wines by father and son duo Simon and Will Gilbert. Book a masterclass and explore the basics of wine tasting and wine appreciation matched with a selection of delectable local small bites.
De Beaurepaire Wines
Detour 40 minutes from Mudgee to the picturesque town of Rylstone and seek out De Beaurepaire Wines, a family owned, single estate producer of French style wines only available at the cellar door or selected restaurants, premium hotels and iconic bars. Sample wines in the historic sandstone stables or sip wine under the magnificent tree lined garden overlooking the vines.
Where to Stay in Mudgee
Browse our collection of Mudgee accommodation here and book your wine weekend with alluxia.
These are our favourite Mudgee cellar door experiences. Do you have a favourite winery in Mudgee to add to the list?
The writer was a guest of Mudgee TourismImages: supplied
