Nobody is sure when, but in the last five years or so, Mudgee has boomed as a weekend destination. This is despite it being just over three and a half hour’s drive from Sydney. It seems city dwellers are flocking to the picturesque winner region for quality tipples and charming colonial architecture, not to mention an emerging gourmet scene that rivals the Hunter Valley and Orange. You might be surprised to know Mudgee has been a key player in viticulture history since 1858, well beyond the more popular wine destination we know and love.
Although we’re not complaining, we would be a miss if we didn’t list the best wineries to try in Mudgee. So here they are.
Lowe Wines
Venture to Lowe Wines, one of the prettiest wineries in the region. If you follow the lavender path to the A-frame barn shed, you will find a charming and rustic cellar door, where you can taste your way through a range of organic and unirrigated wine. When it’s sunny, grab a table outside under the umbrella and enjoy a platter and wine, or grab a gourmet picnic box and find a spot on the lawn for just $35.
First Ridge Wines
Have you ever had a wine tasting in a shipping container? Well, now you can say you have. First Ridge Wines sits at an elevation of 580 metres, so you imagine the views stretch across Mudgee. The cellar door is a converted shipping container, complete with high tables, stools, and a fireplace. Spend a few hours trying the varietals, from pinot grigio to Sangiovese, and a Prosecco. It’s only a five-minute drive from the town centre, so you can get a taxi, and it won’t cost you a kidney.
Huntington Estate
Ask any local, and chances are they will urge you to visit Huntington Estate. Situated in the middle of the Golden Circle of vineyards, the grapes here thrive on cool nights, resulting in flavourful Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The wines here are premium but still affordable. You could spend hours exploring the grounds or simply get sucked into the charming atmosphere of fairy lights strung in tree canopies, picnic tables shaded by umbrellas, and the lush greenery growing on sandstone buildings. You’re going to want to book well in advance, as this is a popular spot.
Moothi Estate
Get ready for the best lunch you will have in Mudgee. Moothi Estate is known for its irresistible lunch platters and, of course, award-winning wines. With over 20 hectares of mature vines growing on premium soil, the estate produces outstanding wines, including, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and more. Enjoy a relaxed ambience with dog-friendly grounds and a verandah overlooking the rolling hills lined with vines.
Burnbrae Wines
Run by husband and wife duo Andy and Trine Gay, Burnbrae Wines is the perfect example of the region’s community hospitality. With friendly service, great wine, and good food, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Burnbrae. On Sundays, they do pizzas; on any other day, you can get an antipasto platter with your wine tasting. The cellar door, a historic converted dance hall, leaks romance, making it a popular wedding destination too. Settle in for a long lunch with some great wines and seasonal produce. They even brew a beer you can try.
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