Wine tastings usually take place at vineyards and cellar doors in rural areas. This means there aren’t many ride-share, cab or public transport options, and so you’re often having to drive yourself, which limits the amount you can drink.
The solution? Book a wine tasting at a place where you can stay overnight. In NSW, there are countless such places, with gorgeous grounds where you can sip and swirl and, importantly, also stay. Ahead, we’ve rounded up some winery accommodation in the state.
From sprawling properties with pools on gorgeous grounds, to cosy cabins where, post-wine tasting, you can curl up in front of an open fire, these are our picks for the best winery accommodation NSW has to offer.
Borrodell Estate, Orange
Borrodell Winery in Orange is one of the country’s highest vineyards, located on the slopes of extinct volcano Mount Canobolas. The estate has Cider Suites and cottages to stay in, with a two-night minimum on weekends and three nights on public holidays. Once you’ve checked in, you can book a guided winery tour, or visit the estate’s orchard to see its grapes and other fruits or its trufferie to see its nuggets.
Spicers Vineyards Estate, Pokolbin
Located a three-hour drive from Sydney, Hunter Valley is easily the most popular NSW wine country for Sydneysiders and tourists to visit. Spicers Vineyards Estate grows chardonnay, cabernet, sauvignon and merlot grapes alongside its French countryside-look accommodation and Restaurant Botanica, shaded courtyards and exquisite gardens. It’s also got a pool and spa.
Cedar Creek Cottages, Wollombi
Cedar Creek Cottages offers a choice of seven self-contained cottages, complete with verandas, wood fireplaces and spa baths. The Settler’s Cottages, three options, were built from brick and timber slabs in the style of the homes of the early settlers. Set directly above the estate’s cellar door, The Grove Cottage has two bedrooms, a full kitchen and views of creek banks and forest Poplar Grove.
Yeates Wines, Eurunderee
Yeates Wines is a mostly solar-powered estate in the wine country of Mudgee. The Gate House is located beside its cellar door, while the Vine Loft is the upstairs loft. Both sleep two, but you’re also welcome to book both floors to accommodate four people. All stays come with a complimentary wine tasting on arrival. Note that the accommodation isn’t open to children or pets.
Bendooley Estate, Berrima
Bendooley Estate in the Southern Highlands has studio, two-bedroom and three-bedroom cottage options available, each named after a famous Australian author. All stays come with a country-style breakfast and views over the property’s lake, paddocks and hills. After a tasting at the estate’s cellar door, wander its grounds or soak in the tub of your cottage, stepping out after onto the bathroom’s heated floors.
Harkham Wines, Pokolbin
Harkham Wines in Hunter Valley is unique in that all its vineyards are farmed sustainably and every one of its grapes is handpicked to ensure the highest quality. Accommodation Harkham House is adjacent to the estate’s cellar door. Ideal for groups or a big family, the stay has four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a stone fireplace.
Rosby Wines, Eurunderee
Rosby Wines prides itself on its low-impact viticulture and boutique wine production. Accommodation-wise, it has a four-bedroom guest house that can sleep up to eight, as well as a studio apartment that can sleep two. Wake up early to catch the mist roll in, blanketing the valley below. At night, bring a blanket to the lawn to enjoy a picnic with cows and kangaroos just beyond.
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