Who says you need to travel far for a top-notch wine adventure? Sydney is surrounded by lush wine regions serving up everything from bold reds to crisp whites—and yes, there’s cheese too. While the Hunter Valley gets all the fame, hidden gems in Mudgee, Orange, and even Canberra offer exceptional wines.
Many of these destinations are within a few hours’ drive from the city, making them ideal for day trips or weekend escapes. In this guide, we explore both iconic estates and boutique vineyards that highlight the diversity and quality of New South Wales wines, ensuring there’s something to suit every palate.
1. Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard (Hunter Valley)
Perched on a picturesque hill in the Hunter Valley, Audrey Wilkinson Vineyard offers sweeping views of rolling vineyards and the majestic Brokenback Range. Not only is it one of the best wineries near Sydney, it also has one of the best views in the Hunter Valley.
Renowned for its heritage and award-winning wines, this historic estate invites visitors to indulge in tastings of premium Semillon, Chardonnay, and Shiraz amidst stunning surroundings.
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 2 hours’ drive
2. Centennial Vineyards (Southern Highlands)
The Southern Highlands isn’t an area that people immediately associate with wine-making, but it’s home to several of the state’s best hidden gems. Centennial Vineyards specialises in cool-climate varietals, including Riesling, Pinot Noir and several sparkling wines.
Situated in Bowral, the grounds of Centennial are beautiful, and you can indulge in their wines in either the guided tastings at their cellar door or enjoy a glass of wine on their terrace.
Distance from Sydney: Less than 2 hours’ drive
3. Clonakilla Winery (Canberra District)
Canberra isn’t a region many people think of for wine, but it has a few worth the journey to check out. Clonakilla is another cool-climate vineyard that is known for its innovative blends. You can visit for tastings, and it makes an interesting escape from the capital as you head into the rural side of Canberra.
Renowned for its Shiraz, Viognier and Riesling, this acclaimed estate offers tastings that showcase the region’s distinct terroir and winemaking expertise.
Distance from Sydney: Just over 3 hours’ drive
4. Philip Shaw Wines (Orange)
Orange is home to several incredible wineries, but our pick is Philip Shaw Wines. Their high-altitude vineyards produce wines of exceptional quality and character. The cellar door makes for an interesting wine tasting experience where you can either do a wine tasting or pair it with a local dish.
From crisp Sauvignon Blanc to velvety Pinot Noir, each varietal that Philip Shaw produces reflects the estate’s dedication to crafting expressive wines that capture the essence of the surrounding landscape.
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 3.5 hours’ drive
5. Scarborough Wine Co. (Hunter Valley)
Scarborough Wine Co. is one of the most famous wineries in the Hunter Valley and stands as a testament to the region’s winemaking prowess and dedication to quality. Founded in 1987, this family-owned estate has garnered acclaim for its premium cool-climate wines, particularly its revered Chardonnays and Semillons.
Visitors to Scarborough are treated to a quintessential Hunter Valley experience, with tastings held in a rustic cellar door overlooking picturesque landscapes.
The estate’s commitment to sustainability and tradition shines through in every sip, making Scarborough Wine Co. a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of the Hunter Valley’s finest offerings, all within a leisurely drive from Sydney.
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes’ drive
6. Bendooley Estate (Southern Highlands)
Another gem in the Southern Highlands, Bendooley Estate offers a charming setting for wine lovers seeking a delightful escape from Sydney. Paired with the Berkelouw Book Shop, Bendooley is a place that has something for everyone. You can enjoy wine tasting at the estate or have lunch in the bookshop.
This picturesque estate boasts sprawling vineyards and a historic homestead, where visitors can sample a selection of cool-climate wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Merlot.
With its tranquil ambience and scenic beauty, Bendooley Estate promises a memorable wine tasting experience just a short drive from the city.
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes’ drive
7. Tintilla Estate (Hunter Valley)
Founded in 1994 by the Stanlake family, Tintilla is a picturesque estate renowned for its dedication to crafting premium, handcrafted wines that showcase the region’s unique terroir.
Specialising in Italian varietals such as Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, Tintilla Estate offers visitors a distinctive tasting experience that transports them to the heart of Tuscany.
Guests can explore the estate’s vineyards and cellar door, where they can sample a range of award-winning wines while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
With its commitment to tradition, quality, and hospitality, Tintilla Estate invites wine lovers to indulge in a truly authentic Hunter Valley experience, just a scenic drive away from Sydney.
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes’ drive
8. Mount Ashby Estate (Southern Highlands)
Mount Ashby is a boutique vineyard based in the Southern Highlands, known for its handcrafted wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, which reflect the region’s cool-climate elegance.
With its inviting cellar door and scenic surroundings, Mount Ashby Estate offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for wine tasting and exploration.
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes’ drive
9. Cupitt’s Estate (Shoalhaven Coast)
Like the Southern Highlands, the Shoalhaven Coast isn’t an area you’d normally associate with wineries, but it makes for a great break from the beaches when visiting Ulladulla.
Surrounded by lush countryside and overlooking Burrill Lake, this charming family-owned estate offers tastings of its handcrafted wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Visitors can also enjoy farm-to-table dining at the acclaimed restaurant or embark on a guided tour of the vineyards, making Cupitt’s Estate a delightful destination for wine lovers within easy reach of Sydney.
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 2 hours’ drive
10. Margan Wines (Hunter Valley)
Margan is more than just one of the best wineries near Sydney—it also boasts one of the Hunter Valley’s top restaurants.
The food here is proudly local, with much of the produce grown on-site or sourced from nearby farms. The result? Fresh, seasonal dishes that pair beautifully with Margan’s award-winning wines.
Founded in 1997 by the Margan family, this winery is known for its sustainable practices and hands-on approach to winemaking. Every bottle is carefully made to bring out the natural flavours of the region.
From their crisp Semillon to rich Shiraz blends, Margan’s wines are a true reflection of their passion and the land they’re made on.
Distance from Sydney: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes’ drive
