8 of Australia's best cellar doors - Australian Traveller

Cellar door-hopping is as much about finding little gems down dusty roads as it is making the rounds to the big hitters. But usually, there are the one or two wineries that deserve a little more lingering.

We’ve compiled our favourite spots that offer more than just great drops with architecture worth admiring and history to discover. Drop a pin at these locations when you’re next in the region.

South Australia

Seppeltsfield, Barossa Valley

Seppeltsfield winery australian cellar doors — Seppeltsfield Winery.

Established by the Seppelt family in 1850, who migrated from Poland, Seppeltsfield is one of the most historic wineries in the region. It’s a veritable theme park for oenophiles, peppered with historic buildings, cellars and beautiful gardens. In contrast to the rich history, the relatively new architecturally considered cellar door is all sleek lines and cosy tasting alcoves where you can also sample fortified wines and canapés. If you’re looking for something to pair beautifully with that glass of Shiraz, FINO has a sharing menu that is seasonal and simplistic. You can choose five plates and a dessert at a reasonable price.

Wirra Wirra, McLaren Vale

Set inside an ironstone building, the Wirra Wirra cellar door creates a relaxed vibe throughout its grounds. Visit the cellar, which is exclusive to visitors, snack on some grub at Harry’s Deli, serving only the best produce on hand of course, or join a behind the scenes tour of the winery and cellars. There is a $5 tasting fee, but you get to sip on limited releases with the assistance of a seasoned wine connoisseur.

Tscharke’s Place, Marananga

Run by sixth-generation farmer and first-generation winemaker Damien Tscharke, Tscharke’s Place has been around since the mid-1800s. Only recently, in 2011 was the property opened into a tasting vineyard. Head inside and learn about the incredible 150-year history that created this space. This space hasn’t evolved much since being opened almost 10 years ago, but it still has that sweet, classic charm. Their wine store is incredibly extensive and best of all, relatively inexpensive.

New South Wales

Logan, Mudgee

Established relatively recently in 1997, Logan is a relative spring chicken on the scene. Set in the NSW Central Ranges, the estate is worth a visit not only for its excellent, fresh and vibrant wines, but for the chance to spend a few wine-filled hours at its beautiful cellar door. Large glass windows look down a sweeping green paddock and out to Apple Tree Flat below and a bucolic Mudgee vista. There’s also a lovely, sun-drenched terrace where you can lose time sipping on sweet, sweet vino. More people are now heading down to Mudgee for the vast lands of vineyards, but the serenity of the area is still present throughout.

Pepper Tree Wines, Pokolbin

Pepper Tree Wines cellar doors — Pepper Tree Wines.

Delve deep into the Hunter Valley and find the needle in the haystack that is Pepper Tree Wines . Located on the long and windy Halls Road, this vineyard looks as though it’s been snatched out of a fairytale. The grounds are covered in perfectly manicured lawns, hedges and flowerbeds, and right outside the cellar door is a tree stump that’ll remind you of an Enid Blyton novel. This property is popular for weddings and other celebrations, who generally move the party over to the resident restaurant next door, Circa 1876 . They offer tastings inside their wood and barrelled-styled room, with a mix of their own reds, whites and sparkling.

Victoria

Levantine Hill, Coldstream

This vineyard is made of two smaller, merged together in Yarra Valley. With its barrel-like protrusions, the bold design of Levantine Hill hints at what you might find inside. The minimalist, Danish-esque lines of the cellar door would seem colder than the nearby stream, but warm woods and good drops create a cosy vibe. Inside, you’ll find Ezard at Levantine Hill, two dining spaces by hatted chef Teage Ezard.

Port Phillip Estate, Red Hill

This cellar door could easily pass as an art gallery with its sweeping roof and rammed limestone walls, but inside the works to be appreciated are to be found in casks. Stay at one of the six stylish guest suites on the Port Phillip Estate property while you’re taking it all in. Located in Mornington Peninsula, which has a much cooler-weather front to it, these folks specialise in Pinot Grigios, Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. As you sip your fourth glass of the day (no one’s judging), look outside to the sweeping views of the surrounding vineyards and Victorian coast.

Sam Miranda cellar door, King Valley

Presiding over the Sam Miranda estate like a bishop on a chessboard is a light tower that beams rays into its tasting room below. Access is by a subterranean passage that creates the sense of being in the depths of the Earth, immersing visitors in the act of swilling wine. After a round of tasting, enjoy lunch at the Italian-influenced restaurant with rib-sticking dishes such as house-made pork sausages and duck and porcini ragu.

Looking for other places to wine and dine? Check out our guide on the places you need to know.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

8 of Australia’s best cellar doors