6 Must-Visit Bathurst Wineries | Australian Traveller

Escape to the rolling hills of Bathurst for a charming and peaceful winery, distillery or brewery tour.

Welcome to Bathurst – where the wine and liquor flow as naturally as the rolling hills that envelop this charming region. This quaint, down-to-earth and peaceful place is home to a handful of lovely wineries, plus a couple of breweries and distilleries – all run by locals with a genuine passion for their craft.

As you explore the area, keep an eye out for native wildlife and farm animals that often graze in the surrounding paddocks. Assign your designated driver and get ready to be charmed by cold-climate brews and the warmth and hospitality that make this region so special.

1. Renzaglia Wines

Nestled in the rolling hills of O’Connell, 20 minutes from Bathurst, Renzaglia Wines is the perfect place to escape and take in the beauty of the local area. With a focus on making unique, high-quality Australian wines, this family-owned vineyard has been a labour of love for three generations.

The site sits at 780 metres altitude upon two distinctly different granite-derived soil types, which have been nurtured to encourage biodiversity in the vineyard. The result? Spectacular wines that truly represent the location. Renzaglia offers not just great wine but also picturesque views and a warm welcome.

Address: 38 Bosworth Rd, O’Connell

a display of wine bottles at Renzaglia Wines — You will taste the love that goes into every bottle at Renzaglia Wines.

2. Vale Creek Wines

Located 15 kilometres south of Bathurst, Vale Creek Wines is one local winery worth a visit. Set on a picturesque rural property with stunning views of the surrounding hills, the lovely location and warm hosts will make you feel welcome.

With a focus on cool climate Italian grape varieties, your tastebuds will be tempted by a range of sangiovese, rosato, dolcetto, barbera, pinot grigio, aeneis, lagrein, vermentio and moscato. The property is also home to koalas, kangaroos, grazing sheep and cattle – making it a truly special place. Enjoy a beautiful lunch platter alongside your tasting for the ultimate luxury experience.

Address: 438 Cow Flat Road, Cow Flat

3. Winburndale Wines

Located 15 minutes east of Bathurst, Winburndale Wines is a tranquil escape from the city and a must-visit on your local winery tour. The climate, landscape and methods of the vineyard create an ideal grape, resulting in wines with soft tannins that are sure to please.

As a passionate, family-run business, your hosts will surely impress with their knowledge and hospitality. There’s a veranda overlooking a dam to pause and enjoy, plus a cellar door for tastings. It also offer two charming cottages, arguably some of the best accommodation in Bathurst.

Address: 16 Saint Anthony’s Creek Rd, Bathurst

the verdant vineyard at sunset, Winburndale Wines, Bathurst — Winburndale Wines boasts picturesque scenes from every angle.

4. Reckless Brewing

Reckless Brewing is owned by two mates with a passion for brewing craft beers from quality, natural ingredients. Situated in a heritage-listed ex-flour mill next to the Bathurst Rail Museum, it oozes rustic country vibes and a fun and youthful ambience.

There’s live music and trivia, as well as a tasy menu offering burgers, share plates, pizzas and classic pub fare with a modern, street-food-inspired flair.

Address: 2a Piper St, Bathurst

Reckless Brewing in Bathurst, NSW — Opt for a tasting paddle at Reckless Brewing.

5. Bathurst Grange Distillery

Located just 10 minutes from the city centre, Bathurst Grange Distillery promises to be a highlight on any Bathurst booze tour. This hidden gem is a lovely little family-run distillery that is passionate about producing fine gin and whisky. The family’s story dates back over 200 years, with visitors to the historic estate including Charles Darwin and Brett Whiteley.

The tasting room is open from Friday to Sunday, tours running Fridays and Saturdays and you can hire the space for weddings or special events. The welcoming service and ambience make it a top spot for families, including furry friends!

Address: 3249 O’Connell Rd, Bathurst

the exterior of Bathurst Grange Distillery — Bathurst Grange Distillery produces quality Australian gin and whisky. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Mount Panorama Wines

The only winery in Bathurst town, Mount Panorama Wines is nestled on the inside of the world-famous Mount Panorama Racing Circuit. This unique, boutique vineyard produces cool climate wines that are elegant, powerfu, and much loved by visitors.

The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed and charming, too – just give them a call before visiting to make sure they’re open.

Address: 117 Mountain Straight, Mount Panorama

If you’re keen to travel further from Bathurst town, there are so many glorious wineries, distilleries, and breweries in the greater area – particularly around Orange and Mudgee which are a day-trip distance from the city centre.

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

6 must-visit wineries and distillery doors in Bathurst