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.

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.

6 must-visit wineries and distillery doors in Bathurst