8 regional NSW spots to try New England wine, beer and spirits

Heading up to New England High Country? Make sure to check out these wineries and distilleries in one of Australia’s finest wine areas

New England High Country is well known for gorgeous national parks and a distinct four seasons. But did you know New England wine is also famous for its cool climate offerings? With lush tablelands, cool winters and warm summers, it produces some of the best drops in the state.

Breweries and distilleries have also turned up to the bar – with small-batch botanical gins, inventive liqueurs, and Indian Pale Ales crafted with love in New England High Country. If you’re ready to take a detour on that road trip from Sydney to Brisbane, here are the best boutique winery, brewery and distillery stops to make.

Discover cute decor and tasty drinks in New England High Country. (Image: Deepwater Brewing)

1. Petersons Armidale Winery and Guesthouse

Staying in a winery has a two-fold benefit. Not only do you have more time to linger and soak up the country atmosphere, but it eliminates any issues you might have securing a responsible driver after you’ve had a glass or two.

Book a romantic getaway at Petersons Armidale Winery and Guesthouse , and you can simply walk down to the cellar door, checking out the vines and English-style gardens on your way.

Wines from the Armidale region are on offer, including award-winning wines like Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and more. Follow a tasting up with dinner, with plates that change day-to-day, depending on what local ingredients are available, and retreat to one of the seven rooms. Rich with old-world style, there are charming details, as well as full-sized spa or clawfoot baths in the five suites.

Want to taste New England produce, but can’t stay overnight? You can book in for lunch on the weekend. In summer this can be served outside under the trees.

Petersons Armidale Winery and Guesthouse — Dine outside under the trees.

2. Topper’s Mountain Wines

Follow this mini-Australian wine trail to Topper’s Mountain Wines , an hour or so north drive from Petersons, in Tingha. You’ll have to book ahead to visit this boutique cellar door, but believe us, it’s worth it.

Rare varieties are cultivated here, like full-bodied Nebbiolo, dry Gewürztraminer, and the smoky Tintas Kvevri – which is fermented underground in clay amphorae. Classics like Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, and signature red and white blends, are also available at this cool climate winery.

As well as picking out how many bottles (or boxes) of Topper’s special varietals to take home, another must-do activity at this winery is joining the owners as they explain their process to create and maintain the vines at this extraordinary vineyard.

Finish up with a cheese and charcuterie board to accompany the tasting of these one-of-a-kind wines.

Toppers Mountain Wines, Tingha — Stop in for something unique at Topper’s.

3. Reedy Creek Estate

Drive up to the NSW-Queensland border, to the very edge of northern New England. Here, you will find the Reedy Creek Estate , where the area’s Mediterranean-style climate has been used to create Reserve Old Vine Shiraz (which comes from vines that are over half a century old), Chardonnay with hints of passionfruit and lemongrass, and delicate Prosecco with a glamour of apples and pears.

The Reedy Creek Estate cellar door is open seven days a week, and you can order antipasto boards and traditional Italian sweets to accompany tastings. Need a solid meal after your time on the road? You can also request a pasta lunch if you book in advance.

If you are after a secluded getaway for a special anniversary, the independent winery has a cottage on the property . You can also contact the owners and book the campsite by the Dumaresq River.

4. 2Wild Souls Meadery

If you’re keen to try a drop that is a bit different, swing in at 2Wild Souls Meadery . Located at Torrington, this cellar door specialises in handcrafted mead, created from local honey created by bees who visit the blossom on the property.

If you’ve never tried the ancient drink before, expect a preservative-free, refreshing drink, that uses the ‘Ancestral Method’ to produce the naturally sparkling taste.

Due to the nature of using bees and honey in the mead, you can expect each season to taste slightly different – a fantastic excuse to come back again and again. Dogs are welcome on the property, which is open Wednesday to Sunday. For other times, book ahead for an appointment.

labels being put on bottles at 2Wild Souls Meadery — Taste handcrafted mead at the family-owned 2Wild Souls.

5. Deepwater Brewery

Head north of Glen Innes to sink a cold one at a country craft brewery. Overlooking the Deepwater River Reserve, the Deepwater Brewery creates a wide range of beers, including IPAs, kolchs, ales, stouts and spicy ginger lagers.

Curated for locals and road-trippers looking to kick back over the weekend, this dog-friendly brewery is open on Fridays and Saturdays, with delectable pizzas served up.

pizza and beer at Deepwater Brewing — Wash down your pizza with locally crafted brews.

6. New England Brewing Co.

Grab the growler and make your way to Uralla for this boutique brewery. New England Brewing Co ’s centrally-located shed has fun vibes in spades.

In summer, cool off with their selection of beers, like locally brewed milk coffee stouts and peach and cherry sours. In winter, order one of their taster paddles and settle next to the fire. The beers are served from the tap and as takeaway cans, if you want to bring a taste of New England High Country home with you.

Grab some classic beer snacks like pork crackling and pickles, or pick out cheeses and cold meats from the fridge. Not a beer fan? Alcoholic ginger beer, wine from Topper’s Mountain and Petersons , as well as non-alcoholic kombuchas are available.

: Beers available from the New England Brewing Co., Uralla — Taste a bit of everything with a New England Brewing Co. tasting paddle. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Glen Gowrie Distillery

For the fans of cocktails or a good gin and tonic among you, head to the Glen Gowrie Distillery . Here, products are handcrafted by this family-owned business from start to finish, using Sebago potatoes, blueberries and molasses instead of commonly used grains. The result? Preservative-free gins and liqueurs, defined by regional flavours, with varieties as wide-ranging as olive leaf gin or oak and whisky liqueur.

Located near the Celtic capital of Glenn Innes on a working farm, the cellar door is open Wednesday to Sunday. Take a tour of the distillery with the head distiller, indulge in a guided tasting journey through five gins, or simply relax under the trees with a gin and tonic.

For nibbles, the Glen Gowrie Distillery has a selection of locally smoked trout, jerky, cheeses and cured meats for grazing boards.

Glen Gowrie Distillery, Glen Innes — Sip on these small-batch, family-made creations.

8. Dobson’s Distillery

No chance of missing out on local liqueurs if you find yourself in Kentucky (that’s in New England, not the U.S.). Seven days a week, Dobson’s Distillery ’s speakeasy and tasting bar is open for business.

Pull up a chair at this jazz and blues bar where there is something for everyone. Its gins, whiskeys and rums are award-winning, and if you’re more of a beer drinker, they brew that onsite too.

Come weekends, make sure to book a table for lunch in advance. With cured meats infused with gin botanicals, home-smoked salmon with local pickles, and a ploughman’s lunch that includes slow-cooked barbecue meats, pate, cheeses, freshly baked bread, and more, you better believe it fills up quickly.

stills at Dobson's Distillery — Soak up the atmosphere and award-winning liquors.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

8 incredible wineries and distilleries in regional NSW