The Best Wineries And Distilleries In Echuca Moama

Forget the usual wine trails – these sister towns know how to drink, and they’re quietly becoming one of the country’s most rewarding places to do so.

The Garden State has a lot to love, but it’s a particular delight for anyone who enjoys a well-made drink. From the windswept edges of the Great Ocean Road to the High Country’s alpine peaks, you’ll find distillers, brewers and winemakers making exceptional libations, often in a heartfelt tribute to the land.

And while regions like the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula tend to hog the spotlight for their cellar doors and cool-climate drops, the twin towns of Echuca and Moama, just across the river in New South Wales, add in a rustic riverside backdrop, heaps of small-town charm, and winemakers who are just as happy to pull up a chair as they are to pour.

In short

Echuca Distillery has spirits that’ll make you do a double take, Two Lads Brewing are the rising stars and Morrisons Winery is full of cute kookaburras eyeing your drink – but our soft spot goes to Old School Winery , the only place that offers honey wine and hand-thrown pottery under one roof.

1. Cape Horn Vineyard & Riverside Bar, Echuca

wine by the fire at Cape Horn Vineyard & Riverside Bar, Echuca — Cosy up by the fire with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. (Image: Cape Horn Vineyard & Riverside Bar)

Right on the Victoria-NSW border and just 20 minutes from Echuca’s town centre, Cape Horn Vineyard & Riverside Bar is as much a part of the area’s history as the paddle steamers that mosey along the river. The first shiraz grapes were planted here in the 1870s, aimed at the workers of the timber boom and to cater to the first flames of tourism. Today, visitors can enjoy a rather magnificent sparkling Durif, as well as wood-fired pizza and grazing platters under a shaded outdoor patio or, in winter, by the outdoor fires. Make sure to get here on a weekend for live, acoustic music.

Address: 489 Stewarts Bridge Rd, Echuca Village VIC 3564

2. Morrisons Winery, Moama

drinks at Morrisons Winery, Moama — Raise a glass while enjoying vineyard views. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Most people know Moama’s Morrisons Winery thanks to Murray River Paddlesteamers : it’s the star of their Wharf to Winery Cruise & Lunch package. The one-hour return cruise delivers guests to the estate for a seasonal two-course lunch, complimentary drink (beer, wine or something booze-free), and a wine tasting of estate-grown reds and whites. Close to town yet utterly secluded, Morrisons is a slice of pure Australiana: go to see the river catching the light, kookaburras in spades, and kangaroos draped like shadows between the vines.

Address: 123 Merool Rd, Moama NSW 2731

3. The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota

the cellar door exterior of The Old School Winery & Meadery, Womboota — Step into this Womboota cellar door for delicious meads.

Ever wondered what Australian bush honey might taste like with a dash of booze? The delicious meads at this Womboota cellar door answer that question beautifully. Roughly a 30-minute drive northwest of Echuca, the Old School Winery has charm seeping out of every corrugated slat. You’ll be introduced to the wild world of mead (the drink of medieval heroes, so they’ll tell you), which you can sip under century-old peppercorn trees. And if that wasn’t joyous enough, there’s a working pottery studio next door. Bring your own picnic and really make a day of it.

Address: Moira Road &, School Rd, Womboota NSW

4. St Anne’s Winery, Echuca

a grazing platter with wine at St Anne’s Winery, Echuca — Share a grazing platter to pair with your wine. (Image: St Anne’s Winery)

Don’t expect a vineyard at this one – St Anne’s Winery is right in the middle of Echuca’s historic Port, backing onto the town’s lively high street. As with all the St Anne wineries, this spot is known for its free tastings, delivered by friendly, local experts. The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by giant old whisky barrels in a handsome, industrious space that has ended up on many a couple’s dream wedding location shortlist. As for wines, there’s everything you could wish for, but the full-bodied shiraz, crisp rosé, and sweet tawny options tend to see the most guests purchasing a bottle on the way out.

Address: 53 Murray Esplanade Echuca VIC 3564

5. Bandicoot Brewing, Echuca

friends toasting beer glasses at Bandicoot Brewing, Echuca — Enjoy great vibes and delicious drinks at Bandicoot Brewing. (Image: Getty/krisanapong detraphiphat)

Tracy Green and her husband, Bruce, were home brewers with a dream. This came true in 2014 when the pair opened Bandicoot Brewing , the town’s first brewery to call its own in more than a hundred years. Award-winning brewer Tracy sees this family-owned favourite delivering all kinds of cult concoctions, from passion-fruit-forward pale ales to malty red ales, smooth blondes and creamy stouts. As for the brewery itself, it’s open to the public on Friday and some Saturdays (it’s best ring ahead to check). Grab the $16 tasting paddle and ask the Green team all the questions you’d like – they’ll love answering.

Address: Factory 2/100 Northern Hwy, Echuca VIC 3564

6. Echuca Distillery, Echuca

inside the Echuca Distillery — Small-batch spirits meet seriously good food at this distillery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

You can’t get a more primetime spot than Echuca Distillery , tucked into the high street behind its glamorous facade: Bar Lee. This distillery is where small-batch spirits meet seriously good food – a spot where you can watch distillers at work through the glass walls while enjoying $25 tasting flights, beef brisket nachos, and neat pours of gin, vodka or whiskey. Drinks nerds will especially enjoy some of the more unusual drops (the Coconut Arrack is a marvel). As for the distillery’s entrepreneurial spirit – pardon the pun – you can see it in action each September at their boozy brainchild: the Spirit on the Murray drinks festival.

Address: 555 High St, Echuca VIC 3564

7. St Anne’s Winery, Moama

clinking wine glasses at St Anne’s Winery, Moama — Sip top-notch cabernet sauvignon at St Anne’s Winery.

Unlike its town-centre sibling in Echuca, this St Anne’s Winery in Moama is an infinitely more al-fresco spot, positioned at the edge of a rather picturesque pond. Free tastings showcase a fabulous selection: sparkling Brut, Shiraz rosé, a whole range of fortifieds and liqueurs, and all guided by knowledgeable staff (shout-out to Kim and Hana). We love their generous cheese platters, the relaxed atmosphere out on the patio, and that furry friends can join the fun. Guests often leave with more bottles than they intended, proof that the St Anne’s Winery dynasty – now more than half a century old – continues to get it right.

Address: 77 Twenty Four Ln, Moama NSW 2731

8. Two Lads Brewing, Moama

a selection of cold beer at Two Lads Brewing, Moama — Choose the brew that matches your mood. (Image: Two Lads Brewing)

Two Lads Brewing started with two mates, a few late-night homebrews, and – eventually – one rule: if it doesn’t ignite a reaction, it doesn’t leave the brewery. Based in Moama, the duo’s bold, flavour-packed beers are already stocked in local pubs and restaurants around both towns, winning them a legion of locked-in fans. And if they weren’t already the ones to keep an eye on, 2026 brings the next chapter for Two Lads Brewing: a full-blown tap house for beer lovers, complete with all the bells, whistles – and frothy pints – you could ask for.

Address: 9 Neil St, Moama NSW 2731

We round up the luxe, the lovely and the latest places to stay in regional Victoria.

1. Hotel Ernest, Bendigo

Settle into this artful lodging in the city centre for a boutique stay with heritage roots dating back to 1864. Each of the 10 suites in this former bank is elegantly styled and furnished with covetable works by Australian artists. Ernest is also home to the much-lauded Euro-style Restaurant Terrae, so be sure to book into the two-level diner during your visit.

2. Norsu Cabin, Macedon

a look inside Norsu Cabin, Macedon — Settle into this Scandi-inspired abode. (Image: Nick Skinner)

Country cabin dreams come to life under the sweet timber A-frame of Norsu . Sleeping eight guests, this Scandi-inspired abode is so meticulously styled it’s received knowing nods from The Design Files and is everything a modern log cabin should be, including cosy fireplace, fire pit, modern appliances and French linens. Perfect for logging out of daily life for a moment.

3. Islay House, Woodend

the bedroom at Islay House, Woodend — Bed down at the gorgeously restored heritage Islay House. (Image: Tiffany Warner)

Lean all the way into a country luxe state-of-mind with a stay at the gorgeously restored heritage Islay House . This bed and breakfast sleeps up to nine guests and is just a short walk from town, but you’ll want to spend most of your time curled up fireside in the elegantly styled rooms as you admire the collection of antiques.

4. Nerissa Rye, Mornington Peninsula

This Rye beach pad is just a 10-minute walk from 16th Beach, and while a morning walk is lovely, returning to the barefoot luxe vibes of this four-bedroom escape is just as enlivening. Bright, open and welcoming, this is the place to settle in for endless cups of tea and a good book between beach jaunts.

5. Hotel Vera, Ballarat

a close-up of the bed at Hotel Vera, Ballarat — Modern meets bygone elegance.

This Ballarat beauty set in a 1900s mansion is all bygone elegance edged with modern style. Just seven boutique suites, each with its own distinct personality, makes it a singularly luxe stay. Sister to Bendigo’s Hotel Ernest, Vera is similarly bequeathed with a stand-out fine diner, Babae, which plates up the best of the region’s produce.

6. Hotel Sorrento, Port Philip Bay

The historic and iconic clifftop Hotel Sorrento at Port Philip Bay is mid-refurb and will reopen 1 December 2025, just in time for Amalfi-style beachside stays.

7. The Idle Lake House, Lakes Entrance

Enjoy a ripple of serenity when you step aboard this water-top abode on the Gippsland Lakes. Once a Chinese restaurant, this spacious and stylish two-bedroom stay offers unbroken gazing of the shimmering surface in a beautifully private bay. Lounge on the deck and enjoy the onboard bathhouse; come evening, sit by the sleek suspended fireplace.

8. The Monty, Anglesea

the bedroom at The Monty, Anglesea — Bed down at the vintage motel, The Monty.

Palm Springs makes an entrance on the Great Ocean Road with the opening of The Monty in October 2025. Its vintage motel meets modern muse at this playful boutique stay complete with pool and a vibrant Mexican cantina. You’re just a stroll from the beach here, which tells us it’s ripe for summer vacays this season.

9. Trentham Waters Resort, Mildura

vibrant bedroom wall and pillows at Trentham Waters Resort, Mildura — The bright and retro-style bedroom at Trentham Waters Resort.

Another new property lands in regional Victoria in time for an endless summer with Trentham Waters Resort expected to open by February 2026. Breezy, subtly retro and brightened by the big Mallee sky, this river’s-edge escape is perfect for settling in for a spell with one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. There’s a lagoon-style pool, riverside hot tubs and onsite dining for all your relaxation requirements.

10. Crowne Plaza, Geelong

the Trattoria Bar in Crowne Plaza, Geelong — Sink a cold one at the Trattoria Bar.

Geelong is getting its own Crowne Plaza in 2026. Its arrival on the waterfront will make it the city’s largest (and newest) hotel with 200 contemporary rooms and suites, a Skybar, all-day dining, indoor pool and gym, and event spaces. Keep it on your radar.

11. Re’em, Yarra Valley

a private tub with lush views at Re’em, Yarra Valley — Sip and soak in tranquillity.

With verdant Yarra Valley views that take in the linear beauty of tended grapevines, the 16 suites and rooms at Re’em are set amid the Helen & Joey Estate and invite sipping and sitting in tranquillity. The onsite restaurant deftly balances Chinese and Australian flavours and if you’re staying over the weekend, be tempted out of your stylish room for yum cha that features delicate handmade dumplings and vineyard vistas.

12. Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians

the yard front door of Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians — Spend an overnight stay in the Natimuk stone house. (Image: Bianca Jackson)

These 1880-era mountain-adjacent digs have been tenderly restored to provide rock climbers and Grampians country wanderers a chic place to rest. You’ll find four bedrooms in the Natimuk stone house, as well as a heated pool out the back and plenty of luxe embellishments. There’s also a two-person ‘Crash Pad’ in the confines of the Clubhouse with its own separate entrance.

the lounge at Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians — The Crash Pad offers a resting place for rock climbers and Grampians country wanderers. (Image: Bianca Jackson)

The best wineries and distilleries in Echuca Moama