There is no day trip more indulgent than a day trip spent hopping between wineries, sampling all the delicious fare.
In New South Wales, the Hunter Valley in the north-west is the first wine region to spring to mind when you think ‘wine’. But, if you head in the other direction – south-west – you hit the state’s other wine region, Macarthur.
Producing wine for over 200 years, the 3000 square kilometer Macarthur wine region is often considered to be the birthplace of Australian wine. Macarthur region is just a short 1.5hr drive from Sydney, and it is full of boutique wine producers, just like the ones below.
In an average day, you can expect to be able to fit in visits to around 3 or 4 wineries in the Macarthur region; so, take a look through our short list of producers below and be sure to choose wisely!
Camden Estate Vineyards
Address: 172 Macarthur Rd, Elderslie, New South Wales
Phone number: (02) 4658 0110
Varieties: Chardonnay
If you are a through and through Chardonnay fan, you need to schedule a visit to Camden Estate Vineyards into your wine tour itinerary. The vineyard has been producing 100% chardonnay since the early 90’s, and prides themselves on the elegant fruit characteristics that come through in their distinctive, regional wine.
Set on the Nepean River in Elderslie on the New South Wales Central Coast, Camden Estate Vineyards is located a hop, skip and jump from where Australia’s first ever vineyard was planted. It is also one of the more picturesque vineyards and homesteads in the region.
Gledswood Homestead Country Weddings
Address:900 Camden Valley Way, Catherine Fields, NSW
Phone number: (02) 9606 5111
Wine tours are just as much about the vineyards and homesteads as they are the produce, and Gledswood Homestead is the perfect example of this.
Set on 64 acres amongst the Macarthur District’s rolling pastures, the historic colonial homestead dates back to 1810. Once owned by an early pioneering family, the grand home holds a great deal of history in its sandstone walls. Guided tours through the property are on offer, but don’t forget to stop by the cellar door at the Glenswood Winery and try the crisp whites and earthy reds too – it is a wine tour after all!
Fussy Grape
Address: Cnr Oran Park Dve & Camden Valley Way, Oran Park, New South Wales
Phone number: 0405 827 571
Varieties: Viognier, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
What started out as a hobby farm for self-taught winemaker and viticulturist Ned Raich, has now – some 15 years after planting his first cabernet sauvignon vines – turned in to a full-time venture.
The fully operational winery pumps out around 25,000 bottles of wine per year across four different varietals. Produced from hand-picked grapes, these wines really are a labour of love.
Razorback Ridge Wines
Address: 20 Dawson Rd, Menangle, New South Wales
Phone number: 0416 521 753
Varieties: Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet sauvignon, Chardonnay, Verdelho
Sitting at the base of the Razorback Range in Menangle is the small, family owned and operated Razorback Ridge Wines.
Dubbed as ‘the hobby that grew out of hand’, the winery goes without the equipment that comes with economies of scale, and still does things the traditional way. All their pruning and picking is done by hand, and all the winemaking takes place on site. The result? Premium quality fruit and premium quality wines.
Cogno Brothers Winery
Address: 40 Cobbitty Road, Cobbity, New South Wales
Varieties: Grenache, Muscat, Barbera, Trebbiano
After coming out to Australia as diesel mechanics in the 1950’s, Giovanni and Dino Cogno hung up their mechanic boots in 1964 to establish their 10ha vineyard in Cobbitty. Cobbitty is a historic, secluded village well worth stopping in to on your way to the vineyard and cellar door.
Growing mainly Italian varietals like muscat, barbera and trebbiano, Cogno Brothers well and truly caters for the Italian and Italian wine loving clientele. Along with wine, Cogno Brothers also produces a range of port, sherry and wine liqueurs.
Kirkham Estate
Address:3 Argyle Street, Camden NSW
Varieties: Chardonnay, Semillon, Verdelho, Petit verdot, Shiraz, Merlot, Pinot noir, Cabernet Sauvignon
Kirkham Estate is headed up by former Riverina winemaker Stan Aliprandi, who brings over 30 years of experience to the table.
As one of the more diverse producers in the region, Kirkham Estate is sure to have a drop to please everyone in your wine tour party. There are 8 different varietals planted on the 9ha vineyard – from chardonnay to petit verdot, Semillon to shiraz – leading to the production of 9 different wines and a tawny port.
Southern Cross Truck Rentals is a local truck and mini bus rental company located in the heart of the Macarthur region and only minutes from the best wineries. If you need a designated driver and a vehicle for your next scheduled wine tour in our beautiful region, contact Southern Truck Cross Rentals.
