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We reveal the best wine regions and wineries near Sydney, where they are, whether they are worth visiting, the wine varietals they produce, and other handy insights.
You will learn about famous wine regions like the Hunter Valley, and others you may not have heard of such as Mudgee, Orange, and the Southern Highlands.
If you are planning a private wine tour from Sydney then get in touch to see how we can help you plan the perfect day. All tours are fully private, and we have been providing sensational 5-star rated Sydney winery tours for over a decade. With your own local driver/guide and tailored stops to suit, you will be in the best of hands. Read on to get some inspiration and contact us if we can answer any questions for you.
The stunningly scenic Southern Highlands wine region is often overshadowed by the Hunter Valley to the north, but should not be overlooked. It presents an excellent option for those seeking an authentic experience without having to deal with the large tourist numbers. Located just over an hour’s drive from Sydney, this elevated, cool-climate region produces some wonderful wines from younger vines. You can expect to sample chardonnay, riesling, pinot gris, arneis, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, and even gewürztraminer, from over 60 vineyards. Great sightseeing, shopping and restaurants make this an excellent day tour for those looking to escape the crowds. See Southern Highlands wine tours to find out more.
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The most famous and well-visited wine region near Sydney is the Hunter Valley, a 2.5 hour drive north of the city. It’s also the oldest wine region in Australia, with a history dating back to the 1820s, and features over 150 local wineries. The region draws local and international visitors right through the year who come to sample varietals like semillon, chardonnay, shiraz, and verdelho at renowned wineries like Bimbadgen, Brokenwood, Audrey Wilkinson, Tyrell’s and many more. Pair this with amazing local food, an optional hot air balloon ride or scenic flight, and it’s easy to see why this iconic Sydney wine region is so popular. With so many wineries to choose from, we recommend you plan your visit on a Hunter Valley Private Tour so that you can fully enjoy your day.
Find out more about our Hunter Valley Hens Wine Tours
Wait a minute, where?? That’s what we thought when we first heard about this tiny, little-known wine region near Sydney. With 2 wineries and only 2 cellar doors (tasting rooms), this micro-wine region is located in the Blue Mountains region. The Megalong Valley is officially elevated cool-climate, with grapes enjoying fabulous granite soil that produces the signature local varietal of crisp riesling. You can also enjoy some wonderful rosé, pinot grigio, tempranillo, and chardonnay with one of the most stunning tasting room experiences around. If you are visiting Sydney and want to sample wine but not spend a whole day doing it, a Megalong Valley winery is a great option and can be combined with a Blue Mountains private tour into this UNESCO-listed destination. See our post with tips for the perfect Blue Mountains day trip for more ideas.
Only in Australia would a place called Orange grow amazing grapes, and this wonderful food and wine region near Sydney is renowned for the quality of its wines. An elevated cool-climate region at 600 metres above sea level, Orange is a 3.5 hour drive to the west of Sydney, requiring you to cross the spectacular Blue Mountains to reach it. The region produces quality white varietals such as chardonnay, pinot gris and sauvignon blanc, while it is famous for red classics like shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and pinot noir. Unless you are up for a very early start and lots of driving, this region makes for a long day trip and is better explored with an overnight visit. With the local food and climate also highlights, the Orange wine region is well worth considering for serious wine drinkers.
The rural township of Mudgee, 3 hours west of Sydney over the Blue Mountains, is a classic Australian community and a region gaining strong interest from both local and overseas travellers. It is a similar driving distance from Sydney as the Hunter Valley, but without doubt, a more spectacular journey with a chance to see what lies beyond the mountains on the quest towards the mystical Australian ‘outback’. There is some serious wine to be sampled here too, with great names like Lowe, Robert Stein, Bunnamagoo, and Logan producing world-class varietals such as riesling, chardonnay, verdelho, cabernet sauvignon and classic Australian shiraz. Numerous wonderful cellar door experiences and fabulous dining options complete the trifecta, making the Mudgee region a great destination to explore for adventure travellers.
So there you have it, wine lovers, our local’s guide to some of the best wine regions near Sydney to help with your travel plans to Australia. The quality of wine in Australia is generally excellent and there are plenty of amazing options to get out and try it. Sydney city also has some urban wine-tasting experiences, so if you have limited time, get in touch and we can build that into a city-based tour itinerary.
See you in Sydney soon for some wine time,
The YSG Team.
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