Explore Inland New South Wales
About 120km north of Bathurst on good roads, the large, old country town of MUDGEE (meaning “the nest in the hills” in the Wiradjuri language) is the centre of an important wine region that’s the original home of Aussie Chardonnay. The town is set along the lush banks of the Cudgegong River, and the countryside appears to have more grazing cows and sheep than vineyards. Dotted with original boutiques and local produce shops, it’s popular with the Sydney crowd.
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Mudgee wineries: five of the best
Mudgee wineries: five of the best
The majority of the forty-odd cellar doors are immediately north of Mudgee and offer free tastings. Consider cycling around the vineyards on a bike rented from Green Pedal Tours (t0428 726 594, wwww.greenpedaltours.com.au); they can either accompany you, or give you a map and detailed explanation and send you on your way.
Botobolar 89 Botobolar Rd, 16km northeast of town t02/6373 3840, wwww.botobolar.com. Australia’s first organic winery is known for its Marsanne, with tastings on a shady terrace. There’s also a picnic area and BBQs. Mon–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 10am–3pm.
Di Lusso Estate Eurunderee Lane, 5km north of town t02/6373 3125, wwww.dilusso.com.au. An Italian winery founded by a doctor eighty years ago, now run by the charming Robert Lane. Enjoy fourteen different Italian wines paired with wood-fired pizzas. Also stages an Italian film festival every 3–4 months. Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri 9am–5pm, Sat & Sun 10am–6pm.
Huntington Estate Wines Cassilis Rd, 6km northeast of town t02/6373 3825, wwww.huntingtonestate.com.au. Delicious wines, notably the young Semillons and the intense, heady Cabernet Sauvignon. Hosts an excellent annual chamber-music festival in November. Daily 10am–4pm.
Pieter Van Gent 141 Black Springs Rd, 6km northwest of town t02/6373 3030, wwww.pvgwinery.com.au. Daily tastings in a delightful setting: beautiful nineteenth-century choir stalls on cool earth floors, overshadowed by huge old barrels salvaged from Penfolds Winery. Try the Pipeclay Port, a tawny specimen aged in wood. The wine-maker is Dutch, and the herbs he uses in his traditional vermouth are specially imported from the Netherlands. Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10.30am–4pm with wine tastings in the barrel room every Sat at 11.30am – book ahead.
Robert Oatley Craigmoor Rd, 2km north of town t02/6372 2208, wwww.robertoatley.com.au The oldest winery in Mudgee (established in 1858) and still one of the best. Known for its Montrose label and the fact that the Chardonnay grape was discovered in Australia here. There’s an interesting museum featuring old wine-making equipment too. Daily 10am–4pm.
