Boasting more than 60 vineyards and some 15 cellar doors, the Southern Highlands is a famous for its cool climate wines.
Set amongst gorgeous rolling hillsides, the fertile vineyards produce such delights as Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon – amongst many other varietals.
While the cellar doors vary from French provincial, to modern in style, and are presented within some of the most stunning rural landscapes.
If you are thinking of heading to the area, and would like to visit some of these venues, then this list of 11 of the best wineries in the Southern Highlands should give you plenty of options.
Joadja Estate
Dating back to 1983, when the first vines were planted at this former dairy farm, the Joadja Estate holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously run winery and vineyard in the whole of the Southern Highlands region.
Situated in the hills that hover above the town of Berrima, this fabulous boutique venue produces a fabulous range of wines including Chardonnay, Malbec Grapes, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. All of which feature very cool illustrated labels on their bottles, that pay homage to a local town in the region.
Presenting a cellar door that has an inviting, yet rustic ambience, the property also offers up delicious wood-fired pizzas and local artisan cheeseboards, as well occasional live music sessions.
Southern Highlands Winery
Nestled within the charming village of Sutton Forest, the impressive Southern Highlands Winery is a notable venue that is run by three families who are rich in Italian tradition and heritage.
Spread across 34 hectares of land, their property consists of lush, green, rolling hillsides, shimmering lakes, grazing cattle and some 12 eye-catching hectares of vines.
Best seen from the floor-to-ceiling glass that feature in their modern cellar door the management offer a guided tour of the winery.
Alternatively if you would just rather indulge in a wine tasting, or enjoy a delicious, local-produce-focused meal at their acclaimed onsite Italian restaurant, you can do this every day, or from Thursday to Monday respectively.
Centennial Vineyards
Located just a short five-minute drive from Bowral, the Centennial Vineyards is an upscale estate that promotes some of the best cool-climate wines in the region.
Contained within more than 30 hectares, their vines produce the likes of Tempranillo, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir, which can all be enjoyed in a number of ways.
This naturally includes at their cellar door. But also incorporates a selection of other experiences including a fabulous Pinot Flight, which allows you to taste nine different types of Pinot Noir, as well as a winery walk. It also includes an Italian cooking masterclass and wine and painting sessions too.
When the hunger pangs hit, you can also enjoy a fantastic charcuterie board, as well as a hearty lunch or Devonshire tea, complete with scenic vineyard views, at the onsite Centennial Restaurant.
St. Maur Wines
St Maur Wines is another charming winery that offers a delicious taste of Italy in the South Highlands.
Despite being based in the very English style village of Exeter, the owner Nerio Panizzutti, and his son Marco, craft fantastic single-estate, small-batch wines, with love, care and a high degree of skill.
Originally from Treviso, Nerio proudly offers a range of hand-crafted Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. All of which can be sampled at their excellent cellar door, which you will find within a quaint dairy farm.
Mount Ashby Estate
Situated in the adorable town of Moss Vale, Mount Ashby Estate is a fabulous multi-destination venue that has something for everyone.
Taking the form of a fabulous boutique vineyard and well stocked cellar door, the venue also features a French inspired cafe, as well as a showroom where provincial style antique furniture is carefully restored.
Only open between Thursday and Sunday, they are all contained within a working dairy farm that is full of cattle.
A visit here gives you the opportunity to enjoy a perfectly balanced Shiraz, a gorgeous salmon pink rosé or a terrific deep purple Merlot. Either at the cellar door, or the cafe, which also serves up a delightful charcuterie plate or delicious, hearty soup.
PepperGreen Estate
Set on the rolling slopes of Canyonleigh, in a landscape where kangaroos are aplenty at dusk, the PepperGreen Estate is one of the best vineyards in the Southern Highlands.
Additionally an olive grove, it presents a signature tasting room and cellar door that is situated on the site of a former antiques store.
Offering a fantastic selection of Riesling, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, a visit here also gives you the opportunity to try some outstanding olive oils too in one single tasting experience.
If you can, try and come here on a Wednesday, when a wine and canapés experience is presented by the onsite sommelier in a relaxed and exclusive cellar room.
Alternatively you should make the effort to get here for a delightful wine-paired lunch. Taking place at the onsite Tasting Room, the outstanding menu has been crafted by the acclaimed Southern Highlands chefs James Thompson and Mark Chance.
Tertini Wines
Despite being a comparatively new Australian wine region as compared to others in the country, the very first vines in the Southern Highlands were actually put down in 1855.
Planted by a German vigneron called Joseph Vogt, they were unfortunately destroyed by bushfires in 1915 and the land was passed over to cattle farming.
However in 2000 the founder of Tertini Wines, one Julian Tertini, successfully re-established the vines on the property.
Completely sustainable, the vines on this family-owned and manged winery near Mittagong produces a wonderful range of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and some alternative varieties like Arneis, which is an Italian style white wine.
While its cellar door is quite low-key it does offers a splendid experience where you can sit near a log fire and sample the venue’s award-winning portfolio, as well as excellent coffee and a great range of local cheeses.
Tractorless Vineyard
If you are in to sustainable wines then head on over to the Tractorless Vineyard at Bowral.
Offering a wide selection of sustainable wines, their portfolio has been crafted through a clever mix of old world skills and knowledge, and state-of-the-art wine making techniques. Shaped by biodynamic principles, they are made with the assistance of sheep who graze in the vineyard, and thus double up as solar powered and fertilising lawn mowers.
For a fascinating insight into the finer workings of the winery you can book a seated and guided wine tasting experience with the winemaker.
Alternatively, you may wish to check out their cellar door, which also features cider and beer from the onsite Bowral Brewing Company too.
Bendooley Estate
If you are the kind of oenophile who likes nothing more than enjoying a wine with a good book then you will love the opportunities on offer at the Bendooley Estate.
Situated on the fringes of Berrima, amidst a backdrop of verdant, rolling hillside, this incredible winery hosts Berkelouw’s famous and flagship Book Barn. So you will be able to enjoy your time here sampling some top quality wines and thumbing through endless rows of paperbacks, hardbacks and limited editions.
The vineyard here is very picturesque and features a cellar door and tasting room which showcases a stunning range of modern art, as well of course as wines. Contained within a jaw-dropping architectural design that comprises of local stone, exposed steel beams and century old pine wood, the property also offers very comfortable accommodation too.
As relaxing weekends go, few can compare with a stay at this estate, which also has an acclaimed restaurant onsite too. Serving up a mouth watering menu that ranges from pizzas and burgers, to a deli board of cured meats, terrine, olives and pickles.
Artemis Wines
Conveniently situated in between Bowral and Mittagong, Artemis Wines is a family-run winery that was the first to plant Pinot Noir grapes in the South Highlands region.
Boasting a relatively small, yet funky cellar door, this family run winery has been producing top notch wines since 1996. They also make an accomplished range of premium spirits too.
With a fabulous fireplace to sip red wine besides in the winter, and a gorgeous lawn to sit on during the summer, a visit here is a very pleasant experience for all your senses.
Sutton Forest Wines
Offering a ‘little piece of Italy in the Highlands’, Sutton Forest Wines is another winery experience that showcases an Italian twist.
A second generation family owned property, they offer a range of award-winning boutique wines. The signature one of which is a Chianti-style red which perfectly blends Sangiovese with Pinot Noir.
Best experienced at its cellar door, the winery also runs a cafe that serves up a fabulous selection of focaccias, antipasto platters, cakes and gelatos, as well as espresso and tea.