Immerse yourself in the captivating charm of the Southern Highlands with our guide to the region’s finest wineries. Nestled amidst the rolling hills of New South Wales, the Southern Highlands is a treasure trove of vinicultural delights, offering a diverse range of cool-climate wines that will tantalize your taste buds. From the historic Joadja Estate, the region’s oldest continuous vineyard, to the innovative Tractorless Vineyard, each winery offers a unique experience steeped in tradition and innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, the Southern Highlands’ wineries promise an unforgettable journey through the region’s rich wine heritage. So, grab your wine glass and prepare to embark on a vinous adventure through the Southern Highlands, where every sip tells a story of the land and its people.
Best Wineries in Southern Highlands at a Glance
Our list of best wineries in the Southern Highlands goes like this:
- The best winery for cool-climate wines: Centennial Vineyards
- The oldest continuous vineyard in the region: Joadja Estate
- The first to plant pinot noir grapes in the region: Artemis Wines
- The best winery for a variety of offerings (wine, cider, beer): Tractorless Vineyard
- The winery with the most land and vines: Southern Highlands Winery
- The best winery for a blend of history and winemaking: Eling Forest Winery
1. Centennial Vineyards
Just a five-minute drive from Bowral, you’ll find Centennial Vineyards, a testament to the region’s cool-climate wine growing. This winery is a must-visit for any wine enthusiast. The vineyard spans over 30 hectares and grows a variety of vines including chardonnay, riesling, pinot gris, pinot noir, gewürztraminer, and tempranillo.
Source: Centennial Vineyards
Source: Centennial Vineyards
Source: Centennial Vineyards
Source: Centennial Vineyards
Source: Centennial Vineyards
Source: Centennial Vineyards
The winery offers a unique tasting experience, allowing you to sample their wide range of wines while enjoying the stunning views of the vineyard. The estate also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including wine festivals and concerts, making it a vibrant hub of activity in the Southern Highlands.
Centennial Vineyards is not just about the wine, though. The estate also houses a restaurant that serves a delicious menu of locally sourced food, perfectly paired with their wines. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner.
- Address: 252 Centennial Rd, Bowral NSW 2576, Australia
- Website: https://www.centennial.net.au/
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Z7ytJYKt8mzAbwi8
2. Joadja Estate
Nestled in the hills above Berrima, Joadja Estate is the oldest continuous vineyard and winery in the Southern Highlands. Run by a dynamic young couple, this boutique spot grows pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and malbec grapes.
Source: Joadja Estate
Source: Joadja Estate
Source: Joadja Estate
Source: Joadja Estate
Source: Joadja Estate
Source: Joadja Estate
The estate offers a warm and welcoming cellar door experience, where you can taste their range of wines and learn about the winemaking process. The owners are often on hand to share their passion for wine and their knowledge of the region.
Joadja Estate is also home to a beautiful heritage-listed homestead, which provides a stunning backdrop for your visit. The estate regularly hosts events, including wine tastings and vineyard tours, making it a lively and engaging place to visit.
- Address: Greenhills Rd &, Joadja Rd, High Range NSW 2575, Australia
- Website: https://www.joadjawinery.com.au/
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eb4LHGKY3Mb7P8oWA
3. Artemis Wines
Artemis Wines is a family-run winery that holds the distinction of being the first to plant pinot noir grapes in the Southern Highlands region. This winery is a must-visit for any wine lover, offering a unique tasting experience that showcases the best of the region’s cool-climate wines.
Source: Artemis Wines
Source: Artemis Wines
Source: Artemis Wines
Source: Artemis Wines
Source: Artemis Wines
Source: Artemis Wines
The winery’s cellar door is a welcoming space where you can sample their range of wines, learn about the winemaking process, and even take a tour of the vineyard. The owners are often on hand to share their passion for wine and their knowledge of the region.
Artemis Wines is also home to a beautiful vineyard, which provides a stunning backdrop for your visit. The estate regularly hosts events, including wine tastings and vineyard tours, making it a lively and engaging place to visit.
- Address: 46 Sir Charles Moses Ln, Mittagong NSW 2575, Australia
- Website: https://artemiswines.com.au/
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/A7YbheNe7mCrX87P7
4. Tractorless Vineyard
Tractorless Vineyard offers a unique wine, cider, and beer tasting experience at The Mill Bowral. This winery is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the diverse range of beverages produced in the Southern Highlands.
Source: Tractorless Vineyard
Source: Tractorless Vineyard
Source: Tractorless Vineyard
Source: Tractorless Vineyard
Source: Tractorless Vineyard
Source: Tractorless Vineyard
The winery’s cellar door is a vibrant and welcoming space where you can sample their range of wines, ciders, and beers, learn about the production process, and even take a tour of the vineyard. The owners are often on hand to share their passion for their products and their knowledge of the region.
Tractorless Vineyard is also home to a beautiful vineyard, which provides a stunning backdrop for your visit. The estate regularly hosts events, including tastings and vineyard tours, making it a lively and engaging place to visit.
- Address: 13-17 Kirkham Rd, Bowral NSW 2576, Australia
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/tractorlesswine/
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y3faiL7mzdp5KZju6
5. Southern Highlands Winery
Located in the tranquil Southern Highlands village of Sutton Forest, Southern Highlands Winery is a flagship space boasting 34 hectares of land and 12 hectares of vines run by three families of Italian heritage. This winery is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the diverse range of wines produced in the Southern Highlands.
Source: Southern Highlands Winery
Source: Southern Highlands Winery
Source: Southern Highlands Winery
Source: Southern Highlands Winery
Source: Southern Highlands Winery
Source: Southern Highlands Winery
The winery’s cellar door is a warm and welcoming space where you can sample their range of wines, learn about the winemaking process, and even take a tour of the vineyard. The owners are often on hand to share their passion for wine and their knowledge of the region.
Southern Highlands Winery is also home to a beautiful vineyard, which provides a stunning backdrop for your visit. The estate regularly hosts events, including wine tastings and vineyard tours, making it a lively and engaging place to visit.
- Address: 42 Oldbury Rd, Sutton Forest NSW 2577, Australia
- Website: https://southernhighlandswinery.com.au/
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tnQgJNGvtZHVzjM4A
6. Eling Forest Winery
Eling Forest Winery is a pioneer in the Southern Highlands region, operating within the property of a beautifully maintained heritage-listed homestead. This winery is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the diverse range of wines produced in the Southern Highlands.
Source: Eling Forest Winery
Source: Eling Forest Winery
Source: Eling Forest Winery
Source: Eling Forest Winery
Source: Eling Forest Winery
Source: Eling Forest Winery
The winery’s cellar door is a warm and welcoming space where you can sample their range of wines, learn about the winemaking process, and even take a tour of the vineyard. The owners are often on hand to share their passion for wine and their knowledge of the region.
Eling Forest Winery is also home to a beautiful vineyard, which provides a stunning backdrop for your visit. The estate regularly hosts events, including wine tastings and vineyard tours, making it a lively and engaging place to visit.
- Address: 12587 Hume Hwy, Sutton Forest NSW 2577, Australia
- Website: https://www.elingforest.com.au/
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EegaAXgVJNMXk4Z69
7. Cherry Tree Hill Wines
Cherry Tree Hill Wines boasts Hungarian roots and the best riesling in NSW. This winery is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the diverse range of wines produced in the Southern Highlands.
Source: Cherry Tree Hill Wines
Source: Cherry Tree Hill Wines
Source: Cherry Tree Hill Wines
Source: Cherry Tree Hill Wines
Source: Cherry Tree Hill Wines
Source: Cherry Tree Hill Wines
The winery’s cellar door is a vibrant and welcoming space where you can sample their range of wines, learn about the winemaking process, and even take a tour of the vineyard. The owners are often on hand to share their passion for wine and their knowledge of the region.
Cherry Tree Hill Wines is also home to a beautiful vineyard, which provides a stunning backdrop for your visit. The estate regularly hosts events, including wine tastings and vineyard tours, making it a lively and engaging place to visit.
- Address: 12324 Hume Hwy, Sutton Forest NSW 2577, Australia
- Website: https://cherrytreehill.com.au/
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MmNmpbVDWaV1h7QM6
8. St. Maur Wines
Located in the village of Exeter, St. Maur Wines makes small-batch, single-estate wines from their pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot vines. This winery is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the diverse range of wines produced in the Southern Highlands.
Source: St. Maur Wines
Source: St. Maur Wines
Source: St. Maur Wines
Source: St. Maur Wines
Source: St. Maur Wines
Source: St. Maur Wines
The winery’s cellar door is a warm and welcoming space where you can sample their range of wines, learn about the winemaking process, and even take a tour of the vineyard. The owners are often on hand to share their passion for wine and their knowledge of the region.
St. Maur Wines is also home to a beautiful vineyard, which provides a stunning backdrop for your visit. The estate regularly hosts events, including wine tastings and vineyard tours, making it a lively and engaging place to visit.
- Address: 238 Old Argyle Rd, Exeter NSW 2579, Australia
- Website: https://www.stmaurwines.com.au/
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jaCcrmXw3itUs1Ly6
9. Bendooley Estate
Bendooley Estate is often teeming with wedding parties and events and was awarded by Gourmet Traveller Wine Cellar Door with best food in 2018 and 2019. This winery is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the diverse range of wines produced in the Southern Highlands.
Source: Bendooley Estate
Source: Bendooley Estate
Source: Bendooley Estate
Source: Bendooley Estate
Source: Bendooley Estate
Source: Bendooley Estate
The winery’s cellar door is a vibrant and welcoming space where you can sample their range of wines, learn about the winemaking process, and even take a tour of the vineyard. The owners are often on hand to share their passion for wine and their knowledge of the region.
Bendooley Estate is also home to a beautiful vineyard, which provides a stunning backdrop for your visit. The estate regularly hosts events, including wine tastings and vineyard tours, making it a lively and engaging place to visit.
- Address: 3020 Old Hume Hwy, Berrima NSW 2577, Australia
- Website: https://bendooleyestate.com.au/
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AdzFge3o4FLUn77W6
10. Mount Ashby Estate
Mount Ashby Estate is an award-winning wine maker, specialising in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Merlot. This winery is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the diverse range of wines produced in the Southern Highlands.
Source: Mount Ashby Estate
Source: Mount Ashby Estate
Source: Mount Ashby Estate
Source: Mount Ashby Estate
Source: Mount Ashby Estate
Source: Mount Ashby Estate
The winery’s cellar door is a warm and welcoming space where you can sample their range of wines, learn about the winemaking process, and even take a tour of the vineyard. The owners are often on hand to share their passion for wine and their knowledge of the region.
Mount Ashby Estate is also home to a beautiful vineyard, which provides a stunning backdrop for your visit. The estate regularly hosts events, including wine tastings and vineyard tours, making it a lively and engaging place to visit.
- Address: 128 Nowra Rd, Moss Vale NSW 2577, Australia
- Website: https://mountashby.com.au/
- Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gyxaQCJS7dDkp1Uw7
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of wines are produced in the Southern Highlands?
The Southern Highlands is known for its cool-climate wines, with a variety of grapes grown in the region. These include chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling, pinot gris, pinot noir, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon.
How can I arrange a visit to these wineries?
Most wineries in the Southern Highlands have cellar doors open for tastings and sales, and some offer vineyard tours. It’s recommended to check their official websites or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Are there any food options available at these wineries?
Many wineries in the Southern Highlands have on-site restaurants or cafes where you can enjoy a meal. Some also offer food and wine pairing experiences. It’s best to check with each winery for specific details.
Can I buy wines directly from these wineries?
Yes, most wineries in the Southern Highlands offer wine sales at their cellar doors. Some also offer online sales through their websites.
Are these wineries family-friendly?
Many wineries in the Southern Highlands are family-friendly and welcome visitors of all ages. However, it’s always a good idea to check with each winery if you’re planning to visit with children.
