Best Reasons to Visit Mudgee for a Wine Tour

Mudgee is located in the Central Tablelands of NSW and is 261 kilometres North West of Sydney.

The traditional custodians of the land were the Wiradjuri nation with the Mowgee clan extending a 50 kilomtere radius of the area. Mudgee is actually a name derived from the Wiradjuri term Moothi, which means “Nestled in the Hills”. There are many sacred sites around Mudgee including Hands on the Rocks, The Drip and Babyfoot Cave. These sites have many cave paintings and evidence of tool making and are accessible to visit.

The Drip is a beautiful walk only 30 minutes out of Mudgee.

Grapes were first grown in Mudgee around 1858 right through to 1893 where there were 55 vineyards. Unfortunately due to a bank crash that year all but one vineyard survived and it wasnt until the 1960’s that the region began to once again get momentum and begin to flourish again around 1974.

Mudgee grows predominantly Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay but recently many Mediterranean varietals are coming through. You will find Sangiovese, Barbera, Tempranillo just to name a few. A little more offbeat is Zinfandel, Malbec, Touriga Nacional and Vermentino.

Autumn in Mudgee is spectacular

A tour of Mudgee is diverse, with around 40 vineyards, High Valley Cheese, Baker Williams Distillery, The Olive Nest, Mudgee Brewing Co and Mudgee Honey Haven; you will have an array to choose from. Dining options are unlimited with many of the vineyards offering delicious menus. Listed below are a few just to give you a taste of what you can experience in this stunning part of the world.

Lowe Wine

Founded in 2000 by David Lowe, Lowe Wines produces premium small batch wines from their certified organic and biodynamic property. Zinfandel and Shiraz are their stand out red wines with delicious Chardonnay and Riesling if you are looking for a white wine.

Lowe Wine has amazing views.

Heslop Wines

A small family-owned dryland vineyard in the heart of Mudgee’s premium wine growing area where small batches of handpicked, mostly hand pressed, high quality wines are produced. Their aim is to ‘tread lightly’, a philosophy of conservation and moderation. Minimal intervention strategies are embraced in the vineyard and winery, such as hand picking, gentle crushing, hand plunging, and basket pressing through to the use of sustainable building materials. This year they produced a Cabernet Zinfandel Touriga blend which is outstanding. In their white range don’t pass up on the Chardonnay and the White Frontignac.

Heslop Wines hand crafted wines

Peter Van Gent

– Wines sculpted from the grapes grown on their 100 acre estate, each displaying the vibrant characters of grape, soil and the winemaker. The team at Pieter van Gent are strong advocates for sustainable farming and this enables them to create an environment that nurtures the vines, the body and the soul. Our picks here are the White and Pink Port, their Sundance Red and the Verdelho.

A visit to Pieter van Gent is a must!

High Valley Cheese

Handmade artisan cheese made from local Dubbo milk is made in this boutique factory powered by renewable energy. These small batch cheesemakers show respect to the traditions established over thousands of years by using their hands to develop an individual feel for the product. Don’t miss out on tasting their range of Marinated Feta’s, Brie, Blues and Smoked Cheese.

High Valley Cheese has tastings available from 10am-4pm 7 days a week.

Mudgee Brewing Co

Mudgee has a fine history of brewing with Crossings Brewery being the first to set up in 1853, followed by the Federal Brewery founded in 1883. The Federal Brewery was also responsible for the legend of Mudgee Mud, which has inspired Mudgee Brewery’s signature imperial stout. For years, they used the pristine waters from a farmer’s well, but when the town water was connected, the quality went down. For a while there was so much sediment in the beer, it became known as Mudgee Mud. Fortunately for us Garry has perfected the stout to be enjoyed by all! Why not try a Pale Ale, Porter or Spring while you are there. The Brewery also has a fabulous restaurant catering to all tastes with an extensive menu.

Mudgee Brewing Co has tasting paddles and pork crackling available.

Pipeclay Pumphouse Restaurant

Located at the Robert Stein Vineyard on Pipeclay Lane this fine dining restaurant is sure to impress you. With a paddock to plate philosophy their produce is home grown or locally sourced. Each dish reflects technique, restraint and respect and great pride is taken at every step of the process. Bookings are essential!

Pipeclay Pumphouse Restaurant grows their produce.

Moothi Estate

If you are looking for a winery with a view this vineyard has got to be it!

Moothi Estate Offers 180 degree views of Mudgee’s mountain ranges, their cellar door and deck are the perfect location to wile away an afternoon with a glass of wine and one of their famous, locally-sourced platters. Definitely a photo opportunity for your album!

Moothi Estate has delicious platters made with local produce.

When visiting Mudgee give Country Escape Tours Mudgee a call to book your tour where we can specialise your itinerary to suit your needs. Whether you are celebrating something special or just wanting to get away we can plan your day to give you a Mudgee Moment you will never forget.

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Adam Nicholls

Director at Wine Compass Australia Pty Ltd

Adam founded Wine Compass in 2013 after deciding to combine his love of wine & wine tours with his background in digital marketing. He loves exploring wine regions with his wife and daughters in his spare time