Riverina Wineries

In the sun-scorched heart of southern New South Wales, the Riverina wine region is a revelation: a flat, irrigated landscape that produces some of Australia's most approachable and well-priced wines. This is not a place of pretentious cellar doors; it's a working region where you can taste bold Shiraz, buttery Chardonnay, and world-class botrytis Semillon straight from the source. The vibe is laid-back and welcoming, with many wineries run by multi-generational families who are happy to chat over a glass. Beyond the vines, the region is dotted with historic river towns, citrus orchards, and sprawling farms that give it a genuine rural character.

Highlights & What to See

• McWilliam's Wines – One of Australia's oldest family winemakers, with a stunning cellar door at Hanwood where you can taste their iconic 1877 Shiraz and learn about the region's history.
• De Bortoli Wines – Famous for its sticky, sweet Noble One botrytis Semillon; the cellar door at Bilbul offers a dedicated dessert-wine tasting experience.
• Lillypilly Estate – A boutique producer known for its innovative blends and a charming, rustic cellar door surrounded by vineyards.
• Griffith – The region's hub, with a strong Italian-Australian heritage reflected in its bakeries, delis, and the excellent Griffith Regional Art Gallery.
• Wine & Food Trails – Follow the Riverina Wineries Trail or the Griffith Food Trail to combine tastings with local produce like olives, cheese, and citrus.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two to three days is ideal for exploring the main wineries around Griffith and Yenda. Spend your first day touring the big names like McWilliam's and De Bortoli, then dive into smaller cellar doors and the town of Griffith on day two. If you're a serious wine enthusiast, add a third day to explore the cooler-climate vineyards near Temora or to take a cooking class that showcases local ingredients. The region is flat and easy to navigate by car, so you can set a leisurely pace.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Narrandera – A historic riverside town with a lovely art deco main street and the Fivebough Wetlands, great for birdwatching.
• Wagga Wagga – The largest inland city in NSW, offering museums, galleries, and the lush Botanic Gardens, about 1.5 hours east.
• Mungo National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic lunar landscapes and ancient Aboriginal history, a 2.5-hour drive west.
• Leeton – A charming town with a strong Italian heritage, known for its art deco architecture and the excellent Leeton Museum.
• Junee – Famous for the Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory and the historic Monte Cristo homestead, about an hour north.

Please check official sources for current details.