Southern Highlands Wineries

Just 90 minutes south of Sydney, the Southern Highlands offers a cool-climate wine escape that feels a world away from the city. This rolling patchwork of green hills, historic villages and boutique vineyards produces some of Australia’s finest pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling wines. With a relaxed, countryside pace and a thriving food scene, it’s an ideal detour on a drive between Sydney and Canberra or a weekend destination in its own right.

Highlights & What to See

• Bendooley Estate – A cellar door set inside a sprawling book barn; sip a glass of pinot noir while browsing thousands of second-hand books.
• Artemis Wines – A family-run vineyard known for elegant cool-climate wines and a charming cellar door with vineyard views.
• Centennial Vineyards – One of the region’s most acclaimed producers, offering tastings in a modern, light-filled space overlooking the vines.
• St Maur Wines – A small, certified organic winery where you can taste Italian varietals like sangiovese and nebbiolo alongside traditional cool-climate drops.
• Berrima – A beautifully preserved Georgian village with antique shops, cosy pubs and the historic Berrima Courthouse.
• Bowral – The Highlands’ main town, famous for its garden culture, the annual Tulip Time festival and excellent cafés like the Press Shop.

Suggested Time to Spend

A weekend (two nights) is perfect to explore the region without rush. Spend your first day visiting three to four cellar doors around Berrima and Bowral, with lunch at a vineyard café. On day two, explore the artisan shops and gardens in Bowral or take a scenic drive to the smaller villages of Sutton Forest and Exeter. If you’re passing through on the Hume Highway, even a half-day stop for a tasting and a meal is worthwhile.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Morton National Park – Dramatic sandstone gorges, waterfalls and bushwalking, including the iconic Fitzroy Falls, less than 30 minutes east.
• Kangaroo Valley – A lush valley with a historic village, river canoeing and the famous Hampden Bridge, about 40 minutes south-east.
• Canberra – Australia’s capital, with its world-class museums, galleries and Parliament House, is an easy 90-minute drive further south.
• Sydney – The Highlands make an excellent wine-country stop on a road trip from Sydney to the Snowy Mountains or Melbourne.
• Goulburn – A historic inland city with a magnificent cathedral and the Big Merino, about 30 minutes west.

Please check official sources for current details.