Southern Highlands Wineries

Just a 90-minute drive southwest of Sydney, the Southern Highlands unfurls a landscape of rolling green hills, historic villages, and a cool-climate wine region that punches well above its weight. This is a place where you can spend a morning tasting award-winning pinot noir, linger over a long lunch with valley views, and wander through antique shops in Berrima before the sun dips behind the escarpment. The region's elevation – around 700 metres – gives its wines a distinctive elegance, and the food scene, from artisan cheeses to truffle-laced dishes, is every bit as compelling.

Highlights & What to See

• Bendooley Estate – A standout cellar door set within a glorious book barn; taste their stellar pinot noir and chardonnay while surrounded by thousands of secondhand books.
• Artemis Wines – A small-batch producer known for its vibrant riesling and a tasting room that feels like a friend's living room, with sweeping views over the vineyard.
• Centennial Vineyards – One of the region's largest, with a polished restaurant and a wide range of cool-climate drops; their sparkling is a must-try.
• Berrima – A perfectly preserved Georgian village where you can browse galleries, visit the historic Surveyor General Inn, and sample local produce at the Berrima General Store.
• Bowral – The main town, home to the famous Dirty Janes vintage market, the Bradman Museum for cricket fans, and a clutch of excellent cafes like the Press Shop.
• St Maur Wines – A boutique organic winery in a rustic setting, offering a tasting experience that pairs wines with local chocolates and cheeses.

Suggested Time to Spend

To do the region justice, set aside a full day – or better, an overnight stay. A single day allows you to visit 4-5 cellar doors, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and explore one of the villages. If you can, book a weekend: spend one day touring the southern wineries around Berrima and Sutton Forest, and the second day exploring Bowral and the northern vineyards near Exeter. The relaxed pace and scenic drives mean you won't feel rushed, and you'll have time to soak up the Highland's crisp air and country charm.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Morton National Park – Just east of the Highlands, with dramatic lookouts like Fitzroy Falls and bushwalking trails through ancient rainforest.
• Kangaroo Valley – A bucolic valley with a historic bridge, canoeing on the river, and a thriving local-produce scene – an easy 40-minute drive from Bowral.
• Canberra – The national capital is only 90 minutes further south, offering museums, galleries, and its own cool-climate wine region around Lake George.
• Goulburn – Australia's first inland city, rich in colonial architecture and home to the iconic Big Merino; a convenient stop on the way to or from the Highlands.
• Blue Mountains – While in a different direction, the world-heritage-listed escarpment makes a natural pairing for a longer self-drive itinerary through NSW's high country.

Please check official sources for current details.