Hilltops Wine Region

Perched on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, the Hilltops Wine Region is one of New South Wales' cool-climate gems, offering a serene escape from the coastal crowds. Its high altitude (around 500 metres) and ancient granitic soils produce some of Australia's most elegant Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling. The landscape is a patchwork of rolling hills, sheep farms and vineyards, with a handful of cellar doors that welcome you with genuine country hospitality. This is wine country at its most unpretentious – perfect for a relaxed self-drive detour between Sydney and Canberra.

Highlights & What to See

• Wine tasting at family-run cellar doors – try the region's benchmark Shiraz at pioneering wineries like Grove Estate, Freeman Vineyards and Chalkers Crossing; many offer picnic spots among the vines.
• Young town – the region's hub, with a heritage main street, antique shops and the excellent Hilltops Wine Centre for a curated tasting flight.
• Lambing Flat Chinese Tribute Gardens – a peaceful garden in Young that commemorates the Chinese gold miners of the 1860s, complete with a lake and pagoda.
• Burrinjuck Dam – a scenic 30-minute drive south, this massive waterway is ideal for fishing, kayaking or simply soaking up the lake views.
• Seasonal produce – Hilltops is also known for cherries and stone fruit; visit in summer for pick-your-own orchards and roadside farm stalls.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two days is ideal to explore the wine trail without rushing. Day one: arrive in Young, visit the Wine Centre and 2–3 cellar doors in the afternoon, then enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of the town's pubs or cafes. Day two: drive the back roads to more wineries, perhaps detour to Burrinjuck Dam for a picnic, then head off towards Canberra or the Snowy Mountains. If you're short on time, a half-day loop from the Hume Highway (M31) can cover a tasting or two and a stroll through Young.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – just 90 minutes south, the national capital offers world-class museums, galleries and dining.
• Murrumbateman – another cool-climate wine region (Canberra District) with a cluster of cellar doors, only 40 minutes from Young.
• Boorowa – a charming historic town with a famous Irish pub and a vibrant wool industry.
• Wyangala Dam – a popular spot for water sports and camping, about 45 minutes west of Young.
• Hume Highway – the main route between Sydney and Melbourne; Hilltops makes a perfect overnight stop on that journey.

Please check official sources for current details.