Port Stephens Winery

Just a 45-minute drive north of Newcastle, Port Stephens Winery offers a relaxed escape from the crowded Hunter Valley scene. This boutique family-run vineyard sits on the shores of Tilligerry Creek, producing cool-climate wines with a coastal twist. The cellar door overlooks vines and water, making it a serene spot to sip Semillon or Verdelho while watching pelicans glide by.

Highlights & What to See

• Cellar door tastings: Sample their signature Semillon, a crisp Verdelho, and a soft Chambourcin – all grown just metres away. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to chat about sustainable practices.
• Creek-side picnic area: Grab a bottle and a cheese platter to enjoy at tables under paperbarks right on the water. It’s a favourite for spotting birdlife and kayakers.
• Wine and food matching: Try their house-smoked salmon or local oysters paired with a chilled Verdelho – a perfect introduction to the region’s seafood-wine synergy.
• Small-batch production: The winery produces only around 3,000 cases annually, so you’ll find limited-release bottles not available elsewhere.
• Nearby Tilligerry Creek: Walk or cycle the adjacent nature reserve for a pre- or post-tasting leg stretch among mangroves and tea-trees.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 1–2 hours for a leisurely tasting and picnic. Most visitors drop in en route to Nelson Bay or combine it with a morning at the nearby Tilligerry Creek walking trails. If you’re staying in Port Stephens, it makes a lovely late-afternoon stop – the light over the creek is golden, and the winery often closes around 5 pm, so plan accordingly.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Nelson Bay: 15 minutes east – the hub for dolphin-watching cruises, beaches, and coastal walks.
• Shoal Bay: A stunning white-sand beach with crystal-clear water, perfect for a swim after wine tasting.
• Tomaree National Park: Hike to the summit of Tomaree Head for panoramic views of the bay and offshore islands.
• Port Stephens Lighthouse: A historic site with a short walk offering whale-watching vantage points (June–November).
• Hunter Valley Wine Country: Continue 45 minutes inland to the main Hunter Valley vineyards for a full day of cellar-door hopping.

Please check official sources for current details.