Hastings Valley Wine Region

Nestled between Port Macquarie and the lush hinterland of the Mid North Coast, the Hastings Valley Wine Region is a cool-climate gem that rewards those who venture off the beaten track. Here, the Pacific Ocean breezes and rich volcanic soils produce elegant Verdelho, Chardonnay and soft reds that rival their more famous neighbours. With a handful of cellar doors set among rolling vineyards and eucalypt forests, this is wine country at its most relaxed – perfect for a self-drive escape that pairs tastings with coastal walks and river adventures.

Highlights & What to See

• Cassegrain Wines – The region’s flagship estate, with a striking modern cellar door, a restaurant overlooking the vines, and a reputation for superb Verdelho and Petit Verdot.
• Bago Vineyard & Maze – A family-friendly spot where you can taste boutique wines, explore a giant maize maze (seasonal) and picnic among the vines.
• Long Point Vineyard & Art Gallery – Combine wine tasting with a rotating collection of local art; the views across the valley are sublime.
• Port Macquarie – Just 20 minutes east, this coastal hub offers a lively waterfront, historic gaol and the chance to spot dolphins on the Hastings River.
• Ellenborough Falls – A short drive inland, this towering single-drop waterfall plunges 200 m into a rainforest gorge – one of the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day to explore the wine region at a leisurely pace – start with a tasting at Cassegrain, then meander to Bago for lunch and a wander. If you want to add the falls or Port Macquarie’s coastal walk, plan for two days; the region’s compact size means you can easily combine wine, nature and beach without feeling rushed.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – Coastal walks, the Koala Hospital and a vibrant café scene just minutes from the vineyards.
• Wauchope – A historic timber town with the award-winning Wauchope Brewing Company and access to the Bago Maze.
• Camden Haven – A network of lakes and beaches ideal for kayaking, fishing and spotting seabirds.
• Dorrigo National Park – A World Heritage-listed rainforest with walking trails and the exhilarating Dorrigo Skywalk, about an hour’s drive north.
• Hunter Valley Wine Country – For those on a longer road trip, the famous Hunter Valley is roughly 2.5 hours south, making it easy to link two distinct wine regions.

Please check official sources for current details.