Clarence River Wine Region

Rolling green hills, the lazy curve of the Clarence River, and a clutch of family-run vineyards make this off-the-radar wine region a delight for oenophiles and road-trippers alike. Just north of Coffs Harbour, the Clarence River Wine Region is one of Australia’s coolest climate wine areas, known for its elegant Verdelho, Semillon, and shiraz. The pace here is unhurried, the scenery is pure Northern Rivers, and the cellar doors are as welcoming as the locals.

Highlights & What to See

• Sample award-winning wines at cellar doors like Sumac Estate (try the Verdelho) and Clarence River Wines, where tastings often come with sweeping river views.
• Picnic among the vines at Mountain Blue Wines, a small-batch producer with a rustic cellar door and a shady lawn overlooking the valley.
• Explore the historic river towns of Grafton (famous for its jacaranda trees and heritage buildings) and Ulmarra, a preserved 19th-century riverside village with antique shops and a pub.
• Cycle or paddle the Clarence River – the region’s quiet back roads and flat riverbanks are perfect for a self-guided bike ride or a kayak trip past vineyards and farmland.
• Visit the local providores in Maclean, where Scottish and Australian food traditions meet (don’t leave without trying the smoked eel or local macadamias).

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least a full day to the wine region – that’s enough to visit three or four cellar doors, enjoy a long lunch, and explore one of the river towns. If you can, stay overnight in Grafton or a riverside B&B; a two-day itinerary lets you cycle, paddle, and really soak up the relaxed pace. The region is compact, so you won’t spend hours driving between stops.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Yamba – a laid-back coastal town with spectacular beaches and the mouth of the Clarence River, 40 minutes east.
• Coffs Harbour – the region’s main hub, with the famous Big Banana, beautiful beaches, and the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
• Dorrigo National Park – a World Heritage-listed rainforest with dramatic waterfalls and walking trails, an hour west.
• Bellingen – a creative, artsy town in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, known for its markets and lush valley scenery.

Please check official sources for current details.