Gold Coast Winery Tours

Gold Coast Winery Tours offers a sophisticated escape into the lush wine country of the Hastings River region, just a short drive from Port Macquarie. This boutique tour operator curates intimate experiences at family-run vineyards, where you can sample award-winning verdelho, chambourcin, and semillon while soaking up the rolling hills and river views. Perfect for a leisurely day trip, the tours blend local history, cellar-door hospitality, and a relaxed pace that showcases why this corner of New South Wales is gaining a reputation for cool-climate wines.

Highlights & What to See

• Bago Vineyard & Winery – A charming estate with a 140-year-old homestead, known for its robust reds and a delightful café serving wood-fired pizzas overlooking the vines.
• Cassegrain Wines – A standout producer of French-style wines (try the semillon and merlot), set in a modern cellar door with panoramic views of the Hastings River.
• Long Point Winery – A boutique operation specializing in small-batch wines, including a crisp sparkling chambourcin; the friendly owners often share stories of the region's winemaking heritage.
• Hastings River Wine Region – The tours also highlight the area's scenic beauty, with stops at lookout points over the river and lush farmland, offering a true taste of the local terroir.
• Cheese and produce pairings – Many tours include tastings of local cheeses, chocolates, and olive oils, perfectly complementing the wines.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most Gold Coast Winery Tours run for about 4–5 hours, typically departing mid-morning and returning in the early afternoon. This allows ample time to visit two to three wineries at a relaxed pace, enjoy tastings, and soak in the scenery. If you prefer a self-drive itinerary, plan a full day (6–7 hours) to explore the wineries independently, including a leisurely lunch at one of the cellar-door restaurants. The tours are ideal as a half-day add-on to a longer stay in Port Macquarie.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – A coastal hub with beautiful beaches, the Koala Hospital, and a lively waterfront dining scene, just 20 minutes away.
• Lake Cathie – A tranquil lake system perfect for kayaking, birdwatching, and fishing, located 15 minutes south of the wineries.
• Wauchope – A historic timber town with antique shops, the Big Bull statue, and access to the Bago Maze & Winery, 10 minutes inland.
• Crowdy Bay National Park – A rugged coastal park with dramatic rock formations, sea caves, and walking trails, about 40 minutes north.
• Ellenborough Falls – One of Australia's tallest single-drop waterfalls, set in lush rainforest, around an hour's drive west.

Please check official sources for current details.