Hastings Valley Wine Region

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Great Dividing Range, the Hastings Valley Wine Region is a hidden gem on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Its subtropical climate, fertile river flats, and cool sea breezes produce distinctive, fruit-forward wines—particularly Chambourcin, Verdelho, and Chardonnay. Beyond the cellar doors, you'll find a warm, laid-back community, lush hinterland scenery, and a growing food scene that celebrates local produce. This is a region best explored at a leisurely pace, where every winding road leads to a new discovery.

Highlights & What to See

• Cassegrain Wines – The region's flagship winery, known for its French-inspired wines and elegant restaurant overlooking the vineyards. Don't miss the Verdelho and the sparkling Chambourcin.
• Bago Vineyard & Maze – A family-friendly spot with a giant maize maze (seasonal), picnic areas, and a cellar door offering relaxed tastings of their estate-grown wines.
• Long Point Vineyard & Art Gallery – Combines wine tasting with a rotating exhibition of local art; their semillon and shiraz are standouts.
• Innes Lake Vineyard – A boutique producer with a scenic lakeside setting; try their award-winning Chardonnay and enjoy a cheese platter on the deck.
• Port Macquarie – Just a 20-minute drive east, this coastal town offers beautiful beaches, the Koala Hospital, and the scenic Port Macquarie Coastal Walk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan at least a full day to explore the Hastings Valley Wine Region. Start mid-morning at Cassegrain for a tasting and lunch, then visit two or three smaller wineries in the afternoon. If you're a keen wine enthusiast or want to include a cooking class or vineyard tour, allow two days—this also gives you time to combine with a visit to Port Macquarie or the nearby Ellenborough Falls.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – Coastal hub with beaches, the Koala Hospital, and the Hastings River.
• Wauchope – Historic timber town with the Wauchope Railway Museum and access to the Bago Bluff National Park.
• Ellenborough Falls – One of Australia's highest single-drop waterfalls, a 40-minute drive inland.
• Crowdy Bay National Park – Pristine beaches, coastal heath, and the iconic Diamond Head.
• Camden Haven – A series of picturesque villages around the Camden Haven River, perfect for kayaking and oyster tasting.

Please check official sources for current details.