Manning Valley Wineries

Rolling green hills, cool-climate vineyards, and a laid-back river-valley vibe define the Manning Valley Wineries, a hidden gem for wine lovers exploring the Mid North Coast of NSW. Just a short drive inland from Port Macquarie, this emerging wine region is known for its small-batch, family-run cellar doors and a focus on semillon, verdelho, and shiraz. Expect warm hospitality, scenic tasting rooms, and a pace that encourages lingering over a glass.

Highlights & What to See

• Cassegrain Wines – The region’s flagship winery, set on a historic dairy farm with a French-inspired cellar door, lake views, and a popular restaurant. Try their award-winning semillon and shiraz.
• Boke Farm Wines – A boutique organic vineyard producing small-lot wines with minimal intervention. The rustic cellar door overlooks the vines and the valley beyond.
• Mannion's Wines – A family-run operation known for its bold reds and a welcoming, dog-friendly tasting room. Don’t miss the fortified wines.
• Long Point Wines – Perched on a hillside with panoramic views, this winery specialises in Spanish and Italian varietals like tempranillo and sangiovese, plus a lovely veranda for picnics.
• Wingham & the Manning River – Combine your wine tour with a stroll through the historic riverside town of Wingham, with its antique shops, cafes, and the scenic Wingham Brush nature reserve.

Suggested Time to Spend

Devote at least half a day to fully enjoy the Manning Valley Wineries – four to five hours allows you to visit three cellar doors, enjoy a leisurely lunch at Cassegrain, and soak up the rural scenery. If you’re a dedicated oenophile, a full day lets you explore all the main producers and perhaps add a picnic stop at Long Point. The region is compact enough that you won’t spend much time driving between venues.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – The vibrant coastal hub offers beaches, the Koala Hospital, and a lively waterfront dining scene – perfect for a pre- or post-wine stay.
• Wauchope & the Timbertown Heritage Park – Step back in time at this living-history village, just 20 minutes from the wineries, with steam trains and pioneer crafts.
• Ellenborough Falls – One of Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfalls, a scenic 45-minute drive west into the Great Dividing Range, ideal for a nature walk.
• Forster & the Great Lakes – Head north to the stunning lakes and beaches of the Myall Coast, about an hour’s drive, for swimming, fishing, and coastal walks.

Please check official sources for current details.