Cassegrain Winery

Set amid the lush, rolling hills of the Hastings Valley, Cassegrain Winery is a sophisticated yet welcoming destination that showcases the finest of New South Wales' emerging wine region. Just a 15-minute drive from Port Macquarie, this family-run estate is renowned for its French-inspired wines, particularly its acclaimed verdelho, semillon, and chardonnay. The cellar door, housed in a modern building with sweeping vineyard views, offers a relaxed tasting experience where you can sample the range while learning about the winemaking philosophy. The on-site restaurant, with its seasonal menu focused on local produce, makes for a memorable lunch stop, and the vineyard's tranquil setting invites you to linger over a glass on the terrace. For international travellers, Cassegrain provides a genuine taste of the Hastings Valley's gourmet landscape, perfectly blending wine, food, and scenery into one delightful afternoon.

Highlights & What to See

• Cellar door tastings – Sample award-winning verdelho, semillon, and French-style reds in a bright, airy space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the vines.
• Vineyard views – Stroll among the neatly trellised rows and take in the pastoral beauty of the Hastings Valley, with the distant mountains as a backdrop.
• Restaurant dining – Book a table for lunch to enjoy dishes like local oysters, lamb, or seasonal salads, all paired perfectly with Cassegrain wines.
• Wine club & events – Check the calendar for harvest festivals, long-table lunches, and live music events that bring the vineyard to life.
• Produce shop – Pick up a bottle (or case) of your favourite vintage, along with local olive oils, jams, and artisan cheeses.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a relaxed visit: start with a tasting at the cellar door (allow 30–45 minutes), then settle in for a leisurely lunch if you're dining. If you're not eating, you can still enjoy the views and browse the shop in about an hour. The winery is best visited as part of a half-day or full-day exploration of the Hastings Valley wine trail, which includes several other cellar doors and farm gates. Avoid rushing – the charm here lies in the unhurried pace and the chance to truly savour the setting.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – The coastal hub is just 15 minutes away, offering beaches, the Koala Hospital, and the scenic Coastal Walk.
• Hastings Valley wine trail – Visit other cellar doors such as Bago Vineyard, Long Point Vineyard, and Little Wines for a full tour of the region's wines.
• Wauchope – This historic timber town, a 20-minute drive west, has antique shops, the Wauchope Railway Museum, and access to the Werrikimbe National Park.
• Lake Cathie – A tranquil lake and beach area perfect for a post-winery swim or a picnic, just 10 minutes south of Port Macquarie.
• Ellenborough Falls – One of Australia's tallest single-drop waterfalls, about an hour's drive inland, makes for a dramatic day-trip combination with the winery.

Please check official sources for current details.