Hastings River Wineries

Flowing from the lush hinterland to the coast at Port Macquarie, the Hastings River valley cradles some of New South Wales’ most underrated vineyards. This is a region where cool-climate varietals like Verdelho, Chambourcin and Semillon thrive, and where cellar doors feel more like a chat with a winemaker than a sales pitch. The drive along the river is a relaxed, scenic affair, winding through dairy farms and patches of rainforest, with plenty of spots to pull over for a tasting or a long lunch.

Highlights & What to See

• Cassegrain Wines – The region’s flagship winery, set in a striking modern cellar door with a restaurant overlooking the vines. Their Semillon and Chambourcin are standouts.
• Bago Vineyard & Maze – A family-run winery that also boasts a giant hedge maze – great fun for kids and adults alike. Try their award-winning Verdelho.
• Little Fish Cafe & Winery – Tucked away on the riverbank, this boutique producer offers small-batch wines and a sunny deck perfect for a cheese platter.
• Long Point Winery – A tiny cellar door with a big reputation for its bold reds and friendly owners. The views across the valley are a bonus.
• Hastings River Wine Trail – The self-drive route linking the wineries is an attraction in itself, passing through rolling hills, historic timber bridges and pockets of remnant bushland.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors dedicate a full day to the wine trail – start mid-morning, stop for lunch at Cassegrain or Little Fish, and finish up by late afternoon. If you’re short on time, you can hit the three biggest names in half a day, but you’ll miss the unhurried charm. The region is compact enough that you can easily combine four or five cellar doors without feeling rushed.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – The coastal hub is just 20 minutes east, with its famous koala hospital, lighthouse walks and superb beachside cafés.
• Wauchope – A historic timber town on the upper Hastings, home to the Timbertown heritage park and a gateway to the hinterland.
• Bago State Forest – A vast tract of native forest with walking trails, picnic spots and the chance to spot wallabies and lyrebirds.
• Ellenborough Falls – One of Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfalls, about an hour’s drive north-west, well worth the detour for a dramatic forest vista.

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