Port Macquarie Wineries

Port Macquarie might be famous for its beaches and koalas, but just inland a thriving wine region awaits, where the subtropical climate produces distinctive, fruit-forward wines. The Hastings Valley wine trail weaves through rolling hills and verdant vineyards, with cellar doors that feel more like welcoming farm stays than formal tasting rooms. Here, you can sip a crisp Verdelho while gazing at vine-covered slopes, then wander through a sculpture garden or chat with the winemaker about the art of growing grapes so close to the coast. It’s a relaxed, unhurried wine experience that perfectly complements a coastal road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Cassegrain Wines – The region’s flagship winery, with a striking French-provincial cellar door, a superb restaurant, and a gallery showcasing local artists. Their Semillon and Chambourcin are standouts.
• Bago Vineyard & Maze – A family-friendly spot where you can taste estate-grown wines, then get lost in a giant maize maze or pick your own fruit in season.
• Long Point Vineyard & Art Gallery – Intimate and artistic, this cellar door pairs boutique wines with a rotating collection of contemporary art. The Verdelho and rosé are local favourites.
• Little Fish Café & Winery – Overlooking a private lake, this spot serves tapas-style plates alongside their own label wines. It’s perfect for a lazy afternoon.
• Hastings Valley Wine Trail – Pick up a map from any cellar door and self-drive through the scenic countryside, stopping at smaller producers like Innes Estate and Stoney Ridge Estate.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least a half-day to exploring 3–4 wineries, ideally starting mid-morning so you can enjoy a long lunch at Cassegrain or Little Fish. If you’re a keen wine enthusiast, a full day allows you to cover the entire trail, including the more remote cellar doors. The wineries are spaced 10–20 minutes apart by car, so you can easily combine a morning of tasting with an afternoon on the beach or a coastal walk in Port Macquarie.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie – The coastal hub offers beautiful beaches, the Koala Hospital, and a lively waterfront dining scene—perfect for a pre- or post-wine stay.
• Wauchope – A historic timber town just 20 minutes inland, with antique shops, the Timbertown heritage park, and access to the scenic Bago Bluff walking tracks.
• Camden Haven – A network of tranquil waterways and national parks south of Port Macquarie, ideal for kayaking, fishing, and exploring the small villages of Laurieton and Kendall.
• Lake Cathie – A peaceful coastal lagoon system with great birdwatching and a relaxed café scene, just a short drive south of the wineries.
• Port Macquarie Coastal Walk – A stunning 9 km cliff-top trail linking the town’s beaches and headlands, best enjoyed in the late afternoon after a day of tasting.

Please check official sources for current details.