Southern Highlands Wineries

Rolling green hills, crisp cool-climate air, and a string of cellar doors tucked along country lanes – the Southern Highlands Wineries offer a refined escape from Sydney's coastal heat. This is New South Wales' best-kept secret for cool-climate wines, particularly pinot noir, chardonnay, and sparkling varieties. Beyond the tasting rooms, you'll find heritage gardens, artisan food producers, and a relaxed pace that invites lingering.

Highlights & What to See

• Bendooley Estate – A stunning cellar door inside a book barn; taste their acclaimed pinot noir and browse thousands of secondhand books.
• Centennial Vineyards – One of the region's largest producers, with a restaurant overlooking the vines; try their award-winning sparkling.
• Artemis Wines – A boutique winery known for handcrafted, small-batch wines; the tasting room is intimate and the staff incredibly knowledgeable.
• Southern Highlands Winery Tour – Join a guided tour to visit multiple cellar doors safely, with lunch at a vineyard restaurant.
• Berrima Village – Combine wine tasting with a stroll through this historic sandstone town, home to antique shops and the famous Berrima Vault House.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for a full day – ideally a weekend if you want to explore the region thoroughly. Most cellar doors open from 10am to 5pm, so start early and aim for three to four tastings with a leisurely lunch in between. If you're based in Sydney, a day trip is doable but feels rushed; an overnight stay in Bowral or Berrima lets you savour the countryside and enjoy dinner with local wines.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Bowral – The region's main town, famous for its autumn colours, Bradman Museum, and excellent café scene.
• Morton National Park – Just east of the Highlands, offering dramatic lookouts, waterfalls (Fitzroy Falls), and bushwalking.
• Kangaroo Valley – A scenic drive through the escarpment leads to this idyllic valley with a historic bridge, river activities, and farm gates.
• Canberra – An hour further south, the capital offers world-class museums, galleries, and its own wine region.
• Blue Mountains – A two-hour drive north, combine with the Highlands for a grand NSW road trip through mountains and vineyards.

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