Lasseter Highway Winery

On the starkly beautiful Lasseter Highway, halfway between Uluru and Kings Canyon, this unexpected winery is a delightful oasis in the Red Centre. Surrounded by mulga and spinifex, the vineyard produces award-winning wines from grapes grown in the harsh desert climate, proving that good wine can thrive where few expect it. The cellar door offers tastings and a chance to chat with the passionate vintners about the challenges and rewards of outback viticulture.

Highlights & What to See

• Cellar door tastings – Sample the signature Shiraz, a crisp Verdelho, and the unique ‘Desert Gold’ white blend. The knowledgeable staff explain how the extreme heat and low water create concentrated, complex flavours.
• Vineyard walk – A short self-guided trail through the vines reveals the irrigation and shade techniques used to protect the grapes from the relentless sun. Look for the resident wedge-tailed eagles circling above.
• Local art gallery – A small on-site gallery showcases works by Central Australian artists, including dot paintings and desert landscapes that make a meaningful souvenir.
• Sunset wine tasting – If timing allows, arrive late afternoon to enjoy a glass on the verandah as the sky turns fiery orange and the silhouette of Uluru appears on the horizon.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for 45 minutes to an hour for a relaxed tasting and vineyard stroll. If you’re driving between Uluru and Kings Canyon, this makes a perfect 30-minute pit stop to stretch your legs and break the journey. Wine lovers might linger longer over a cheese platter on the terrace. The winery is open daily from 10am to 5pm, but call ahead in summer as hours can reduce due to extreme heat.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – Just 45 minutes west, the iconic monolith and the domes of Kata Tjuta are essential stops for any Red Centre itinerary.
• Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) – About an hour east, the dramatic sandstone walls and the Rim Walk offer some of the Territory’s best hiking.
• Mount Conner – Often mistaken for Uluru from a distance, this flat-topped mesa is visible from the highway and worth a photo stop.
• Curtin Springs Station – A working cattle station with a roadhouse, campground, and a chance to see desert wildlife at their waterhole.
• Yulara Resort – The main accommodation hub near Uluru, with restaurants, galleries, and the Field of Light installation.

Please check official sources for current details.