Southern Highlands wineries are all about cool climate grape growing and winemaking, resulting in the most delicious wines set in stunning landscapes. With around 60 wineries to discover, Southern Highlands is not to be underestimated as an excellent winemaking destination. Nestled amidst insta-worthy landscapes all year round (especially in autumn!), these wineries offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation, perfect for wine enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience.
The unique Southern Highlands climate produces balanced, aromatic fruit, setting the stage for some of our favourite white and red wines. Join us on one of our highly sought-after Southern Highlands Wine Tours, or go on a self-guided tour, and explore a curated selection premium wine tastings. From the iconic Semillon to the robust Shiraz, we just know you’ll find a new favourite wine!
If you’re looking to put together a self-guided tour through the region, we’ve got your back! We’re put together a list with 12 of our favourite Southern Highlands wineries in and Bowral, an area with so many amazing activities!
Feeling overwhelmed by choice? Contact our Urban Legends Tour Co. team to secure your spot on one of our highly sought-after Southern Highlands Wine Tours today!
WHY WE ADORE THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS WINE REGION!
Before we dive into our ultimate list of Southern Highlands wineries, let's address some of our most asked questions about this legendary wine destination.
““Southern Highlands has been one of the fastest developing wine regions in Australia since 2000, if not the fastest”
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What makes the Southern Highlands Wine so special?
The Southern Highlands is renowned for its cool climate grape growing and winemaking, where vines ripen at lower temperatures compared to most Australian wine regions, resulting in slower and more even fruit ripening. This unique climate yields balanced, aromatic fruit, laying the foundation for delicate and fruity wines. Additionally, cool climate wines boast higher natural acidity in grapes, eliminating the need for supplementation that is often found in non-cool climate wines. This elevated acidity, influenced by the temperature, ensures wines from the Southern Highlands has a unique balance, crispness, and superior aging ability, distinguishing them with more lengthy palates.
What wines should I taste in the Southern Highlands?
The Southern Highlands area is known for it’s cool-climate wines like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling. But the region also allows you to taste great Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Our wine tours provide an balanced offering between all of our favourite wines, allowing you to leave with an in-depth tasting experience of the region.
How can you explore the Southern Highlands Wineries?
Whether you opt for a self-guided tour with a designated driver or prefer the convenience of our guided Southern Highlands Wine Tours! Our comfortable, air-conditioned luxury vehicles ensure seamless transportation between wineries, guaranteeing a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
Do I have to pay for wine tastings in the Southern Highlands?
Many wineries in the Southern Highlands do charge tasting fees, expect between $5 and $15 for a single tasting that will allow you taste around 5-6 wines. Alternatively, our Southern Highlands Wine Tours include these fees in the tour price. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the tasting experience without any additional costs.
When is the best time of year for wine tours?
The Southern Highlands is a fantastic destination year-round, with each season offering its own unique experience. Whether it's the warmth of spring and summer, the vibrant colors of autumn, or the cozy ambiance of winter, every season promises a delightful experience amidst the region's stunning landscapes and exceptional wines.
How many wineries are in the Southern Highlands?
The Southern Highlands is home to over 60 wineries and cellar doors, offering a diverse range of experiences for wine lovers. From family-owned boutique wineries to renowned estates, you'll find a world of wine just waiting to be explored. Our tours handpick 3-4 of the best wineries in the region, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.
How many wineries are there in Bowral?
Bowral, a charming town in the Southern Highlands, is surrounded by several fantastic wineries. While there are no wineries located directly within Bowral's town center, the nearby area boasts an array of cellar doors and vineyards for you to explore. Our Southern Highlands Wine Tours include visits to some of these exceptional wineries, offering you the opportunity to experience the best of Bowral's wine scene.
Should you purchase wine after tastings?
Absolutely! Supporting the local wineries by purchasing their wines not only provides you with a delightful keepsake of your Southern Highlands experience but also sustains the passionate winemakers who pour their hearts into crafting these exceptional wines.
Read More: 12 BEST THINGS TO DO IN BOWRAL: WINE TOURS, BREWERIES, WATERFALLS & MORE
Our Favourite Southern Highlands Wineries in Bowral and Surroundings
BENDOOLEY ESTATE
Bendooley Estate is a spectacular Southern Highlands winery and a great destination for both for short and longer visits. You can explore Berkelouw Book Barn, dine at the restaurant, and/or stay in spectacular cottages. These are set within the beautifully preserved 200-acre property. Take in the beauty of the incredible high ceilings and amazing interior spaces of The Stables.
Where? 3020 Old Hume Hwy, Berrima NSW 2577
Opening Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Come here for: Spectacular scenery, wine tastings, and a visit to the iconic Berkelouw Book Barn. Don't miss exploring the beautifully preserved 200-acre property and the stunning interiors of The Stables.
ARTEMIS WINES
The award winning Artemis wines are enjoyed by wine lovers across the globe and are a frequently visited winery in the Southern Highlands.
Artemis Pinot Noir is the first wine from the Southern Highlands to be available at Dan Murphy's fine wine section, nationwide. Anton & Mark are also the creators of Sunshack Cider and BEEmead.
Where? 46 Sams Rd, Mittagong NSW 2575
Opening Hours: Open daily from 11am – 4pm
Come here for: For a woodfire pizza and to taste the famous Artemis Pinot Noir in person. Artemis also allows you to bring your pooch, perfect for a weekend away!
TERTINI WINES
Tertini Wines stands out as a must-visit among Southern Highlands wineries, earning prestigious accolades in Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine’s Best Cellar Doors list consistently since 2014. Its high-altitude locale provides an optimal environment for cultivating superb Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay grapes.
Tertini’s wine tastings are absolute first class. Cheese platters and a bottle of wine are included with each wine tasting on our Southern Highlands Wine Tours.
Where? Lot 5 Kells Creek Road, Mittagong
Opening Hours: By appointment only
Come here for: Gourmet wine tastings with included cheese platters. Experience exceptional Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay wines in a lush, rolling hill setting. As Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine’s Best Cellar Doors, Tertini Wines promises a memorable visit.
JOADJA ESTATE
The “Eco Cellar Door” at Joadja Estate offers a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere to taste wine in the Southern Highlands. Guests benefit from the passionate involvement of those behind the growing and winemaking process, eager to share their knowledge.
The rustic stone cellar is located in a beautiful country setting with views across to the vineyard and a short easy walk to the winery. On a winter’s day, you can sit by the wood fire, or take a stroll through the vineyard on a warmer day. The vineyard is also a perfect spot for a picnic. The estate produces whites, reds and fortified wines, and both dry and sweet varieties.
Where? 110 Joadja Rd, Berrima NSW 2577
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 12pm-5pm. On weekend open from 10am, bookings recommended
Come here for: A relaxing atmosphere, rustic stone cellar, and an immersive wine tasting experience.
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS WINERY
Southern Highland Winery is a family-operated winery, owned and operated by three Italian families: Rossi, Corradi and Colloridi.
These families settled in the Highlands to create a high-quality wine and food business, offering a quality experience to customers. The winery has approximately 30 acres of vines planted over 83 acres of land.
Where? Cnr Oldbury Road and Illawarra Hwy, Sutton Forest NSW 2577
Opening Hours: Cellar door open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Come here for: Artisanal craftsmanship meets breathtaking landscapes
CENTENNIAL VINEYARDS
Conveniently situated just minutes away from Bowral's historic township, Centennial Vineyards is renowned as a premium cool-climate vineyard. Here, grapes ripen slowly, ensuring enhanced flavour and intensity in the wines produced.
The cool climate of Centennial Vineyards is especially favourable for varieties like Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sparkling, preserving their inherent crisp acidity and distinctive characteristics. Additionally, their Reserve reds have excellent potential for development and maturity over time.
Where? 252 Centennial Rd, Bowral NSW 2576
Opening Hours: Cellar door open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Come here for: Premium cool climate wines just minutes from historic Bowral, try their Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
ELING FORREST WINERY
Eling Forest Estate is one of the most established and well-known wineries in the Southern Highlands, committed to crafting cool climate wines of rewarding, distinctive taste.
Set on historic grounds, Eling Forest Estate is more than just a winery. It is a heritage colonial era cottage and homestead offers unique accommodation and on-site facilities to cater for weddings, functions and conferences from 10 to 180 people.
Where? 12587 Hume Hwy, Sutton Forest NSW 2577
Opening Hours: Cellar door open on weekends from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Come here for: Cool climate wines crafted in a historic setting.
SUTTON FORREST ESTATE WINES
Sutton Forest Estate Wines is owned by the Lo Russo family, a second-generation family, associated with the Southern Highlands for the past 26 years. This family’s Italian background in grape growing, combined with the rich soil and cool climate of the region, results in the production of premium quality wines, unique to the Southern Highlands of NSW.
The trademark links to the “Sutton Forest Village”, which has a significant place in early Australian history, having been first settled in the 1820’s.
Where? 21 Black Horse Lane, Sutton Forest NSW 2577
Opening Hours: Cellar door open Friday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Come here for: Premium quality wines rooted in family tradition and Italian heritage. Discover the story behind Sutton Forest Estate Wines and its link to early Australian history.
ST. MAUR WINES
In 1998 Nerio Panizzutti and his son Marco started St Maur Wines, a single estate, small batch producer of pinot noir, cabernet, merlot and chardonnay. The winery remains a family business, combining Italian sensibilities, and a great love of the industry. Explore their range of pinot noir, cabernet, merlot, and chardonnay wines amidst scenic vineyard views.
Where? Old Argyle Rd, Exeter NSW 2579
Opening Hours: Cellar door open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for groups over 6, it is by appointment only
Come here for: Small-batch wines crafted with passion and Italian sensibilities. Experience the art of winemaking in a family-run business dedicated to quality and tradition.
MOUNT ASHBY ESTATE
Mount Ashby Estate offers homemade soup, crusty bread and a Charcuterie Plate at a boutique vineyard and cellar door. The French farmhouse tables in the restored original dairy offer an opportunity to enjoy the view of the vineyard surrounded by grazing dairy cattle.
The building is a blend of French provincial and early Australian, as they love to import and restore French Antique furniture, of which examples can be seen in the cellar door.
Also located on the site is the relocated Bowral Produce Store (circa 1918). The store is now used to restore and view provincial antique furniture, including Provincial 17th to 19th Century antiques. Also on display are some of the uniquely crafted French Farmhouse Tables made exclusively from hand-selected European timbers.
Where? 128 Nowra Rd, Moss Vale NSW 2577
Opening Hours: Visit the website for opening hours.
Come here for: Homemade delights and boutique wines in a charming vineyard setting. Enjoy soup, crusty bread, and a charcuterie plate amidst French farmhouse aesthetics. Explore the restored dairy and browse provincial antiques at the historic Bowral Produce Store.
CHERRY TREE HILL WINES
The team at Cherry Tree Hill Wines is dedicated to producing a range of award-winning quality boutique wines at affordable prices. Their Riesling is gaining recognition as the star of the Cherry Tree Hill label and consistently rates gold from critics.
Many of Cherry Tree Hill wines have won medals, including the Sydney Royal Wine Show and Sydney Boutique Wine Awards, and abroad at the London International Wine Show and WSA Singapore Wine Challenge.
Where? 12324 Hume Highway, Sutton Forest NSW 2577
Opening Hours: Cellar door open weekends from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Come here for: Award-winning boutique wines at affordable prices. Taste the star Riesling and other medal-winning varieties in a relaxed atmosphere.