The Best Wineries in the Southern Highlands

Where in Australia is the Southern Highlands?

Just 90 minutes south of Sydney and two hours from Canberra, the Southern Highlands of NSW is defined by rolling hills, award-winning wine and gourmet food. This region has always been a popular getaway for city dwellers, and in recent decades, an influx of winemakers has made a trip to this rural, unspoilt landscape more appealing than ever. If you’re wondering, “What wine is Southern Highlands known for?” then wonder no more. The high elevation and cool climate of the region are perfect for producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, among others.

So, you’re planning your getaway to this stunning region. What are the best Southern Highlands wineries to visit and how many cellar doors does the Southern Highlands have?

In this handy guide, we’ll explore Bowral wineries and others nearby in the area, including Mittagong, Berrima, and Sutton Forrest, so you’ll know which places to visit in the Southern Highlands.

We’ve also included the best things to do when you’re not tasting all of those delicious drops from the best wineries in Bowral and beyond, along with our pick of the best places to eat and stay.

This delightful region has so much to offer – let’s explore!

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WHAT WINERIES ARE IN THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS?

Whether you’re soaking in the charm of beautiful Bowral, known for its gorgeous Victorian homes, antique shopping, blooming gardens, boutique stores and award-winning restaurants, or stopping in at surrounding towns and villages like Berrima, Mittagong or Sutton Forest, the great news is, there are fantastic wineries nearby to enjoy. Here are some of our favourite Southern Highlands wineries.

 

Centennial Vineyards

Located just minutes from the historic township of Bowral, Centennial Vineyards is home to a welcoming cellar door that houses an abundance of award-winning wines and a range of quality, local produce.

With breathtaking views across the vineyards, the Centennial Restaurant is the ideal setting for enjoying a relaxed lunch with a glass of wine, or a High Tea or Devonshire Tea taking in the beautiful countryside surrounds.

The Southern Highlands is renowned for changing seasons. Magnificent gardens bloom with vibrant colours in spring and autumn, creating a rich local tapestry, and on balmy summer days, the glass doors are opened to a spacious deck for alfresco dining. In winter, the cosy and rustic appeal of the restaurant is enhanced by the enormous, toasty fireplace.

The stunning surrounds also ensure that Centennial Vineyards is a popular location for a range of special events including A Day on the Green concerts.

252 Centennial Road, Bowral

Open daily 10am - 5.00pm

Visit the Centennial Vineyards

 

Cherry Tree Hill

Over a short space of time, Cherry Tree Hill has been able to produce quality cool climate wines with award-winning results. This humble cellar door is your one-stop-shop for sampling the incredible range and discovering new favourites. Hungry travellers looking for a quick bite can enjoy a selection of light meals and snacks including gourmet pies and delectable tasting boards showcasing fresh local produce. 

12324 Hume Highway, Sutton Forest

Open daily, 10am – 5pm

Visit the Cherry Tree Hill 

 

Cuttaway Hill Wines

Cuttaway Hill welcomes wine lovers into a casual tasting room surrounded by spectacular views of the Southern Highlands, with seated, guided wine tastings. Stay awhile and enjoy a selection of regional cheese boards, charcuterie plates and vigneron platters, or book-in a sparkling winemaking tour to learn the art of méthode champenoise. 

Twice a month Cuttaway Hill hosts outdoor yoga sessions to relaxing music followed by wine tasting and a selection of fresh platters from local producers. 

212 Sally’s Corner Road, Exeter

Open Monday, Thursday - Friday, 12pm - 4pm & Saturday – Sunday, 10.30am – 4:30pm

Visit the Cuttaway Hill Wines             

 

Sutton Forest Wines

For over 26 years, the Lo Russo family has been enjoying the beautiful Southern Highlands lifestyle and they’ve been crafting premium Italian-style wines since 2002. Visitors to the vineyard are welcomed into the warm Sutton Forest Wines cellar door for tastings of their Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, signature Forest label, as well as a selection of rarer vintages, fortified and dessert wines. Stay for an antipasto platter featuring a range of local produce, and finish off the experience with a cup of tea or coffee.

21 Black Horse Lane, Sutton Forest

Open Fri – Sunday, 10.00am – 5pm

Visit the Sutton Forest Estate Wines        

        

Artemis Wines

Artemis Wines is nestled just off the Old Hume Highway, with a modern cellar door built from recycled River Redgum cladding which exudes a particular rustic charm. The popular Southern Highlands winery hosts intimate tastings of award-winning wines complemented by cheese and charcuterie boards. 

The luscious lawn is the ideal space for entertaining large crowds over the weekends, especially with wood-fired pizzas being cooked on Saturdays and Sundays. In the cooler months, visitors can taste wines and keep warm in front of the cellar door’s charming fireplace.

46 Sir Charles Moses Lane, Mittagong

Open Wed – Fri 10am - 4pm, & Saturday - Sunday 10am - 5pm.

Visit the Artemis Wines

 

Bendooley Estate

Bendooley Estate is more than a winery and cellar door; at the very least, it’s a quaint weekend escape complete with superb wines, cuisine, art and architecture. The cellar door caters to many moods, with a range of wines available for tasting from the comfort of lounges or the charming courtyard which provides vineyard vistas. Beneath cathedral ceilings and king-sized iron chandeliers, the restaurant and bar cater to hungry wine lovers with a seasonal menu of delicious modern cuisine.  

The on-site book shop, Berkelouw Book Barn, houses endless rows of rarities, antiques and the latest releases – because it doesn’t get much better than a glass of wine and a good book! Bendooley also offers a series of studios and two and three-bedroom cottages for those ready to spend the night.

3020 Old Hume Highway, Berrima 

Cellar Door: Open daily 10am - 5pm

Bookstore: Open daily 9am – 5pm

Restaurant: Open for lunch Monday – Thursday from 12pm and Friday – Sunday from 11:30am and dinner Thursday – Saturday from 6:30pm

Visit the Bendooley Estate 

    

Southern Highlands Winery

Modern and spacious, the Southern Highlands Winery cellar door is your gateway to a selection of flavoursome and award-winning, cool climate wines, with floor to ceiling glass overlooking the vines and surrounding lakes. From there, a guided tour can take you to walls of French oak barrels and ten-metre-high stainless steel storage tanks for a glimpse into the winemaking process. 

The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine with a local twist. In the cooler months, a table by the roaring log fire is an ideal place for a romantic dinner. Speaking of romance, Southern Hills Winery has five distinct sites suitable for glamorous weddings. Take your pick.

Cnr Oldbury Road and Illawarra Hwy, Sutton Forest

Cellar door: Open daily 10:30am – 4:30pm

Restaurant: Open for lunch Thursday – Monday, 12pm – 3pm, & Friday – Sunday 6pm – 9pm

Visit the Southern Highlands Winery

 

Peppergreen Estate

Located in an iconic building in the historic town of Berrima, PepperGreen Estate’s cellar door and Tasting Room is a unique venue where a selection of wines can be sampled along with a delicious wine-centric menu. Open for breakfast, lunch, coffee and snacks including tasting boards, sweet and savoury treats, it’s a relaxed experience to be enjoyed by visitors.

In addition to growing premium cool climate wines in their vineyard, the team at PepperGreen Estate also grow 55,000 olive trees in a nearby olive grove. Their innovative growth and production techniques enable them to produce the largest volume of olives for cooking and consumption in the region – these products can be sampled at the Cellar Door and Tasting Room.  

13 Market Pl, Berrima

Cellar Door: Daily from 10am – 5pm (closed Tuesdays)

Tasting Room: Open weekdays from 10 – 5pm (except Tuesdays) and weekends from 9am – 5pm

Visit the PepperGreen Estate

 

Tertini

A must-visit cellar door in the Southern Highlands, Tertini Wines is a family-owned winery nestled in Mittagong near the historic village of Berrima. The welcoming cellar door offers tastings of Tertini’s premium, cool climate wines including Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay, along with some alternative varieties such as Arneis, all year round. Whether you’re escaping the heat in summer or enjoying the warm atmosphere in front of the log fire during the winter months, Tertini is a great place to experience Southern Highlands wine.

Kells Creek Rd (off Wombeyan Caves Rd), Mittagong

Open daily (by appointment only) – 10am – 5pm

Visit the Tertini

 

Tractorless Vineyard

Located at The Mill Courtyard in Bowral, Tractorless Vineyard and Bowral Brewing’s urban tasting room is a unique venue to experience a sustainable and diverse food and wine experience. Visitors can taste from a full range of wines, crafted using sustainable, biodynamic principals, and enjoy ciders and beers with tasty food options including delicious smoked meats, vegan and vegetarian meals, and gelato. The farm shop offers goods including locally produced relishes, sauces and jams.

For something special, choose a guided vineyard experience, such as a walking tour or Sparkling tasting on-site at their vineyard, where you’ll no doubt get a glimpse of the black-faced Hampshire Down sheep which are an essential part of Tractorless Vineyard’s biodynamic approach to farming.

Shop 10c/6 Bundaroo St, Bowral

Tasting Room: Open Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-3pm and 5pm-8pm on, and Sundays from 11am-3pm.

Visit the Tractorless Vineyard

 

The best things to do in the Southern Highlands

Whether you’re sneaking away for a quick day trip from the city or embracing an extended stay, our tailored guide promises to fill your cup with memorable experiences.  What are the best things to do in Southern Highlands?

Within easy driving distance from both Sydney and Canberra, the Southern Highlands is a great destination for a day visit or a relaxed weekend, but with so much to do in the region, including the fantastic wineries and cellar doors already mentioned, you may just want to stay longer. Here are some of the other great activities and sites to experience in the Southern Highlands.

• Bradman Museum & International Cricket Hall of Fame – located in Bowral, the hometown of cricketing legend Don Bradman, this contemporary cutting-edge museum houses the rich Bradman Museum collection and brings cricket to life through state-of-the-art interactive experiences.
• Corbett Gardens – if you’re visiting in spring, stroll through cherry and magnolia trees in the beautiful Corbett Gardens, the centrepiece of the spectacular Tulip Time Festival which attracts over 40,000 people each year at the end of September. Located in the centre of Bowral, the gardens are one of the region’s oldest and most beautiful parks.
• Antique shopping – Bowral is home to some great vintage and antique retailers, so a stroll through town is a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon. Dirty Janes, the town’s only permanent antique market, offers great vintage finds including antique furniture, lighting, architectural, home furnishings, LPs, vintage clothing and more. Barbara’s Storehouse is a unique and much-loved furniture and homewares store with locations in both Bowral and Mittagong.
• Eden Brewery – with tasty craft beer freshly brewed locally in the Southern Highlands, this independent brewery is built on the foundation of doing good – with a commitment to donating 10% of their profits to Oxfam and using 100% green renewable energy in their brewing. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere whilst sampling their local beers, with additional experiences available including private guided beer tastings and brewery tours.
• Art galleries – Do you appreciate the arts? In addition to great dining and shopping experiences, the town of Bowral also houses some excellent art galleries including The Milk Factory Gallery and Exhibition Space and Bowral Art Gallery, where you can stop in and fill your cultural cup.
• Joadja Distillery – located in an abandoned 1870’s kerosene mining village, the distillery is one of the few single malt distilleries in the world to grow their own barley and to have natural pristine spring water onsite. Visitors to the cellar door can experience distillery tours and tastings of their range of whisky and gin on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Lookouts – gain a different perspective and admire the region from one of the local lookouts. Bowral Lookout and Mount Jellore Lookout both offer lovely views of the area.
• Local bushwalks – bushwalking in the Southern Highlands is a great way to get back to nature, and with a number of different walks in the region, it’s a popular way to spend the day.

 

The best places to eat in the Southern Highlands

Renowned for fabulous food, a trip to the Southern Highlands wouldn’t be complete without some tasty dining experiences. Naturally, we’d suggest any visit includes some of the standout wineries near Bowral we’ve mentioned, many of which offer delicious bites. But here are some of our other favourite places to eat in the area so you can get your foodie fix while there.

• Harry’s on Green Lane - located in Bowral, Harry’s on Green Lane is an informal, European-style bistro, specialising in classic, rustic dishes accompanied by an impressive, international wine list. Open for lunch 7 days a week and dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, the atmosphere is warm, eclectic and exotic, offering a memorable experience for visitors.
• Onesta Cucina - this family-owned and operated restaurant in Bowral offers exceptional Italian cuisine in an ambient environment and a new menu every day.
• The Press Shop – situated behind a stunning blue curved door on the main street of Bowral, this gorgeous café proudly serves high quality tea and coffee along with an ever-evolving fresh, seasonal menu featuring delicious breakfast and lunch options.
• Eschalot Restaurant – located in the heart of historic Berrima Village, Eschalot is one of the Southern Highland’s best restaurants serving honest, authentic and creative food in a paddock to plate dining experience.
• Gumnut Patisserie – embrace your sweet tooth and pay a visit to one of three great locations – Mittagong, Bowral and Berrima – offering exquisite traditional pastries daily. But be quick – word has spread and visitors are now in on the secret – these tasty delights are not to be missed and sell out quick!
• Burrawang Village Hotel – in the heart of the village of Burrawang, this relaxed and welcoming country pub is a popular watering hole offering delicious food. Add stunning surrounds and spectacular views, and it’s an ideal setting for a meal when you’re in the Southern Highlands.
• Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival – another great reason to visit the Southern Highlands in the spring time is this popular festival. Held at Moss Vale Showground, it’s the perfect way to discover the best food and drink of the region, with a huge range of vendors including local producers, restaurants, winemakers, brewers and distillers.

 

The best places to stay in the Southern Highlands

Renowned for fabulous food, a trip to the Southern Highlands wouldn’t be complete without some tasty dining experiences. Naturally, we’d suggest any visit includes some of the standout wineries near Bowral we’ve mentioned, many of which offer delicious bites. But here are some of our other favourite places to eat in the area so you can get your foodie fix while there.

• The Sebel Bowral Heritage Park Hotel – a peaceful and luxury retreat surrounded by country gardens and lush greenery, this hotel offers self-contained one- and two-bedroom apartments and has additional facilities including an indoor pool and fitness centre.
• Hopewood House – nestled in Bowral, this privately-owned estate is an exclusive and historical wedding venue offering on-site boutique accommodation. The stunning property is set on sprawling grounds of eleven acres with beautifully manicured gardens.
• Glamping at Rockaway Farm – if you enjoy time in the great outdoors, give glamping a go. This experience is nestled amongst beautiful farm land that’s surrounded by rolling hills and pine trees. Wake up to the sound of nature in your very own luxury tent, containing all the creature comforts to make your stay comfortable.
• The Siedler House – an iconic masterpiece by architectural master the late Harry Siedler, this striking, award-winning residence is positioned on the edge of a rugged sandstone escarpment ensuring stunning panoramic bush views. If you’re after something private and unique, this incredible home offers an abundance of fantastic features.
• The Rift Estate – located in Bowral, this historic and grand Victorian Italianate mansion is surrounded by established cold climate gardens. The estate’s original stables have been converted into the luxury heritage Coach House accommodation, perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway or mid-week escape.
• Berida Hotel – a unique Bowral hotel just moments from the main street, the Berida combines the mystique and splendour of the 1920s with contemporary design elegance. With 46 rooms and suites plus elegant parlours and guest spaces, this boutique hotel offers an idyllic escape within a historic setting.
• Hidden Door Bowral Cottage – located close to the hub of Old Bowral and within easy walking distance to all that the charming town has to offer, this beautifully renovated 100-year-old cottage is a great place to base yourself when visiting the Southern Highlands.
• Bendooley Estate – a stay at Bendooley’s luxury studios or two and three-bedroom cottages will have you within a short stroll to the cellar door and surrounded by natural beauty. Escape and relax!

 

The best that Australian wine regions have to offer

Want to see more of what our great wine regions have to offer? Then don’t miss our comprehensive guide to Australia’s Best Wineries and Cellar Doors – from Hunter Valley in the east to Great Southern in the west, it’s the ultimate go-to guide for planning your next wine adventure.

For Wine Selectors Members, make sure to check out our Members Extras offers before planning your next trip, and discover what fantastic offers are available for your wine region destination!

Want to see what all the fuss is about Southern Highlands wines? Order some for yourself, experience some of the finest examples of premium, cool climate winemaking this country has to offer and save with Wine Selectors.