New South Wales; It is one of the fastest growing states for vineyards and new wine varieties being created and is just one big playground just waiting to be discovered. With destinations like the Hunter Valley, the South Coast, Southern Highlands and Central West, pack an overnight bag, a hearty appetite, a camera and get out and explore our Top 10 winery restaurants of NSW.
Chloe Grabham
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It's perfect for long lunches and big views with a glass of something local in handYou need to try the five-course tasting menu with matching winesLook out for vineyard views from the hilltop dining room that go on foreverYou can find one of the Hunter Valley's most popular restaurant at one of the most sought after vineyards at Esca at Bimbadgen Winery. Architecturally designed with large glass windows allowing for the views of the vineyards to play as a backdrop against plates of refined modern European and Australian inspired meals.Read more -
Known as one of the pioneers as agri-dining in the Hunter-Valley region, Margan Restaurant has a strong focus on not only producing high-quality wines straight from vineyards to the glass but also produce from the paddock to the plate. A must visit for lovers of real grass-roots style cooking.Read more -
It's perfect for long lunches that blend paddock-to-plate dining with rolling vineyard viewsYou need to try the five-course seasonal set menu with optional wine pairings from Lowe Family Wine CoLook out for the open kitchen and garden strolls between courses that make every bite feel earnedEmbracing its stunning natural surrounds and approaching their food and wine with a biodynamic and organic approach, The Zin House in Mudgee is well worth the trek to NSW's Central West. A menu of back to basic classics that are all about the quality and sustainability. Featuring long lunches and regular events, this is a country food and wine experience not to be missed.Read more -
It's perfect for vineyard lunches or sunset dinners with a paddock-to-plate twistYou need to try the ricotta and spinach ravioli or the slow-cooked lamb shank with parmesan mashLook out for the estate-grown produce from their veggie patch and orchard that stars on every plateExplore a feast of Greek mezze dishes at RidgView Estate in the Hunter Valley. Sample some of the Estates wines while grazing on delights under the sun-drenched vines. RidgeView Estate is ideal for families and functions with specialised kids meals also available.Read more -
It's perfect for all day food in a quirky and fun venueRead moreContentious Character is now located in Fyshwick, having moved from their vineyard in rural Wamboin. This new location is a destination in itself, located in a chic industrial space and serving up contemporary wines and food from the kitchen in a unique atmosphere. Come for a wine tasting, breakfast, tapas and a bite any time. The Contentious (not pretentious) crew will love to greet you.
Photography: Courtesy of Contentious Character
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It's perfect for long lunches or romantic dinners with vineyard views and seasonal flairYou need to try the chef’s tasting plate with four wine pairings or the house-made gnocchi with pumpkin and sageLook out for the wraparound veranda overlooking the vines — alfresco dining at its finestRead moreSet amongst rolling vineyards and natural bushland in the heart of the Hunter Valley is Wandin Kitchen. After a wine tasting at the cellar door, head to the cafe and experience local Hunter Valley produce at its best. From breakfast and lunch, through to dinner, the Lovedale cafe offers a range of tasting plates, and two, three, and four-course lunch options, complete with wine pairings to celebrate any and every occasion. Wandin Estate is also home to seven beautiful self-contained villas, ideal for a weekend getaway.
Wandin Kitchen is open: Thursday - Lunch, Friday - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner and Sunday Breakfast & Lunch
Cellar door open Monday - Sunday 10am-5pm
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Read moreOwned and operated by three Italian families, Southern Highland Wines is located on an 83 acre estate in Sutton Forest. The restaurant, located at the cellar door, offers beautiful views of the vineyard with floor-to-ceiling walls. This boutique winery specialises in cool climate wines crafted from 100% Southern Highlands G.I fruit and the restaurant's menu delivers Modern Australian cuisine, at reasonable prices. Southern Highland Wines is also a fantastic function venue, popular for outdoor weddings surrounded by the rolling green hills of the vineyard.
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Hunter’s Quarters offers contemporary dining experience in a unique and beautiful setting. With a private terrace in the vineyards, this is the perfect place to enjoy a meal with family and friendsRead more -
Centennial Vineyards Restaurant in the township of Bowral in NSW's scenic Southern Highlands. The vineyard has produced many award-winning wines and is full of country character and charm, making it a popular wedding function destination. Dishes are crafted from local produce and seasonal delights and are served with contemporary elegance.Read more -
Marvel at the tree lined driveway as you approach one of the oldest and most luxe vineyards iat Bendooley Estate. Enjoy wines straight from the vineyard which include cool climate riesling, pinot noir, merlot and shiraz. Take a seat at the table inside the Book Barn where you will be served a generous serve of locally sourced Southern Highland produce in a homely fashion.Read more -
Home of one of the best long lunches on the South Coast, Cupitts Kitchen at Cupitts Winery in the seaside township of Ulladulla is the perfect combination of wining, dining and staying in country style. Select from handcrafted cheeses in the fromagerie, or sit in the sun with rolling green hills in the background and plates of modern English-French cuisine.Read more