6 must-visit wineries and distillery doors in Bathurst

Escape to the rolling hills of Bathurst for a charming and peaceful winery, distillery, and brewery tour, where you can discover unique and high-quality offerings from locally owned establishments, each with its own character and charm.

Welcome to Bathurst – where the wine and liquor flow as naturally as the rolling hills that envelop this charming region. This quaint, down-to-earth, and peaceful place is home to a handful of lovely wineries, plus a couple of breweries and distilleries – all run by locals with a genuine passion for their craft.

As you explore the area, keep an eye out for native wildlife and farm animals that often graze in the surrounding paddocks. Assign your designated driver and get ready to be charmed by cold-climate brews and the warmth and hospitality that make this region so special.

1. Vale Creek Wines

Located 15 kilometres south of Bathurst, Vale Creek Wines is one local winery worth a visit. Set on a picturesque rural property with stunning views of the surrounding hills, the lovely location and warm hosts will make you feel welcome. With a focus on cool climate Italian grape varieties, your tastebuds will be tempted by a range of sangiovese, rosato, dolcetto, barbera, pinot grigio, aeneis, lagrein, vermentio, and moscato.

The property is home to koalas, wombats, kangaroos, and grazing sheep and cattle – making it a truly unique and special place. You can also enjoy a beautiful lunch platter alongside your tasting for the ultimate luxury experience.

There’s a cellar door, commercial kitchen, and function centre, and they hold regular events. You must make a booking to visit, and your $10 tasting includes a thoughtful platter of olives and cheeses.

Address: 438 Cow Flat Road, Cow Flat

2. Renzaglia Wines

Nestled in the rolling hills of O’Connell, 20 minutes from Bathurst town, Renzaglia Wines is the perfect place to escape and take in the beauty of the local area. With a focus on making unique, high-quality Australian wines, this family-owned vineyard has been a labour of love for three generations.

You will taste the love that goes into every bottle at Renzaglia Wines.

The site faces north-east and sits at 780 metres altitude upon two distinctly different granite-derived soil types, which have been nurtured to encourage biodiversity in the vineyard. The result? Spectacular wines that truly represent the location.

The family-owned vineyard has been nurtured by three generations.

Renzaglia offers not just great wine but also picturesque views and a warm welcome. There’s regular live music and events, and tastings are available by appointment.

Call ahead to book a tasting.

Address: 38 Bosworth Rd, O’Connell

3. Winburndale Wines

Located 15 minutes east of Bathurst, Winburndale Wines is a tranquil escape from the city and a must-visit on your local wineries tour.

Winburndale Wines boasts picturesque scenes from every angle.

The climate, landscape, and hand-picking and fermenting methods of the vineyard create an ideal grape, resulting in wines with soft tannins that are sure to please any wine-loving palate.

Taste the range at the vineyard’s cellar door.

As a passionate, family-run business, your hosts will surely impress with their knowledge and hospitality. There’s a veranda overlooking a dam to pause and enjoy while you taste, and you can visit the cellar door on Saturdays from 10-3 (or by appointment on other days). They also offer two charming cottages on Airbnb if you’re keen to extend your stay (or read up on our pick of Bathurst accommodation here).

Soak up the nchanting waterfront setting at Winburndale Wines.

Address: 16 Saint Anthony’s Creek Rd, Bathurst

4. Mount Panorama Wines 

The only winery in Bathurst town, Mount Panorama Wines is nestled on the inside of the world-famous Mount Panorama Racing Circuit. This unique, boutique vineyard produces cool climate wines that are elegant, powerful, and much loved by visitors (the Tawny port comes highly recommended). The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed, and charming. Just give them a call before visiting to make sure they’re open.

Address: 117 Mountain Straight, Mount Panorama, Bathurst

5. Bathurst Grange Distillery

Located just 10 minutes from the city centre in the O’Connell region, Bathurst Grange Distillery promises to be a highlight on any Bathurst booze tour. This hidden gem is a lovely little family-run distillery that is passionate about producing fine gin and whisky.

Bathurst Grange Distillery produces quality Australian gin and whisky. (Image: Destination NSW)

The family’s story dates back over 200 years, with visitors to the historic estate including Charles Darwin and Brett Whiteley. They have a tasting room that’s open from Friday to Sunday (no booking required), tours running Fridays and Saturdays, and you can hire the space with accommodation for weddings or special events.

The Blue Mountain Gin is a popular choice. (Image: Destination NSW)

Their enthusiasm is evident through their welcoming service and ambience, and you can even bring the kids and dogs along for a visit to the tasting room and a feed. The Blue Mountain gin is a favourite.

Learn about the gin-making process at Bathurst Grange Distillery. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 3249 O’Connell Rd, Bathurst

6. Reckless Brewing 

Reckless Brewing is owned by two mates with a passion for brewing craft beers from quality, natural ingredients. Situated in a heritage-listed ex-flour mill next to the Bathurst Rail Museum, it oozes rustic country vibes and a fun and youthful ambience.

Swing by on weekends for all kinds of entertainment.

There’s live music on Sundays and their menu offers burgers, share plates, pizzas, kid’s meals, and classic pub fare with a modern, street-food-inspired flair.

Pizza goes down a treat with the craft brews on offer at Reckless Brewing.

Address: 2a Piper St, Bathurst

If you’re keen to travel further from Bathurst town, there are so many glorious wineries, distilleries, and breweries in the greater area – particularly around Orange and Mudgee which are a day-trip distance from the city centre.