Everyone knows of the main wineries of the Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and Hunter regions. But did you also know that there are other wineries there, and in other regions, such as the Central Coast, that you may have never heard of? In this blog we will show you what they have to offer, and might just kindle a new interest in all you wine lovers out there!
Central Coast
- Firescreek Fruit Winery
Located in semi-rural Holgate, just ten kilometres east of Gosford, Firescreek is as unique as it is beautiful. Firescreek produces around 25 wines at the one time, from fruits. Through the use of small scale organic permaculture regenerative farming, the winery can continuously produce wine annually without the need for a single grape harvest. Sustainability is key to the operations Firescreek.
At Firescreek, visitors are allowed to explore the organic gardens, and take in the marvelous rainforest surrounding, with the the winery’s namesake, the Fires Creek, gently trickling through.
Some of the unique fruit wines available at Firescreek include Elderberry & Vanilla, Chilli & Orange, Rose Petal & Apple, Lemon Lime and Elderflower, and Guava & Feijoa.
Wine tasting tours are every Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30am to 4:30pm.
A must visit!
- Distillery Botanica
A boutique distillery located in Erina, Distillery Botanica is home to a variety of award winning unique drinks including Moore’s Dry Gin and Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur.
The distillery is spread across three acres, and features colourful fragrant gardens, constantly tended to by owner Phil Moore.
The Distillery also features a European style Gelato, Gin and Coffee Bar set in the gardens, named Bar Botanica.
Many different cocktails are available at the Distillery, including Moore’s Gin and Tonic, Negroni, Raspberry Ramble, Martini, Lemon Myrtle Collins, Roots and Leaves and Soda, and the Myrtle Mule.
If you love ritzy sounding cocktails and quaint garden settings, this one’s for you!
Southern Highlands
- Dawning Day Farms
A small family owned “micro-vineyard” located in the small picturesque Southern Highlands village of Exeter, near Bundanoon.
Grown at Dawning Day are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes
Dawning Day produce their own branded wines, including Rose, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, and their own personal concotions – the ‘Skin Shady’ and sparkling natural wine, the Pet Nat.
Kindness at heart – Dawning Day donate 10% of all sales to charitable causes
In addition to wines, Dawning Day also make a variety of farm produce onsite, including Farmhouse Pickles, Chilli Pickles, caramelized Pinot Noir vinegar, and Hot Sauce and Gin Pickles – that one made with a shot of the locally produced Bandit Gin
A unique drink on offer – Dawning Day Limoncello made with locally produced lemons using a traditional Italian recipe
Open for tasting: Monday and Thursday by appointment, Friday and Sat 11am-5:30pm
A perfect getaway for those seeking something small, quaint and that will make you feel right at home!
- Joadja Winery
The oldest vineyard and winery located in the Southern Highlands, first established in 1983.
Located nearby to the abandoned and allegedly haunted village of Joadja, which has remained desolate for over 100 years
A charming, boutique and rustic estate, made of stone and timber with a wood fire for the winter time.
Wines produced on site include Moscato Frizzante, Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Summer Rose, 2018 Reserve Pinot Noir, 2021 Carbernet Sauvignon and 2019 Cabernet Merlot
Joadja offer Paint Posse – no painting experience required – enjoy some locally produced wine while letting your creative inner self come to life!
Music events are also frequently held at Joadja
VIP “De-Vine Club”- join to get delicious food and wine delivered to your door every six months, a complimentary group tour, and members only invite to VIP events!
If you’ve been on our Southern Highlands wine tour before and want to go again, why not include this one- for a true rustic rural experience!
Remember that you can always include either one in your next Southern Highlands Wine Tour with us
