Did you know that the South Coast is home to its own winery region? Officially known as the Shoalhaven Wine Region, this region stretches from Kiama south, and is home to a handful of wineries and vineyards. When next visiting the South Coast, consider visiting some of these South Coast wineries, whether just to sample and buy some bottles, or to enjoy what else they have to offer.
#1 Cupitt’s Estate
One of the best cellar doors on the South Coast of NSW is Cupitt’s Estate. This South Coast winery is located just behind Ulladulla, and is a must-visit when staying in the area, thanks to the beautiful views overlooking the vineyard. Their Sauvignon Blanc plantings are supplemented with grapes from the Hilltops region.
Choose between a two- or three-course experience in their award winning restaurant, or casual dining on the lawn. You can add on matching wines or a wine flight, or else book into a separate wine tasting in the cellar door, even if you aren’t dining. Cupitt’s also has their own microbrewery and fromagerie. Plus on Sunday afternoons, enjoy live music on the lawn.
#2 Cambewarra Estate
A highlight of visit to Cambewarra Estate, situated at the foot of the Cambewarra Mountain north of Nowra, is one of their delectable high teas. Choose between sitting inside or outside, or for the ultimate vineyard experience, in a giant pink tea cup amongst the vines.
If you’d prefer to stick to wine, instead book in for a wine flight, or for wine and cheese. Alternatively, their restaurant is open for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, plus public holidays – just double check in advance during the cooler months of the year.
#3 Crooked River Wines
The northernmost vineyard on the South Coast, Crooked River Wines is situated just off the Princes Highway as it passes by Gerringong. One of the big focuses of the vineyard are their regular live music events, which take part on the expansive lawns overlooking the vines.
If no upcoming concerts are scheduled, instead book into their restaurant, which is renown for its creative approach to fine dining in a beautiful setting. Choose from their list of premium wines by the glass or bottle. Or instead try a tasting at the cellar door, then choose a bottle to enjoy on the lawns.
#4 Coolangatta Estate
Coolangatta Estate is one of the longer established and most awarded wineries in the Shoalhaven Wine Region. The winery is located within the historic surrounds of the convict-built Coolangatta Village precinct, not far from Shoalhaven Heads.
Advance bookings are recommended for their guided wine tastings, held daily. Alternatively, enjoy a “wine paddle” outside in the wine garden, at your own pace. The onsite restaurant is open for casual dining every Saturday lunch, plus on Sundays during the warmer months, or book a Un’Wine’d picnic for a special occasion.
#5 Tilba Valley Wines
Outside of the Shoalhaven Wine Region proper, just south of Narooma near the historic village of Central Tilba, the Tilba Valley Winery and Ale House is a delightful stop for visitors to the South Coast.
This South Coast winery has been producing grapes for over 40 years, including Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Traminer, Shiraz and Chardonnay, with nearly all sold at the cellar door. The Ale House is a more recent addition, brewing beer since 2019.
Open from Wednesday to Sunday (although double check during the winter months), drop by to taste some wines and ales, along with a relaxed lunch or perhaps a Tilba Cheese box.
#6 Silos Estate
Located just outside of the cute town of Berry, Silos Estate is open daily for wine tasting. Two ranges of wine are produced: the Siloes Estate range is estate grown, including Sauvignon blanc, Malbec and Shiraz, while the Wiley Creek range sources grapes from other wine regions.
It’s best to book a wine tasting in advance, accompanied by a tasting platter of local produce including cheeses, olives, relish and crackers. It’s also possible to book a picnic on their grounds, or alternatively, their restaurant is open from Thursday to Sunday, plus daily during December and January.
#7 Mimosa Wines
Mimosa Wines is an ultra-boutique winery near Bermagui. With just seven acres of vines onsite, growing Chambourcin, Tempranillo, Savagnin and Verdelho, the winery was hard hit by the Black Summer bushfires. They are yet to start producing wines again, but when they do, they’ll of course only be available through the cellar door and the onsite restaurant.
Meanwhile, it’s still worthwhile visiting Mimosa for their award-winning restaurant. At lunch, choose between two or three courses from their a la carte menu, while dinner is a set six-course menu, with the option for paired wines (from other vineyards throughout Australia).