Wine Tasting in Sydney: 9 Places You Have to Try

It's no secret that Australia is wine country. In fact, this vast country has several different climatic zones that are suitable for the production of various kinds of wine. That's why you'll find Australian wine on the shelves of wine stores and bars throughout the world.

As well as being one of Australia's biggest and most vibrant cities, Sydney is located in New South Wales, one of the biggest wine regions in the country. And it just so happens that the neighboring states of Victoria and South Australia are the other two biggest wine regions in the country. So if you're thinking that Sydney must have some pretty great wine tastings — well, you're right.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Sydney, and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Australian wine. Whether you want to go on a wine tour of a gorgeous vineyard or would rather stay in the city and enjoy an urban wine tasting experience, there's something here for you. Drinking your way through the world of Australian wines is one of the best things to do in Sydney at night, and here's your guide to the best places to go.

Hunter Valley Wine Tasting Tour

If you really want to get to grips with the world of Australian wine, there's no better place to begin than the Hunter Valley. The Hunter Valley is only three hours from Sydney, and you can get there with a rental car or by taking a private tour. Bus tours have the advantage of being convenient and can pick you up right from your hotel in Sydney, then take you on a full-day tour of the major Hunter Valley wineries. But if you prefer to explore alone, that's an option too. Either way, wine lovers will be welcomed here.

The Hunter Valley is home to some of Australia's best-known wine producers, including Dalwood, Ivanhoe, Wynwood, and Waverley. But this, the oldest of Australia's wine regions, is also home to many boutique wineries. And there's more than just wine on offer. Capitalizing on the popularity of sightseeing tours to the Hunter Valley, many gourmet food producers have set up shop here to provide exquisite tasting experiences of local produce to those taking part in wine tastings.

Chances are good you've sampled Hunter Valley wine before. But if you haven't, this is the perfect place to start. There are around 150 different vineyards producing wines in this area, so a wine tour here is a truly unmissable experience for oenophiles. If you love to drink wine, you owe it to yourself to take a wine-tasting tour of the Hunter Valley. Don't forget to try some Semillon while you're there, as this varietal is an icon of Hunter Valley wine and of Australia as a whole.

Address: various locations

Southern Highlands Wine Tour

In case exploring the Hunter Valley wasn't enough wine tasting for you, another option is to explore the Southern Highlands. A train ride from Sydney to Bowral will bring you to the commercial heart of the region in just over two hours, but you'll need transportation to make the most out of a wine tour here. Rent yourself a car, take an organized wine tour, or splurge on a private tour that will take you to some of the best commercial wineries and boutique cellar doors in this exceptional region.

However you choose to explore the Southern Highlands, you'll find it almost impossible not to be blown away by the quality of the wine produced here. Some of the must-try vineyards in the area include Crooked River Wines, centering around the small town of Gerringong; Bendooley Estate, home to a very stylish cellar door and one of Australia's best winery restaurants; and Cupitt's Winery, which also has a brewery on-site if you fancy something a little different.

No matter what your taste in wine may be, you're sure to find something to love in the Southern Highlands. And with so many different ways to explore the region, you can tailor your wine tour to your own preferences. So why not start planning your trip today? You won't regret it.

Address: various locations

Mudgee Wine Tasting Tour

If you're looking for an authentic rural wine experience, Mudgee is the place to go. This charming country town is only a three-hour drive from Sydney, making it the perfect day trip or weekend getaway for city dwellers. And with over 40 different wineries to choose from, Mudgee is one of the best places in Australia for wine lovers to explore.

When you arrive in Mudgee, make your first stop the Mudgee Region Visitors Centre. Here you can pick up a map of the region and learn about all the different wineries on offer. You can also book tours and transportation through the visitors center, which can take all the hassle out of planning your trip.

Once you've got your bearings, it's time to start exploring. Mudgee is divided into four main wine regions: West End, Middleton, East End, and Hartley. Each of these regions has its own unique character, so you're sure to find a winery that suits your taste.

Some of the most popular wineries in Mudgee include Robert Oatley Vineyards, which offers stunning views over the vineyards; Lowe Wines, which has an award-winning restaurant on-site; and Pogson Berry Wines, which produces organic wines using traditional methods.

No matter what your taste in wine may be, you're sure to find something to love in Mudgee.

Address: various locations

Urban Winery Sydney

Okay, the area outside Sydney offers some exceptional opportunities for a great wine tour. The Hunter Valley experience and the Southern Highlands are places you really shouldn't miss. But maybe your time in the city's limited, or you'd rather stay put in Sydney itself. Luckily, in this wine-loving city, you don't have to choose between urban life and wine culture.

Urban Winery Sydney, a working wine cellar operated by the A. Retief label, aims to bring the rural wine tasting experience to the heart of Sydney CBD. As Sydney's oldest urban winery, this company offers some of the best wine tastings in the city.

Urban Winery has an astonishing variety of experiences. Yes, you can enjoy a classic wine tasting and cheese or sip Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. But you can also go deeper with a blend-your-own-wine session that will teach you how to bring out the flavor of different kinds of wine and give you an incredible souvenir of your trip. You can also become a winemaker for the day and stomp out some grapes. The winery often hosts live music and other special events, so there's always something happening here. It's a definite must-visit while you're in the city

Address: Entertainment Quarter, Building 121, The, 122 Lang Rd, Moore Park NSW 2021, Australia

Handpicked Cellar Door

In Australia, the term 'cellar doors' refers to a wine tasting room, and Sydney certainly has plenty of them. But if you're looking for something a little bit different, make your way to Handpicked Wines. This company has a cellar door in the city as well as a few other locations around Australia, but what sets it apart is its focus on small-batch and artisanal wines.

At Handpicked Cellar Door, you can taste some of the best boutique wines in the country, all of which are produced by independent growers. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through each wine, explaining its unique flavor and story. And when you find a bottle you love, you can purchase it to take home with you.

Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a beginner who's just starting to explore the world of wine, Handpicked Cellar Door is a great place to taste some of the best wines Australia has to offer.

Address: 50 Kensington St, Chippendale NSW 2008, Australia

Château Tanunda Sydney Cellar Door

For a truly unique wine tasting experience, head to Château Tanunda. This French-style château is located in the heart of Sydney and offers a range of wine tastings, food pairings, and other events.

At Château Tanunda, you can enjoy a classic wine tasting, complete with cheese and charcuterie. Or you can go for something more unusual, like a chocolate and wine pairing or a Vertical Tasting, which lets you compare different vintages of the same wine. The château also hosts special events throughout the year, such as live music and cooking classes.

No matter what your taste in wine may be, you're sure to find something to love at Château Tanunda.

Address: 2 Nurses Walk, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia

Sydney Wine Center

If you're going to call yourself Sydney Wine Center, you need to make sure that your wine tasting experiences are some of the best in the city. Fortunately, this organization lives up to its name, offering a wide range of wine tastings and other events.

One of the most popular options at Sydney Wine Center is the World Tour Tasting, which lets you sample wines from all over the globe. Or you can go for a more targeted tasting, like the Australian Reds Tasting or the Sparkling Wines Tasting. The center also offers food pairing experiences, masterclasses, and private events.

Whether you're a wine lover or just someone who's looking to try something new, Sydney Wine Center is a great place to start your wine education.

Address: 42 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Sydney Wine Tasting

Looking to sample some of the best wines Sydney has to offer? Then you need to check out Sydney Wine Tasting. This company offers a range of different wine tastings, all of which are led by knowledgeable guides.

One of the most popular options is the Private Wine Tasting, which lets you choose the wines you want to taste and learn about them in a small group setting. Or you can go for a more structured tasting, like the Introductory Wine Tasting or the Advanced Wine Tasting. Whichever option you choose, you're sure to have a great time and learn a lot about wine.

Sydney Wine Tasting is the perfect way to explore the world of wine in Australia's largest city.

Address: l8/99 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

The Oak Barrel

The Oak Barrel is one of Sydney's most well-known wine bars, and for good reason. This bar offers a wide range of wines by the glass or bottle, as well as cheese and charcuterie plates.

But The Oak Barrel is more than just a wine bar; it's also a place to learn about wine. The knowledgeable staff is always happy to chat about the different wines on offer, and they offer regular tasting events where you can try new wines and meet other like-minded people.

Whether you're looking for a place to enjoy a glass of wine or to learn more about the world of wine, The Oak Barrel is the perfect spot.

Address: 152 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Conclusion

With so many out-of-town vineyards and in-town cellar doors to choose from, Sydney is a truly exceptional destination for wine lovers. Whether you take one of the many wine tours available in the surrounding region or explore under your own steam, you'll have access to hundreds of great wineries that make incredible products. And you don't even need to leave the city. With all these great tasting rooms to enjoy, you can have an excellent wine-based vacation without leaving downtown Sydney.

Of course, there's more on offer in this vibrant city than just wine. Check out our guide on how to spend three days in Sydney for some guidance on things to do that don't involve having a glass in your hand. With so much going on in Sydney and so much great wine to choose from, you have everything you need for a memorable Australian vacation.