Mudgee

Fast facts

• Best known for shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, merlot and semillon.
• Located in the Cudgegong River valley in Central NSW.
• Mudgee is 261 km (3.5 hours’ drive) north-west of Sydney.

Why go there

Surrounded by hills and vineyards, Mudgee district is a beautiful location for wine tasting and exploring. Mudgee is a Wiradjuri word that means ‘nest in the hills’, and the town has a cosy, welcoming feel.

Mudgee is one of the State’s oldest wine regions. Its reds are powerful yet subtle and very European in style. It is famous for its rich, ripe cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. Mudgee’s first commercial winery, Craigmoor, was established in 1858 by German vine dressers, who reached the region by pushing their laden wheelbarrows on the wallaby track that passed for a road.

The region is entering a new era for high quality wine. A boom in planting 30 years ago means there are a large number of small producers with mature shiraz and cabernet vines. There are over 40 winemakers, including five long-established organic producers, such as Thistle Hill. Mudgee district is a network of several beautiful upland valleys. It’s a large area to cover, so set aside plenty of time for detailed exploration.

Don’t miss

• The best varieties – shiraz, merlot and cabernet sauvignon.
• About 45 cellar doors in the region.
• Big players such as Simon Gilbert, Poet’s Corner and Andrew Harris.
• Family-owned smaller operations such as Lowe Family Wines, Frog Rock and Logan Wines.
• Regional foods such as beef, hazelnuts, honey, sheep and goat cheeses, yabbies, lamb, verjuice, olive oil, tapenades and olive oil products.
• Local attractions - Gulgong’s Pioneer Museum, Goulburn River National Park, Wollemi National Park, Turon River, historic Sofala and Hill End.

Food and wine events

• Mudgee Wine Celebration, September.