Wine tasting in Sydney is an experience unlike any other. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or are just starting to learn about the world of wine, there are plenty of places in Sydney to indulge in some bottles of Shiraz or your other favourite Australian wines.
Here are just six of the best restaurants and eateries where you can enjoy a cultured tipple or two in Sydney.
1. Urban Winery, Moore Park
Located in Moore Park, Urban Winery is the only fully functioning winery in central Sydney. It serves wines from its A.Retief label, named after founder and winemaker Alex Retief.
With grapes sourced from cool climate vineyards in Tumbarumba, Hilltops, and Gundagai, Urban Winery is renowned for their production of not just reds and whites, but also dynamic rosé wines, all of which are available for tastings at the cellar door and in the venue’s attached wine bar.
There’s also a selection of tasty snacks that have been sourced from all around NSW to pair with your wines, like salami from the Northern Rivers, cheese from the Hunter Valley, and delightfully flavourful olives from Crookwell.
2. Handpicked Cellar Door, Chippendale
Handpicked Cellar Door started in the Capella Valley of the Mornington Peninsula in 2013. They now operate vineyards all over Australia and work with boutique growers to create a range of regionally expressive wines. Taste all their most notable wares at the cellar door, set inside a restored warehouse close to Chippendale’s famous Spice Alley.
A wine flight can also be customised to suit your drinking preferences. This experience will also see you be guided by one of the winery’s expert staff. Handpicked also runs monthly themed wine tastings, most of which focus on regions or varietals. Visitors can also even enjoy yoga and wine workshops, live music nights, and masterclasses on topics like wine collecting. Simply put, this cellar door is a must-visit for any vinophiles travelling to Sydney.
3. Sydney Wine Centre, Pyrmont
If you want to take your wine tasting to the next level, then booking a seminar or a wine tasting session at the Sydney Wine Centre in Pyrmont is another must. This institution is serious when it comes to wine appreciation, to say the very least. The SWC’s signature themed wine tasting sessions will allow you to taste between nine and 12 wines.
And what are the themes, you may ask? Some sessions are actually themed around different wine-producing countries for a little global education. For wine enthusiasts that want to learn more about their favourite type of wine, however, the SWC also runs seminars, courses, and wine-tasting sessions that offer a deep-dive into the history and production of particular wine varietals.
Professional-level sommelier wine courses run over two or four nights, but there are also options for absolute beginners or wine buffs who are looking to increase their own knowledge. There are also useful classes that are designed to explore common wine questions like ‘how to read a wine list’, so you’ll be able to impress your friends at your next dinner.
4. Taste of Sydney – Barangaroo & The Rocks
The Taste of Sydney tour is an excellent way to explore two of Sydney’s most iconic neighbourhoods: The Rocks and Barangaroo. As both of these suburbs are renowned for their fine dining offerings, this particular tour will allow you to indulge in some of the city’s best food and drink offerings.
The tour takes you on a journey through Sydney’s history, starting at The Rocks, which was once a bustling area of warehouses and factories, but has since been transformed into a trendy district filled with shops, restaurants, and bars.
The Taste of Sydney tour is an excellent choice for foodies and history buffs alike, as it combines the best of both worlds. Not only will you have the opportunity to taste some of the city’s best food and drink offerings, but you’ll also learn about Sydney’s rich history and culture along the way.
The tour is also led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the city and its food scene. All in all, the Taste of Sydney tour is truly an informative and enjoyable experience that has a little to offer all kinds of foodies and vinophiles alike.
5. Wine Odyssey Tours, Hunter Valley
If you want to escape the city for a day, head up to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s premier wine regions. This experience is only a two-hour drive from Sydney, and Wine Odyssey Tours can actually even take care of everything for you, from transportation to tastings to lunch.
They also have a range of different tours available, from a budget-friendly option that visits three wineries to a premium experience that includes tastings of top-shelf wines and a private tour of a local premier winery.
The Hunter Valley is known for its Sémillon, which is a white wine that’s unique to the region. It’s also famous for its Shiraz and Chardonnay, two wine types that Australia is internationally renowned for. There are also plenty of other varietals to try here too, for anybody looking to expand their wine tasting palate.
The information provided in the tours will also see you learn about the history of winemaking in the area and the unique climate and soil conditions that make Hunter Valley wines so special and sought after. You’ll also get to sample some delicious locally sourced foods, as the Hunter Valley happens to be home to some fantastic restaurants and gourmet producers too.
6. Mudgee Wine Tasting Tour
Mudgee is a beautiful country town located in the central west region of New South Wales, approximately 260 km northwest of Sydney. The town is nestled in the Cudgegong River Valley and is surrounded by picturesque hills and vineyards. Mudgee is known for its stunning scenery, fresh country air, and its award-winning wineries, making it an ideal destination for wine lovers.
With over 40 wineries in the region, Mudgee offers a wide range of wines to taste and explore, including classic varietals such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as unique blends and emerging varietals. The wineries in Mudgee are known for producing high-quality wines, and many have won both national and international awards.
Visitors can explore the wineries by joining a wine tour, which offers a hassle-free way to visit multiple wineries in a day. The tours are typically led by knowledgeable guides who can provide insight into the winemaking process and share the history of the region. The tours usually include tastings at several wineries, allowing visitors to sample a wide range of wines and discover new favourites.
In conclusion, Sydney has a lot to offer for wine lovers, whether you want to stay in the city or venture out to the surrounding areas. From the unique experience of blending your own wine at Urban Winery to the premium tastings in the Hunter Valley, there’s something for everyone.
So why not plan a day or weekend trip to explore some of Sydney’s best wine tasting destinations?
