Vineyards With A New Twist in Mudgee Region

Mudgee Region

The Mudgee Region is the ultimate destination for those that enjoy their wine with around 40 boutique wineries. But a trend is underway as cellar doors offer so much more than wine to attract visitors and differentiate themselves. ‘Vineyards with a Twist’ have opened with a game of croquet, a spirit distillery, cooking classes, sculptures in the gardens, art classes, cheese making, wine-maker dinners and even museums.

“The passionate, diverse and artistic nature of the Mudgee Region’s community is alive and evident at our cellar doors. Yes they offer quality food and wine, but visitors can indulge many other sensory experiences such as art, history, sport, education and local produce,” said Alison Slevin, Interim Executive Officer of Mudgee Region Tourism Inc.

The Mudgee Region’s ‘Vineyards With A Twist’:

Anyone for Croquet or a Drop of Liqueur? – coming soon to Mudgee, taste and buy hand-crafted spirits and liqueurs on site at Vinifera with their new Baker Williams Distillery http://www.bakerwilliams.com.au/. While you are there enjoy a round of croquet, a popular European sport. This winery also hosts tapas lunches on weekends, and at Easter and throughout the September Wine and Food Festival they host a travelling exhibition of local artworks for sale. http://www.viniferawines.com.au/

Rosby Wines

Artist Retreat Workshops and Sculptures In The Garden at Rosby Wines - to develop the inner artist within, enrol in one of Rosby’s Artist Workshops held throughout the year including print-making, mixed media portrait drawing and more. Visit over the 13-14 October 2012 and witness the gardens of the property transformed into an outdoor gallery, with the annual Sculptures In The Garden event. http://www.rosby.com.au/

Behind The Scenes at High Valley Wine & Cheese Co. – take part in a ‘Tasting & Talking’ session to gain an insight into the grape growing and cheese making process while enjoying taste tests along the way. http://www.highvalley.com.au/

Wagyu Beef BBQs at Gooree Park Wines – Gooree Park is famous for its champion horses and thoroughbred racing with their annual Gooree Cup in May at the Mudgee Race Course. They also breed high-grade Wagyu cattle, known as the world’s best tasting tender beef. Make sure to visit for their special Wagyu Beef BBQs held throughout the year, including each Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day. http://www.gooreepark.com/

 Broombee Organic Wines

Old Wares and Collectables at Broombee Organic Wines – taste organic cold pressed olive oils, table olives, jams and freshly picked fruit including nectarines and cherries in season. Take home a unique collectable with old wares for sale including spinning wheels, vases, books, bottles, glassware, linen and lace. http://www.broombeeorganicwines.com.au/  

Di Lusso Estate ‘Winemakers and Pizza’ lunches - enjoy an authentic Italian alfresco long lunch, with the choice of a seasonal menu or delicious wood-fired pizzas straight from the outdoor pizza oven. Served with a range of Italian varietal wines and olive oil. They also have their own figs and farm-made fig products. Held every weekend and open for casual lunches daily except Tuesdays. http://www.dilusso.com.au/
 

Learn about Organics at The Winemaker’s Table – David Lowe of Lowe Wines plays host throughout the year to regular Winemaker’s Table events, replicating a larger scale dinner party at home with a large group of friends. Enjoy wine, good company and conversation, and a delicious banquet prepared by local food identity Kim Currie - rustic, seasonal and wherever possible from the Tinja property. http://www.lowewine.com.au/

James Halliday

Browse Vintage Motorcycles at Robert Stein 5-Star James Halliday Winery and Vineyard – see an impressive collection of vintage motorcycles from the 1920’s to the 1970’s, along with other rare collectables and photographs at Robert Stein’s renowned Vintage Motorcycle Museum. http://www.robertstein.com.au/  

Shop and Taste at Botobolar Wine & Things Organic - Australia's oldest certified organic vineyard now has a cellar door and shop in the heart of town. Sample their wine and enjoy perusing the shelves that stock a variety of organic, local, fair trade and sustainable goodies including foods and fabulous homewares. Located at 95 Market Street, Mudgee. http://www.botobolar.com/  

Cheese Making Workshops at Leaning Oak Winery and Dairy – take part in the Farmstead Cheese Making Workshops at this boutique winery. Classes include milking the sheep and goats, then making, ripening and ageing cheeses by hand. From 9am-4pm, includes morning tea and lunch and costs $165pp. http://www.leaningoak.com.au/

Mudgee Region

Long Lazy Lunches at Blue Wren Wines – enjoy a sunny alfresco lunch at their onsite restaurant, set within a beautifully transformed barn with a menu that reflects in-season produce. Open seven days for brunch to lunch, and Thurs to Sun for dinner. http://www.bluewrenwines.com.au/

Other Vineyards with a Twist include Master Cooking Classes at Blacklea Vineyard and a classical Music Festival in November at Huntington Estate.

For more information contact the Mudgee Visitor Information Centre on 02 6372 1020 or go to http://www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au/