Itinerary:
Day 1
Your guide will meet you early this morning to begin your food and wine adventure of the Central Tablelands towns of Orange and Mudgee. Head West out of Sydney passing by the historic suburbs of Windsor and Richmond before joining the Bells Line of Road. We make a stop at the charming town of Bilpin for a coffee break before joining the Great Western Highway passing by Lithgow and Bathurst, arriving at Orange in time for lunch. The town of Orange sits in the shadow of Mount Canobolas, a majestic dormant volcano. The rich soil provided by the volcano combined with the regions high altitude provide perfect conditions for exceptional cool climate wines and amazingly fresh produce.
Lunch today is at the magnificent Borrodel Vineyard. Perched high above the city at 1000 meters and overlooking Lake Conobolas, the vineyard grows apples, cherries, truffles and plums along with its grapes. Take a seat at the Sisters Rock Restaurant for a delectable lunch. Start with a wine tasting hosted by a winemaker before enjoying some fresh local produce that the region is well known for. Afterwards enjoy morescenic views before exploring the area around Lake Canobolas.
Your accommodation for the next 2 nights is at the exquisite Byng Street Boutique Hotel. The original building was constructed in 1896 and the hotel is contemporary mix of luxurious comfort and sophistication. Located in the heritage precinct, the hotel is close great cafes and restaurants. Settle in and enjoy your surrounds. Dinner tonight is your choice at any of the nearby restaurants or we can make some suggestions for you.
Day 2
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before your guide meets you for a wonderful food and wine tour of the local area. Travel to the nearby picturesque town of Molong, located just 40 minutes drive from Orange. This morning we have arranged some special tastings at the family owned Printhie Wines. Well known for their variations of Chardonnay and Shiraz, their Savignon Blanc is also worth a try. Printhie also have an award winning Sparkling NV. Enjoy the rustic surrounds and great tastings. Reboarding the vehicle we now head back towards Orange for a stop at Bloodwood Wines, owned by husband and wife team Steve and Rhonda Doyle. During a private tasting you will have the opportunity to choose from their premium range of including their sparkling and a unique 2009 Cabinet Franc/Malbec. The experience also includes a behind the scenes tour of the wine making process. Lunch today is at the famed Ross Hill Winery. Relax with stunning views of the rolling countryside at The Pantry. Lunch includes selected wines to accompany your meal. Sit back and relax. Afterwards you will have time to wander the beautiful grounds before reboarding your vehicle. Our last stop today will be at nearby Nashdale Lane Wines. The area is well known as an apple growing hub and Nashdale Lanes Wines is located in a converted apple shed. The vineyard boasts a range of organic grown wines including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Arneis, Shiraz, Tempranillo and Pinot Noir. Enjoy some relaxed tastings of your choice. When you are ready reboard your vehicle and head back into Orange for the evening. Dinner is at your leisure tonight and we can suggest some great restaurants for you.
Day 3
Your guide will meet you after breakfast this morning for a scenic 2 hour drive to Mudgee. Head North East along the Burrendong Way towards the historic town of Wellington where you will stop at a local café for some morning tea. You will have time to stroll the main street admiring the beautiful Victorian architecture. Continuing on its not long before we arrive in Mudgee. Our first winery stop today is at Moothi Estate. A boutique vineyard nestled in the foothills of Mudgee offering spectacular 180 degree views. Along with a tasting, enjoy a lunch of a local food platter.
After lunch and for something a little different, we visit Logan Wines. Wine maker Peter Logan has made a career out of producing boutique wines such as Tempranillo and Pinot Gris, unfamiliar in this region. His labels include names such as Clemintine, Appletree Flat and Ridge of Tears. Enjoy some interesting tastings this afternoon and a bit of fun.
Your accommodation tonight is at the Perry Street Hotel. Located in the heart of Mudgee the hotel is built within the 1862 Mechanics Institute, a stunning Victorian Mansion that has been brought back to life. You will love the subtle luxury within the hotel as well as the history. Settle in to your surrounds before heading out to dinner. Tonight is at your leisure and you can choose from a range of wonderful close by restaurants.
Day 4
Your guide will meet you at 10am this morning after a leisurely breakfast. Heading out of town our first stop this morning is at Robert Stein Winery. One of the oldest wineries in the district, Robert Stein produce a number of different styles of red and white wines, ranging from dry through to semisweet whites as well as rich red wines. The wines are made from fruit from the Mudgee District only. This morning you will have a chance to taste a good selection. Our next stop is Lowe Wines. Lowe produces a wonderful range of organic wines and can trace their presence in Mudgee as far back as the 1800’s. Wines are made using innovative techniques, passed down by generations and made in small batches only. Enjoy an amazing tasting today surrounded by the spectacular gardens of the estate.
Later we enjoy lunch at Zin House, located within the grounds of Lowe. This modern farmhouse restaurant takes in sweeping views of the local countryside and nearby vineyards. The extensive gardens and orchards welcome you on arrival and are all part of the experience at Zin House. The menu is local and produce is grown on site or from the surrounding area. A truly unique dining experience. Sit back and enjoy. After a long and relaxing lunch, reboard your vehicle with your guide and make your way back to Sydney. You will have time to stop along the way and enjoy the scenic drive, arriving back in Sydney by around 5pm.