6 must-visit wineries and distillery doors in Bathurst

Jessica Humphries Jessica Humphries
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Escape to the rolling hills of Bathurst for a charming and peaceful winery, distillery or brewery tour.

Welcome to Bathurst – where the wine and liquor flow as naturally as the rolling hills that envelop this charming region. This quaint, down-to-earth and peaceful place is home to a handful of lovely wineries, plus a couple of breweries and distilleries – all run by locals with a genuine passion for their craft.

As you explore the area, keep an eye out for native wildlife and farm animals that often graze in the surrounding paddocks. Assign your designated driver and get ready to be charmed by cold-climate brews and the warmth and hospitality that make this region so special.

1. Renzaglia Wines

Nestled in the rolling hills of O’Connell, 20 minutes from Bathurst, Renzaglia Wines is the perfect place to escape and take in the beauty of the local area. With a focus on making unique, high-quality Australian wines, this family-owned vineyard has been a labour of love for three generations.

The site sits at 780 metres altitude upon two distinctly different granite-derived soil types, which have been nurtured to encourage biodiversity in the vineyard. The result? Spectacular wines that truly represent the location. Renzaglia offers not just great wine but also picturesque views and a warm welcome.

Address: 38 Bosworth Rd, O’Connell

a display of wine bottles at Renzaglia Wines
You will taste the love that goes into every bottle at Renzaglia Wines.

2. Vale Creek Wines

Located 15 kilometres south of Bathurst, Vale Creek Wines is one local winery worth a visit. Set on a picturesque rural property with stunning views of the surrounding hills, the lovely location and warm hosts will make you feel welcome.

With a focus on cool climate Italian grape varieties, your tastebuds will be tempted by a range of sangiovese, rosato, dolcetto, barbera, pinot grigio, aeneis, lagrein, vermentio and moscato. The property is also home to koalas, kangaroos, grazing sheep and cattle – making it a truly special place. Enjoy a beautiful lunch platter alongside your tasting for the ultimate luxury experience.

Address: 438 Cow Flat Road, Cow Flat

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3. Winburndale Wines

Located 15 minutes east of Bathurst, Winburndale Wines is a tranquil escape from the city and a must-visit on your local winery tour. The climate, landscape and methods of the vineyard create an ideal grape, resulting in wines with soft tannins that are sure to please.

As a passionate, family-run business, your hosts will surely impress with their knowledge and hospitality. There’s a veranda overlooking a dam to pause and enjoy, plus a cellar door for tastings. It also offer two charming cottages, arguably some of the best accommodation in Bathurst.

Address: 16 Saint Anthony’s Creek Rd, Bathurst

the verdant vineyard at sunset, Winburndale Wines, Bathurst
Winburndale Wines boasts picturesque scenes from every angle.

4. Reckless Brewing 

Reckless Brewing is owned by two mates with a passion for brewing craft beers from quality, natural ingredients. Situated in a heritage-listed ex-flour mill next to the Bathurst Rail Museum, it oozes rustic country vibes and a fun and youthful ambience.

There’s live music and trivia, as well as a tasy menu offering burgers, share plates, pizzas and classic pub fare with a modern, street-food-inspired flair.

Address: 2a Piper St, Bathurst

Reckless Brewing in Bathurst, NSW
Opt for a tasting paddle at Reckless Brewing.

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5. Bathurst Grange Distillery

Located just 10 minutes from the city centre, Bathurst Grange Distillery promises to be a highlight on any Bathurst booze tour. This hidden gem is a lovely little family-run distillery that is passionate about producing fine gin and whisky. The family’s story dates back over 200 years, with visitors to the historic estate including Charles Darwin and Brett Whiteley.

The tasting room is open from Friday to Sunday, tours running Fridays and Saturdays and you can hire the space for weddings or special events. The welcoming service and ambience make it a top spot for families, including furry friends!

Address: 3249 O’Connell Rd, Bathurst

the exterior of Bathurst Grange Distillery
Bathurst Grange Distillery produces quality Australian gin and whisky. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Mount Panorama Wines 

The only winery in Bathurst town, Mount Panorama Wines is nestled on the inside of the world-famous Mount Panorama Racing Circuit. This unique, boutique vineyard produces cool climate wines that are elegant, powerfu, and much loved by visitors.

The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed and charming, too – just give them a call before visiting to make sure they’re open.

Address: 117 Mountain Straight, Mount Panorama

If you’re keen to travel further from Bathurst town, there are so many glorious wineries, distilleries, and breweries in the greater area – particularly around Orange and Mudgee which are a day-trip distance from the city centre.

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Jessica Humphries
Jessica Humphries is a travel and wellbeing writer, with a passion for slow travel, nature, and exploring the world mindfully. Formerly the editor of Australian Yoga Journal and a current contributor to a number of well-being publications, Jessica's writing is inspired by her love for yoga, wellness and sustainable living. Her work is a celebration of the beauty of the world and the joys of gentle travel. She is based in the Northern Rivers of NSW and loves to explore her local area too!
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Your first look at Australia’s brand-new luxury camp

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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    The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

    Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit, a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

    Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

    Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon.
    Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

    Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

    Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

    Aerial view of Wilderluxe.
    Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

    Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’, all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

    On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

    A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe.
    Sleep beneath the stars.

    Style and character

    When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

    Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

    The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe.
    Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

    ‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience. Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

    Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

    Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

    While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

    The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake.
    Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

    No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

    Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

    Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

    Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

    A person kayaking through serene waters.
    Paddle into peace.

    The details

    A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

    The interiors of the glamping tent.
    Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

    Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

    6 Must-Visit Bathurst Wineries | Australian Traveller