Best Wineries on the Mid and North Coast NSW
- Deb Carr
- Jan 11
- 4 min read
The Mid and North Coast of New South Wales may be better known for its beaches, rainforests, and relaxed coastal towns, but it’s also home to a small and growing collection of boutique wineries producing distinctive cool-climate and sub-tropical wines.
If you’re planning a North Coast road trip or simply looking to explore local producers, here are the best wineries on the Mid and North Coast NSW worth visiting.
Explore the Best Wineries on the Mid and North Coast NSW
Raleigh Wines - Bellingen
One of the most established and well-known wineries on the North Coast, Raleigh Wines is located just outside the township of Bellingen.
This family-owned winery hs been producing wine since the early 1980s and is known for its relaxed cellar door, scenic rural setting, and approachable, easy-drinking wine styles.
Experience boutique wine tasting while taking in the breathtaking scenery from the all-weather deck next to the picturesque Bellinger River, with magnificent mountain views in the distance. Take your time, unwind with a delicious cheese platter and a glass of wine.
The Raleigh Winery welcomes guests to the cellar door for wine tastings so you can try the wines before you buy. It's wise to book for a wine tasting rather than just walk-in.
Jacaranda Estate Wingham
Peter and Judy Fowler are the owners of Jacaranda Estate Vineyard and Cellar Door.
They acquired the Vineyard a few years ago and have learned a great deal about viticulture during this time. During this period, they faced a catastrophic flood that almost destroyed the vineyard. However, with assistance from the local footy team and countless hours from family and friends, they have managed to restore it.
Jacaranda Estate has an annual production of beautiful wines which can now be sampled at the Cellar Door. You can book a tasting and purchase or just a purchase and all are welcome to enjoy the property over a bottle of wine.
Long Point Vineyard – Lake Cathie
Founded in 1994, Long Point Vineyard spans 12 acres, including a homestead, with 5 acres dedicated to cultivation. The wines are crafted from grapes grown on the Estate. Long Point Vineyard offers white grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Frontignac, and Verdelho, while the red varieties include Cabernet, Chambourcin, and Tempranillo.
The climate on the Mid North Coast is unpredictable, leading to variations in blends each year depending on the harvest.
Art Gallery
Long Point Art Gallery features talented local artists who use various mediums to express themselves. The exhibits, which change every two months, are popular with both wine lovers and art enthusiasts. Feel free to explore the artwork while enjoying a tasting glass.
Cassegrain Wines – Port Macquarie
Cassegrain Wines embodies a philosophy that combines traditional French winemaking techniques with modern Australian technology, creating a unique distinction. This innovative approach results in a diverse range of wines that are full-flavored, yet soft and elegantly styled.
Cassegrain wines are often complex and intriguing blends or single varieties that remain true to their style and variety.
Chief Winemaker Alex Cassegrain collaborates closely with grape growers, frequently visiting the vineyards to foster strong relationships and ensure only the highest-quality fruit is chosen.
Restaurant
The winemaker and chefs at Cassegrain have collaborated to design a menu, pairing each dish with two wines to enhance and emphasise the flavours.
Great Lakes Paddock - Wootton
A vineyard plus a cattle farm plus a music event venue, at Great Lakes Paddocks makes this vineyard unique.
Renowned for its pasture-raised Angus beef and exquisite yet robust wines, this destination is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. They also regularly host events featuring live music, allowing you to enjoy a wonderfully relaxing country picnic in style. To start, order a cheese platter paired with their delightful wine selection and then relax in style.
Villa d'Esta Winery Dyers Crossing
The winemakers at Villa d'Esta take pride in cultivating, harvesting, pressing, and bottling preservative-free wines for everyone to enjoy, right at the cellar door.
Located just 10 minutes from Nabiac (follow the signs), Villa d'Esta is an ideal spot to bring friends and guests for wine tasting and a walk among the vines. Plan a visit while vacationing in the area, celebrate a special occasion, or book an event—there are numerous ways to experience our little piece of magic!
The winery supports local artisans by displaying artworks for sale at the cellar door, along with a selection of chutneys and chilli sauces.
What Makes North Coast NSW Wineries Different?
Unlike established regions such as Hunter Valley or Orange, wineries on the North Coast of New South Wales operate in a warm coastal to sub-tropical climate, rather than a classic cool-climate wine zone.
This climate influences grape selection, vineyard scale, harvest timing, and wine styles, resulting in a very different experience from larger inland wine regions.
Key differences include:
Smaller, boutique production rather than large estates
Limited and selective grape varieties suited to coastal conditions
Seasonal or limited cellar door hours
A stronger focus on local visitors and regional tourism rather than national or export distribution
As a result, winery visits on the North Coast tend to feel more personal, informal, and less commercial, appealing to travellers who enjoy discovering producers outside the mainstream wine trail.
Planning a Winery Visit on the North Coast
Before heading out, keep these practical tips in mind:
Check opening hours in advance — many cellar doors operate on weekends only or by appointment
Call ahead during wet weather, as coastal conditions can affect access and opening days
Combine winery visits with coastal drives, riverside stops, hinterland walks, or local cafés
If staying overnight, consider nearby bases such as Bellingen, Port Macquarie, Wauchope, or the Nambucca Valley
Are North Coast NSW Wineries Worth Visiting?
If you’re expecting large estates, polished tasting rooms, and full-day wine tourism precincts, the North Coast may surprise you — but in a good way.
North Coast NSW wineries are best suited to travellers who value:
Authentic, low-key local experiences
Small producers and handcrafted wines
Scenic rural settings close to the coast
They work best as part of a relaxed road trip or regional stay, rather than a destination built solely around wine tourism.
