Port Macquarie might not be one of the first locations around Australia you think of when considering wine regions, but the region’s winery trail is full of all sorts of unique surprises one of which starts just ten minutes from the beach.

With the area boasting five very unique vineyards, there’s a little something for all wine connoisseurs; for the family conscious, the art lovers, and the foodies.

Long Point Vineyard & Art Gallery

Established in 1994, Long Point Vineyard and art galleries sit on 12 acres of land with wines produced from grapes straight from the estate. Offering a charming take on the traditional vineyard, Long Point offers wine tasting, local art, and delicious products from across the Hastings region.

Wander the grounds and view the spectacular outdoor artwork sourced from Bondi’s Sculptures by the Sea or relax on the deck with a bottle of wine and cheese platter.

Not a wine drinker? Well, you’ll have to give the venue’s alcoholic ginger beer a try. Not something you would usually see in a winery, but it’s been fermented using grape juice; so naturally, it belongs!

Where: Cnr of Cooinda Pl & Long Point Dr
When: Tue-Sun | 10am-5pm
Wines: Chardonnay, Frontignac, Verdelho, Cabernet, Chambourcin and Tempranillo.
Website: click here

Bago Maze & Winery

Looking for somewhere that can keep every member of the family entertained for the day? Well, look no further than Bago Maze & Winery. Here, you can let the kids run free to wander, explore, and get lost in the 2000m of Bago Maze’s walkways, tall hedges, sunken pathways, bridges, musical instruments, lookout towers, and even hidden characters during the school holidays!

Whilst he kids are having the time of their life exploring all the nooks and crannies of the maze, set yourself up on the hill with a picnic blanket or land yourself on one of the outdoor tables and order yourself a wine tasting and cheese or charcuterie board from the cellar door.

Where: Milligans Rd
When: Mon-Fri | 9am-5pm
Wines: Verdelho, Savagnin, Chardonnay, Blueberry Rose, Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay, Chambourcin, Tannat, Sparkling Chambourcin, and more.
Website: click here 

Little Fish Vineyard & Restaurant

Pull up a spot on the verandah or the alfresco dining on the grass and overlook the lush, and magical setting of the of the Innes Lake Vineyard.

Framed by Jacaranda, Poinciana, and Magnolia trees, the Little Fish Vineyard and Restaurant is a must stop-in for those who love a beautiful lunch setting. More than just a café, Head Chef Steve brings the experience to your table with his passion for French cooking and a menu that changes with the season.

Where: 147 The Ruins Way
When: Wed-Sun | 11.30am-2pm
Website: click here 

Cassegrain Wines

Descending from an old winemaking family in France, the Cassegrain family began their winemaking journey in Port Macquarie in 1980 with the planting of their first vineyard. 

Almost three decades later, the winery has celebrated many of awards. Experience it for yourself at the cellar door, set right in the middle of their working winery in an intimate space just below ground level.

A recent addition to the building has seen restaurant Twotriplefour takeover the kitchen. The proudly local, paddock-to-plate eatery focusses on sourcing seasonal produce and has a strong philosophy of savouring the region. 

Make a whole day of it and spend the morning horse-riding through the vines, followed by a wine tasting in the cellar door, a scrumptious feast at Twotriplefour and finish the day with a wander through the stunning gardens.

Where: 10 Winery Dr
When: Mon-Fri | 9am-5pm
Sat-Sun | 10am-5pm
Wines: Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir, Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, Sparkling Rose, Sparkling Chambourcin, Fromenteau Chardonnay, Shiraz, Falerne, Fiano, Sangiovese, Semillon, Riesling, Pinot Vierge, Chambourcin, Syrah Pinot Noir, Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon, Verdelho, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato, Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Shiraz Voignier, and more.
Website: click here

Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard 

A unique experience at Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard as it is the only volunteer run property of its kind in Australia. In 1995, a conservation group was formed to rescue the property from vandalism and disrepair with an aim to continue to preserve the site as a working museum and vineyard.

Where: 235 Oxley Hwy
When: Wed & Sat | 10am-3pm
Wines: Villard Blanc, Chardonnay, Chambourcin, Shiraz, and more.
Website: click here