It is a true feeling of surprise and delight when you come across Firescreek Winery in Holgate. You read all that information correctly, there is a winery in Holgate. As with its location for a winery, this award-winning fruit-based plonk is unique and well worth a visit and a tasting… or two.

Nadia O’Connell is our winemaker here at Firescreek and she has been creating fruit-based wine since 2015. She was taught by the previous owner and even though they left their notes for a reference, it was a steep learning curve for this University Lecturer. Six years on and Nadia is still winning awards in fruit wines with vintages such as a Rose Petal & Pear Wine, Lime & Grapefruit Wine to a Chilli Citrus Wine.

Set over 2.5 acres of lush gardens with an idyllic creek, framed with rainforest and waterlily ponds overflowing with flowers. You find yourself stretching your neck to find another corner of the property to discover, and there is plenty to find. From the grapevines creating an arch tunnel to walk through and the orchard of citrus and other fruits to create wine from. 

There are parts that feel like a grand English garden aligned with the sensory and calm that comes from a tranquil rainforest. When standing within the grounds you feel you need to visit at different seasons of the year to experience the gardens throughout the year. Lucky enough Firescreek have four unique experiences so you can continue to come back and explore all over again.

The first is Meet the Wine Maker in-depth wine discovery, Firescreek Botanical Winery offers a personalised and intimate behind-the-scenes tour with Nadia. Enjoy each wine in a different location on the property under the vines or amongst the trees. Next is the Chocolate and Wine Pairing, which is a great group event and a lovely way to experience the wines. You are served the wine in crystal glasses and can enjoy the spoils in any spot in the lush gardens.  

The third a unique experience of a Bushtucker & Wine Tasting tour with a local Aboriginal elder. A hands-on experience, learning about the diverse indigenous culture of the Darkinjung people. We were invited to their fourth experience of Foraging and Mixology.

“Foraging and Mixology allows customers go in the garden and pick their own flowers, whatever calls out to them.

“They come back and make little garnishes for each glass and create four cocktails to go with garnish. They sit in the garden and create. Taking the different wines, you start to create your own cocktails there is no wrong or right cocktail, it is about your own personal experience and taste,” Nadia said.  

It is quite a sociable experience and great for a group of friends to experience the gardens and enjoy a fruit wine cocktail or four.

This unexpected find in the valley of Holgate is the perfect escape for an afternoon, a celebration (they host weddings too), and a unique way to spend time with family and friends here on the Central Coast.