Unique Shoalhaven Wineries you need to visit

Stretching from Kiama in the North to Milton in the South and Kangaroo Valley in the west, the temperate climate and lush soil of the Shoalhaven coast produces wines which have received in excess of one thousand Australian and International awards. A range of varieties are produced by the eight Shoalhaven wineries, including Chardonnay, Verdelho, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.

Now I’ll state it up front, I am no wine connoisseur. I have a sweeter palate so if I’m drinking wine its something like a sweeter bubbly such as Moscato or Prosecco, or a dessert wine. I also enjoy liqueurs and fortified wines such as Port. So if I am heading to a winery it’s because there is something unique about it that caught my attention.

Whether you’re making a day trip from Sydney or the mountains, or staying nearby, here’s my pick of the unique Shoalhaven wineries you need to include in your visit.

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Mountain Ridge Wines

Where to find Mountain Ridge Wines

Mountain Ridge Wines is just over 9 kilometres from the town of Berry, at 11 Coolangatta Road, Coolangatta.

 

What do Mountain Ridge Wines offer?

Mountain Ridge are continuously experimenting with their wines and have an expanding offering which includes Cabernet Merlot, Shiraz, Semillion, Verdelho, Pinot Gris and Moscato. They are also expanding their range of Liqueurs, currently offering Watermelon, Strawberry and Macadamia.

Tastings are available for $5 per person from 9am – 3pm weekdays and 9am – 5pm weekends.

They also sell produce made onsite, including honey and jams.

 

Why you should visit Mountain Ridge Wines

This small, family run Shoalhaven winery has built their business on the principles of sustainability and reducing their impact on the climate. Located on the side of Cullungutti mountain, their onsite restaurant menu features seasonal South Coast produce, some even grown onsite, designed to complement different wines.

Mountain Ridge also have a schedule of events that feature live music, art, workshops and sporting events and are available as a venue for organised events and functions.

You need to try the liqueurs!

Coolangatta Estate Winery

Where to find Coolangatta Estate Winery

Coolangatta Estate Winery is just over 11 kilometres from the town of Berry, at 1335 Bolong Road, Coolangatta.

 

What does Coolangatta Estate Winery offer?

This Shoalhaven Winery produces a number of white wines including Savagnin, Verdelho, Chardonnay and Semillion, as well as Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat. Wine production was impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires in the region, and there are less wines in their 2020 vintage as a result. They were able to make a lovely Frizzante Rose due to the grapes being grown higher on the mountain and above the smoke.

Wine tasting at the Cellar Door is available 7 days from 10am until 5pm for $10 per person which includes 6 wines. Alternatively you can plan to spend awhile and order a wine tasting paddle for $20 per person, which features 4 100ml servings. A range of food boards can be ordered to accompany wine tasting. It is best to book in advance.

Coolangatta Estate has an onsite restaurant currently operating reduced hours, so it is best to confirm and make a booking.

The estate is also available for functions and events.

 

Why you should visit Coolangatta Estate Winery

They don’t come much more unique than Coolangatta Estate!

The estate is the location of the first European settlement of the South Coast of NSW in 1822. Alexander Berry and Edward Wollstonecraft settled in the foothills of Coolangatta mountain with a grant of the land and 100 convicts. It became a village including mills, artisans and tradesman and an exporter of horses and cedar internationally, and cattle, tobacco and wheat domestically.

After remaining in the Berry family until the 1940’s the estate had fallen into disrepair. It was acquired by the Bishop family in 1947 who began major restoration of the convict built buildings. They commenced growing Sauvignon Blanc grapes in the 1980’s and the first vintage was produced in 1990, proving that wine could be produced in the Shoalhaven region.

These days, visitors to the estate can stroll around the grounds to see a piece of history, and even stay on site. Most of the buildings have now been converted to accommodation.

Curious what its like to stay in a stable? Check out my stay in the Larnach Castle stables!

 

Two Figs Winery

Where to find Two Figs Winery

Two Figs Winery is located 17 kilometres from the town of Berry, at 905 Bolong Road, Berry. This family-owned boutique Shoalhaven winery is perched on top of a hill and visitors will drive over a cattle grate and past grazing cattle to reach the building.

 

What do Two Figs Winery offer?

Two Figs have a broad range of red and white wines on offer, including Rosé, Chardonnay, Shiraz and sparkling. They also have a lovely dessert wine made from late harvest Verdelho and two varieties of port.

The 2020 Frizzante Rose has an evident flavour of strawberries and will definitely appeal to lovers of sweet wine.

While Two Figs does not have a restaurant or cafe on site they do offer cheese and local produce platters to be enjoyed with their wines.

A wine tasting is $10 per person and lasts 45 minutes. Bookings are recommended.

 

Why you should visit Two Figs Winery

The view!

Two Figs Winery has a spectacular elevated location looking over the Shoalhaven River. The views don’t come much better for a wine tasting!

 

Shoalhaven Winery Tours

If you’re interested in taking a day trip to the Shoalhaven wineries, but not really keen on the driving, you can book a Shoalhaven Coast tour which includes at least two of these wineries.

If you have a group together you can also tailor your own private tour.

 

Virtual Tastings

The Shoalhaven wineries have commenced rolling out virtual wine tastings using Facebook watch parties. Check the Shoalhaven blog for more details.

 

Where to stay near the Shoalhaven Wineries

Check out the nearby options below.

 

If you enjoyed this glimpse of unique Shoalhaven wineries please share, and let me know how you enjoyed your visit!