Bathurst has a diverse cool climate wine scene that makes it perfect for producing wine. The region is home to three distinct wineries which form a triangle when you plot them out on a map. It's also home to boutique spirit distillers and craft breweries. So, whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend, group trip or a romantic getaway for two, it's worth putting Bathurst on your travel menu.
Here are our picks to get the most out of your visit as you explore Bathurst's Wine Triangle.
Saturday
9am – Breakfast at Harvest Café and Store
Start the day with breakfast made using local fresh produce at Harvest Café and Store. Chef Chris Ringrose creates seasonal menus using ingredients which showcase the best of the region’s local farmers, producers and food artisans. It’s also right next to the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre so you can drop in for some local tips and a map before you head off on your wine tasting journey.
Just a short 25 minute drive from the town centre is your first stop, Winburndale Wines, on the slopes of the hills of Winbourn-Dale where gold was originally discovered in the 1860s. You cannot miss tasting a glass of their award-winning flagship Solitary Shiraz.
1pm – Lunch at Two Heads Brewing Co.
Head back towards town to local brewery, Two Heads Brewing Co. set in the historic Crago Mill. Brothers Campbell and Greg Hedley, alongside Head Brewer Ian Carman, create a range beers including fun seasonal specials like Lemon Myrtle and Feijoa flavoured ales. For those who want to stick to wine, Winburndale also has a second cellar door here.
Sit down in the restaurant and enjoy a casual lunch of grilled pork skewers, classic beer battered fish and chips, or hoisin and sesame lamb ribs, washed down with one of the eight beers on tap.
4pm – Mount Panorama Estate
No trip to Bathurst is complete without a lap of Mount Panorama, but as you make your way back down the mountain, stop in at Mount Panorama Estate, a picturesque vineyard in the heart of the racing circuit. Home to cool climate vines, you can visit their cellar door and try their range of Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Semillon wines. Sit back and enjoy a glass of wine as the sun sets over the stunning Central West landscape.
7pm – Dinner at Vine & Tap
Wrap up your day at Vine & Tap wine bar with some Italian share plates and one of the specialty local or imported wines. If the weather is nice, dine al fresco in the courtyard, or ytake a seat upstairs and get a glimpse of Italy through the black and white photos displayed on the walls which were taken by owner Mrs Marino and her husband Frank during their travels around Italy.
Overnight – Stay at Buddens Guesthouse
Nestled in the valley, overlooking Peppers Creek and Rockley Weir,
Buddens Guesthouse has five cosy guest houses with classic touches like log fires and complimentary port.
SUNDAY
9am - Breakfast at Buddens Guesthouse
Spend a lazy morning at Buddens and start the day off right by indulging in a full country breakfast. Didn't you know that calories don't count when you're in the country?
11am – Renzaglia Wines
Head off to the quaint little village of O’Connell for a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz at the family owned and operated
Renzaglia Wines. Have a chat with local owner Mark Renzaglia, an award-winning winemaker, about the intricacies of wine making in the Bathurst region.
2pm – Vale Creek Wines
From there, drive to Vale Creek Wines, and enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting with Liz or Tony who have handcrafted a number of beautiful Italian varieties selected especially for Vale Creek. Sit back on the terrace and enjoy a glass of Sangiovese or Barbera before you get ready to depart for home.
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