Vineyards, great wine & cheese await in Mudgee

When it comes to wine country in NSW, Mudgee might not be the first name on your lips. Although it might not be as much a tourist trap as Hunter Valley, Mudgee is no second place.

The sprawling vistas of rolling hills and meandering roads, truly makes Mudgee a unique destination and not just for wine connoisseurs.

The Mudgee Wine Region is a fantastic weekend getaway if you fancy some wine tasting, scenic drives and delicious food. The quiet, idyllic landscape provides much needed respite from the distractions of daily city life.

Planning the weekend

While you could technically plan this out over a Saturday/Sunday, I highly recommend taking a Friday or a Monday off, just to give yourself that extra time to unwind, truly enjoy all that Mudgee has to offer and also break up that monotony of a 9 - 5.30 weekday.

Getting there

Definitely somewhere you’d drive to, Mudgee is roughly 3.5 hours away from Sydney. I’d recommend starting off before 8am, especially if it’s the weekend, just to get away from the city traffic and give yourself a nice, easy drive. If you’re leaving from Sydney, you do have the option to choose between a tolled and non-tolled route. The latter doesn’t seem to add that much to your total journey time. Once you’ve left the city limits, the road starts to open up and you’ll be greeted by the Blue Mountains. Now, if you go through Richmond you have the choice to stop at Mount Tomah (which I highly recommend), home to the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens.

Mount Tomah & the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens

It gives you a new perspective on the Blue Mountains and can leave you in awe at the sheer size and expanse. A walk around the gardens will also give you a few moments to stretch and recuperate and so will the cute cafe. Managed by seriously attentive staff and features a decent and tasty menu, with coffee to match.

If you’ve ever seen the Blue Mountains, you need to prepare yourself for the views from these Botanic Gardens.

From there, you’re only a couple hours away from the Mudgee Town Centre and after that little break, the rest of the drive is going to feel like a breeze. It’s not a stressful drive in any way and just as you’re about to meet the Mudgee Wine Region limits, you’ll drive passed Lake Windamere. Such a pretty lake that can make you appreciate the sheer vastness and beauty of the journey.

Where to stay

I’ll be honest, this part of the planning was a bit of a struggle at first. Airbnb failed me (for the first time) and I was left scrolling through other third-party booking sites before finally turned to Google Maps. For anyone that has done this before, it’s probably going to seem like the most obvious thing, but I searched for accomodation, zoomed in on Mudgee and found what I genuinely think is a slice of heaven, Peppertree Hill.

Peppertree Hill is on 250 acres of land and has its own cattle, pond and chalets that can give some boutique hotels a run for their money.

The beauty of Peppertree Hill in Mudgee

From the moment I saw each of the luxury cottages, I knew that I had to stay here. They have cottages of various sizes that can fit anywhere from 2 to 15 people in these spectacular bungalows, so there’s no reason you can’t make a weekend of this with your friends. Or better yet, go with your significant other and unwind in front of your own fireplace (plus you get points for knowing how to light a fire!). Their service was all class from the first email. They even offered to prepare a picnic (at an extra charge but totally worth it), full of locally sourced goodies; keep an eye out for the mouthwatering fudge if you do order the picnic hamper. I couldn’t find a flaw with any of the food they supplied and with the picnic blanket in tow, I walked down towards the water and enjoyed the food and the view. Giving you that break from the city that you’ve been craving.

You can also hire a bike from a local store if you feel like cycling to the wineries, but be warned it’s not for a beginner.

Inside the cottage, you’ll find that it is cosy, homey and decorated with a sort of mix between Scandinavian minimal and farm chic. The kitchen was a nice surprise and really came in handy on the second day whipping up some dinner. There’s also a little BBQ out in the back, which seems perfect for summer months. The bedroom, living area and kitchen is one big open space that still gives you just enough privacy. More than anything, I found there were so many thoughtful considerations that really made this an unforgettable place to stay. From the kimonos laid out on the bed, the jazz music playing as soon as you walk in or the board games by the TV. Personally, it’s the little touches that make me remember a place and Peppertree Hill made sure that they covered their bases. There’s parking behind the cottages and you can somehow manage to go the entire stay without meeting a single person. Even with the other cottages nearby, the owners somehow managed to make this weekend feel like there wasn’t a single person around.

Which wineries to visit

The last time I checked there were 60 wineries in Mudgee that you can visit. But since this is a Ministay, you need to make the most of your long weekend. Here are two worth visiting and seem to be the popular choice among visitors.

Lowe Wines

Work your way through the list but keep an eye out for a sparkling red. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea but it is a treat. The Mudgee Blue is their best seller and after one sip and you can tell why.

Logan Wines

Known as the most beautiful cellar door, Logan Wines offers some award-winning wines. Not only does the wine stand out, the architecture is a scene-stealer.

There are also some other renown vineyards, unfortunately I didn’t get to visit all of them. However it does leave something to explore the next visit, I’ll definitely be back.

Where to eat

Pipeclay Pumphouse Restaurant

Seemingly busy at breakfast, one taste of the French Toast and you can immediately tell why. They have a simple but classic menu and everything was freshly made and served super quick. Also, the outdoor seating was a great spot to sit in even in winter. Just hope for some sun because it does get chilly.

Artisan on Lewis

A quirky cafe in Mudgee, Artisan is a favourite among locals and offers a delicious menu. Just be sure to check if it’s open before you go.

Overall, I don’t know if it was the peaceful scenery or the wine tasting but this weekend in Mudgee really helped me find clarity and left me feeling relaxed.