VINEYARDS
Margaret River, Barossa Valley, Hunter River ... many of Australia's wine regions are up there in lights. But true aficionados recognise the uniqueness of our own export-quality Hastings River Valley wines.
BAGO VINEYARDS
Located just to the south-west of Port Macquarie and the Hastings River, Bago Vineyards typifies the best of Australia's boutique wineries. Founded a quarter of a century ago, Bago (pron. Bay-Go) - named for the Imposing nearby Bago Mountain - has revived a grape-growing tradition established by early settlers in the 1800s. Accessible from the Pacific Highway or a few minutes' drive from Wauchope, Bago's vineyards are reached via a country lane drive through a towering eucalypt forest opening to fertile river flats where the grapes are grown.
Here is a beautiful setting amid the sight and sound of the forest wildlife to take in soothing tranquil vistas while sampling the wines along with a tasting plate of local cheese, olives, preserves and fresh farm produce. Jazz in the Vines is held on the lawns on the second Sunday of the month, 11am to 3pm.At: Milligans Road, Wauchope.
Open: 7 days 9.30am to 5pm and by appointment.
Tel: 6585 7099 E: www.bagovineyards.com.au
CASSEGRAIN
Our premiere winery and one that carries Port Macquarie's banner with distinction far and wide with around one-third of its output sought by international connoisseurs. Cassegrain wines can be found served at international hotels in Kuala Lumpur, on the bullet trains of Japan, and throughout Sweden. Ideally located on the Pacific Highway just minutes' drive from the centre of town, Cassegrain winery is set among glorious open vineyards and kilometres-long rows of superb rose gardens. The winery is headed up by respected winemaker John Cassegrain whose family brought its French heritage to the region four generations ago. Attractions include a cellar door store entered down through a magnificent barrel room, tastings, local preserves and gifts and the opportunity to see the wine-making team at work. Popular day and evening concerts are held in a verdant natural amphitheatre and BBQ and picnic facilities are available. Dine at Ca Marche restaurant, adjacent to the cellar door, overlooking the vineyards and above the fragrant and picturesque rose gardens.
At: Pacific Highway, Port Macquarie - located midway between the southern entrance to Port Macquarie (at Oxley Highway junction) and the northern entry to town (at Hastings River junction).
Cellar Door open daily 9-5 except Good Friday & Christmas Day.
Ca Marche Restaurant open 7 days for lunch 10-3; dinner Fridays only 6-9pm.
Tel: 6582 8377 for details of concerts, Oysters in the Vines, information.
E: See wines, details at www.cassegrainwines.com.au. Cassegrain Wines are recommended and served at The Observatory Resort Hotel; please inquire at Reception.
INNES LAKE VINEYARDS
Just off the Oxley Highway entry to Port Macquarie, this charming urban winery and cafe is a popular and convenient stopover en route to your beachside accommodation or as a brief respite from town during your visit.
Call in to the cellar door and sample the range of wine styles and enjoy coffee or lunch at Little Fish Cafe with its seasonal menu, including vegetarian dishes, with all selections under $20.At: 5km west of Port Macquarie on the Oxley Highway, turn left into The Ruins Way at the Innes Lake sign.
Cellar door open 7 days, 10-5. Cafe open for morning and afternoon tea and lunch daily 11.30-2.30.
Tel: 6581 1332 to reserve a table indoors, on the veranda, under the pergola or beneath the trees.
DOUGLAS VALE Historic Homestead & Vineyard
Can any other vineyard be closer to its town's centre than Douglas Vale? The reason Douglas Vale lies near to the heart of Port Macquarie is that the property dates back to the early settlement of the 1800s and the pioneering wine industry of the time. Just 3ha of the original vineyards - once on the outskirts of the fledgling village - remain preserved today, the homestead classified by the National Trust. The historic vineyard is maintained by a group of conservation volunteers and limited edition wines are produced from the original Isabella grapes.
At: Oxley Highway, Port Macquarie, just east of the Widderson Street intersection.
Tours and wine tasting Wed, Sat & Sun 10am to 3pm.
Tel: 6584 3792. E:
For information on other wineries in the region, please contact Port Macquarie Visitor Information Centre for trail maps and brochures, guides.
