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Southern Highlands

The easy 90-minute drive from Sydney opens up the Southern Highlands region to an eager flock of winelovers. Accommodation is plentiful, from swish country retreats to cute B&Bs. The cellar door experience has moved up a gear of late, with more food on-site and a more polished welcome. Cool-climate varieties are the cornerstone here, with riesling, chardonnay and pinot noir leading the way. Full-bodied reds come from neighbouring regions such as Orange and the Hilltops – always clearly identified on the label. Don’t forget to pop into the Berkelouw Book Barn in Berrima for a rare book or two.
‍Peter Bourne

Image courtesy of PepperGreen.

PepperGreen Estate

Star Cellar Door

(02) 4877 1070
peppergreenestate.com.au

Katrina Liao and Hank Chiu may seem unlikely vignerons – she a musician, he an engineer – but over the past eight years, they have poured their heart and soul into PepperGreen. They purchased the Maytree vineyard in Canyonleigh, added an olive grove and acquired an antiques store in Berrima, sensitively refurnished as a fantastic cellar door, tasting room and café. Talented staff are the key, with ex-Qantas Sommelier in the Sky Greg Elliott pouring and the Balog brothers at Artemis making the wines. Food is crafted by the experienced team of Mark Chance and James Thompson. Don’t forget the range of extra virgin olives oils and other classy merchandise. PETER BOURNE

OUTSTANDING WINE: 2017 PepperGreen Pinot Noir CCSH, A$55

Centennial Vineyards
Best Large Cellar Door

(02) 4861 8722
centennial.net.au

Cherry Tree Hill Wines
Best Small Cellar Door

0403 432 872
cherrytreehill.com.au

Tertini Wines
Best Tasting Experience

(02) 4878 5213
tertiniwines.com.au

Mount Ashby Estate
Cellar Door with Best Food

(02) 4869 4792
mountashby.com.au

Artemis Wines
BEST ADDITIONAL CELLAR DOOR EXPERIENCE (Onsite Distillery)

0401 199 075
artemiswines.com.au

Bendooley Estate
Cellar Door with Best Accommodation

(02) 4868 8788
bendooleyestate.com.au