Posted by The name Mudgee is derived from an Indigenous word meaning ‘nest in the hills’, which is an apt description considering the township is surrounded by gently rolling hills, as well as more vineyards than you could possibly get to in just one visit.
The region has been producing wines continuously since the mid 1800’s and unlike more commercial wine regions such as the Hunter Valley, Mudgee’s 35+ wineries are more laidback, with many of them still family owned and operated. A handful of these wineries also feature incredible restaurants which an indulgent lunch stop is highly recommended at.
The charming town centre is easy to navigate and is blessed with magnificent heritage architecture, plus a small but sufficient collection of fabulous cafes, wine bars and heritage pubs. Mudgee’s continental style climate provides warm days and cool nights, summer can be quite hot, whilst winter can get a little blustery at times! A pleasant 3.5 hour drive from Sydney, it’s impossible not to fall for the charms of this historic central NSW community.
This guide to Mudgee was updated in August 2024.
Breakfast & Brunch…
Mudgee Corner Store | 72 Lewis St
Much more than a corner store, this café and grocer is a surprising gem which is clearly popular with the locals. They offer a short menu of toast, breakfast rolls and toasties, all of which can be enjoyed instore but are also convenient for eating on the run. For some retro goodness, try one of their milkshakes. Mudgee Corner Store
Althea by Zin | 131 Church St
By the talented team from The Zin House, this adorable little bakery and cafe is you go-to for delicate pastries, croissants, sausage rolls and baguettes. The coffee by Deluca is pretty good too, and there’s a cute backyard for ‘dining in’. Althea by Zin
Dancing Goat Café | 104 Church St
This popular main street café offers a simple but wholesome breaky menu and excellent Campos coffee to get your morning moving. A lively little spot, there’s also some sunny footpath dining. Dancing Goat Cafe
Alby & Esthers | Up The Alley, 61 Market St
Hidden away down a tiny alleyway is a 1873 historic stone terrace that houses Alby & Esthers. The compact cobblestoned courtyard is the place to sit and linger on a pleasant day, enjoying good coffee and simple, yet interesting café fare. Or skip the coffee and go straight to a cocktail or glass of local vino! Alby & Esthers
Butcher Shop Café | 49 Church St
The remnants of the old working butchery are still there to be seen in this supremely chilled café. The food doesn’t try to be anything but good old fashioned, hearty and tasty country fare – it’s often just what you need to counter all the decadence from the endless wine tasting.
Millbrie | 89 Market St
The head chef and owner of Millbrie operated the acclaimed Pipeclay Pumphouse for many years, so riffing on this experience he’s brought a new level of elevated cafe fare to Mudgee. The creative breakfast menu offers up the classics like a great bacon & egg roll or a hearty farmers breakfast, but its unique dishes like bacon & egg gnocci with truffled poached eggs that’s drawing in locals and visitors alike to this bustling cafe. The coffee is by Allpress, the service brisk and friendly, the simply decorated dining room gets quite busy in peak dining times and there’s also a sunny alfresco dining area on the sidewalk. Millbrie
Lunch & Dinner…
Cucina di Lusso | 162 Eurunderee Lane, Eurunderee
Lunch at di Lusso Estate is very much Italian ‘family style’; simple, seasonal fare in abundant portions that’s ideal for sharing. The menu offers rich starters and salads, succulent mains and fabulous pizza too – choices are limited midweek, with a larger menu served Friday to Sunday. The Cucina’s terrace dining space is nothing fancy, it’s relaxed and a touch noisy, with a pleasant outlook over the lake. Only open for lunch. Cucina di Lusso
Pipeclay Pumphouse | 1 Pipeclay Lane, Budgee Budgee
In the grounds of the renowned Robert Stein winery, Pipeclay offers a rustic dining room overlooking the lake, the atmosphere is relaxed but their service is exceptionally professional. The six-course set menu is a special way to experience the paddock to plate fare, with much of the product sourced locally, including the pork which comes from pigs grazing on the property. Everything is homemade, including the mouth-watering charcuterie platter, the flavours in every dish are perfectly balanced and the portion sizes are just right so you won’t feel over-indulged. The wine matching is perfect too. Open for lunch Friday to Sunday and dinner Thursday to Saturday. Pipeclay Pumphouse
Roth’s Wine Bar | 30 Market St
Dating back to 1923, Roth’s has a warm and lively buzz, evidence of why it’s endured so long as one of the town’s social hubs. The cosy wine bar and cellar door, that stocks over 100 regional wines, are your initial welcome to Roth’s, but out the back is a large rustic dining ‘shed’, where hearty country snack fare and wood fired pizzas are the order of the night. The wines are reasonably priced and it’s a great venue to try a bunch of local Mudgee wines. There’s live music to increase the buzz factor on a Friday and Saturday night. Roth’s Wine Bar
Eltons Bar + Bites | 81 Market St
Named for Harold Elton, who operated a pharmacy in the premises from the 1920’s to the 1970’s, the ornate vintage shopfront windows lead into a warm and lively wine bar with a short but evolving wine list promoting local producers. There’s also craft beer and drinking friendly share food that spans numerous cuisines, and fans of 1980’s music will appreciate the retro playlist. Eltons Bar + Bites
Oriental Hotel | 6 Lewis St
One of Mudgee’s most popular pubs, the circa 1876 Oriental has had a very swish makeover, including a more contemporary wing added. It’s now home to a variety of bars, including a very on-trend gin bar, plus the Ori Kitchen which serves up an extensive choice of both standard pub grub plus some finer modern Australian fare – and the dessert cabinet is a highlight not be overlooked. It’s often super busy on a weekend, so book ahead for a table. Oriental Hotel
The Lawson Park Hotel | 1 Church St
A classic country pub that has so far escaped gentrification, the Lawson is known for its premium steaks in cuts of all styles (choose your cut from the old-style butchers cabinet), though the hearty pub grub menu also offers all your usual classics, plus pizza and pasta. A busy place, it’s likeable and friendly and the large beer garden gets a buzz going on a warm summer evening. The Lawson Park Hotel
Wineries…
Logan Wines | 1320 Castlereagh Hwy, Apple Tree Flat
Making the most of its elevated position overlooking vineyards and hills, Logan’s tasting room is a contemporary glass box-like building with an expansive terrace to make the most of sunny days. They offer a choice of four tasting flights, all start with their Cuvee, and the flights come with a handy placemat that provides tasting notes. Logan’s best wines are their fresh and zesty whites, with the Riesling or Pinot Gris the choice picks. Logan Wines
Burrundulla Wines | 234 Castlereagh Hwy
Established in the mid 1800’s by the first settlers to plant grapes in the region, Burrundulla is still in the same family ownership. All their grapes are grown on the vineyard, producing a range of easy drinking wines that will please all palates – especially their delicious zesty Semillon, a varietal you don’t find much in Mudgee. The tasting room is pleasant enough, but the sunny patio is the place to sit and linger when the weather is right. Burrundulla Wines
First Ridge Wines | 577 Burrundulla Rd
Perched on a ridge (hence the name) with sweeping views, First Ridge is known for their single source vineyard Italian varietals. A long tree-lined driveway leads to the breezy hilltop location, where a series of shipping containers have been put together to form the tasting room. Their signature wine is a spicy Barbera, trust me you need this in your life! First Ridge Wines
di Lusso Estate | 162 Eurunderee Lane
Producing rich, Italian varietals from grapes all grown on the property, di Lusso offers a full range of Italian wines from the well-knowns such as Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese to lesser know varieties like Vermentino (which is incredible). The warehouse style cellar door isn’t the fanciest place in the region, but after a couple of vino’s, you’ll barely notice or care. di Lusso Estate
Huntington Estate | 641 Ulan Rd, Buckaroo
With vines dating back to 1969, Huntington’s estate grown wines have well and truly stood the test of time. With the Cabernet Sauvignon their highlight style, don’t pass up the chance to try the crisp Semillon either. The small cellar door has had a smart looking makeover, though it lacks the character that some of the regions other cellar doors offer, but the pretty gardens offer plenty of space for a post tasting picnic or a drink at the alfresco Buckaroo Bar (open Friday to Sunday). Huntington Estate
Lowe Family Wine Co. | 327 Tinja Lane, Eurunderee
Producing exceptional small batch wines from their certified organic and biodynamic vineyards, the quality ethos of Lowe Family Wine Co. extends from the wines through the entire cellar door experience. The rustic-chic setting and serene grounds set the scene for a refined tasting experience – for a small tasting fee you’ll enjoy their full range, from their rich buttery Chardonnay through to a big bold Zinfandel. And their ploughman’s platters are just as much a drawcard as the wine. Lowe Family Wine Co.
Pieter van Gent Winery & Vineyard | 141 Black Springs Rd, Eurunderee
Founded in 1979, the batten has now been handed down at this esteemed family vineyard to Pieter’s son Philip. Tastings here are truly immersive, set in the historic cask hall lined with huge oak casks from the 1850’s whilst seated on old church pews. There’s a full range of interesting whites and reds to try, but many diehard fans return for their White Port, which can easily become addictive. Pieter van Gent Winery & Vineyard
Robert Stein Winery | 1 Pipeclay Lane, Budgee Budgee
Winemaker Jacob Stein is the third generation to lead this family winery, which was established by his grandfather Robert in 1976. Considered by many to be one of the most eminent wineries in the region, Stein’s are particularly renowned for their Riesling, though the Shiraz should not be overlooked either. To accompany your tasting, they offer platters of local meats and cheeses and there’s a vintage motorcycle museum, plus the fabulous Pipeclay Pumphouse Restaurant on the property. Robert Stein Winery
The Cellar by Gilbert | 137 Ulan Rd
Just outside town, The Cellar by Gilbert features tastings of the family’s cool climate wines from both Mudgee and Orange, with their Pinot Noir a highlight. They also provide more extensive wine masterclasses for those wanting to delve a little deeper. The elegant standstone building houses a split level tasting room with soaring ceilings that’s more akin to a wine bar, and the High Valley Mudgee Cheese Co is also in the complex. The Cellar by Gilbert
Bunnamagoo Estate Wines | 603 Henry Lawson Drive, Eurunderee
Meaning ‘the meeting of two rivers’, a long grand tree-lined driveway leads to Bunnamagoo, where you’ll find a modern and impressive winery and tasting facility in a picturesque setting of rolling green lawns, vines and a lake. They offer four tasting flights to choose from, all are complimentary unless you want to try the specialty range, whereby a $10 fee applies. They produce an interesting range, mainly Bordeaux style lighter reds, and for the quality these are very good value wines. Bunnamagoo Estate Wines
Craigmoor Wines | Craigmoor Rd, Eurunderee
Owned by the renowned Oatley family, who certainly know their way around a vineyard, Craigmoor’s rustic winery dates back to 1858, it’s a leafy locale of vines and gumtrees, set on the banks of Pipeclay Creek. The Artist Series Chardonnay is the top drop here. Craigmoor Wines
The Small Winemakers Centre | 6 Henry Lawson Dr
A short drive from the centre of town, this is an ideal starting point for a day of winery explorations. In a 100-year old former shearing shed, this rustic gem is the home base for Furlong Wines, however they also showcase the creations of a handful of other small, boutique winemakers from the region, with a large selection of fortified wines on offer as well. The team here are super friendly and are more than happy to share recommendations for planning a day of winery hopping. The Small Winemakers Centre
Foodie Finds…
High Valley Cheese Co | 137 Ulan Rd
Adjacent to The Cellar by Gilbert, all cheeses are made onsite in the traditional method, with 4,000 litres of fresh cow’s milk being delivered each Monday from a dairy in Dubbo. The tastings are generous, they will happily take you though the entire offering including some beautiful flavoured feta. Fortunately they sell cooler bags, as you’ll want to stock up after a tasting. High Valley Cheese Co
Where to Stay…
Mudgee boasts a number of upscale boutique hotels, plenty of cheerful motels and an Airbnb roster of cute and historic homes. The following self-contained accommodation options are ideal for groups, especially those who might want to pick up a few wines and some gourmet goodies whilst out and about, and indulge in these treats back at their abode.
The Tannery | 48 Lawson St
A cottage dating back to the 1850’s that’s been exquisitely restored and decorated, The Tannery is the perfect place to cocoon yourself in between gourmet adventures and outings to wineries. With two bedrooms and entertaining space aplenty, including a fabulous kitchen, it’s also perfectly positioned just a few blocks from the centre of town. The Tannery
Heaton Cottage | 22 Mortimer St
An easy 10-minute stroll from the heart of town, the ‘cottage’ is situated in the expansive grounds of historic Heaton Lodge, and although the Lodge is only 100m or so away, the orientation of the cottage offers complete privacy. The main cottage is beautifully furnished and houses three spacious bedrooms with two bathrooms, a large modern kitchen and huge living space, complete with open fireplace and a sunny conservatory. There’s also two cosy adjacent annexes (one with two bedrooms and a bathroom, the other with one bedroom and bathroom) so this is ideal for a larger group getaway. Heaton Cottage
Kirsten Accommodation | 47A Lewis St
A short walk from the heart of town, Kirsten is a complex of five modern townhouses. Offering contemporary, understated decor and all the creature comforts you need, these are ideal for small groups wanting a little more space and the convenience of exploring Mudgee on foot. They also have other options in town which include a guesthouse. Kirsten Accommodation
Featured Photo: ‘Amongst The Vines‘
Travis. 