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Sometimes living in the city can be a hassle and we're seemingly stuck in traffic forever. Bondi Junction is a mess and bottle shops are crowded and disconnected from the wines they stock. So we are suggesting an option that might even be better than getting alcohol delivered to your door - go to the wineries!

Here are some of the best wine regions around Sydney, so you can get away for a quick weekend jaunt. Maybe you can even come back and order your favourite wine to be delivered to you!

The Hunter Valley

The Hunter is the first and most obvious wine region when you're thinking about what is close to Sydney. Emerging as a successful wine-growing region in the 1820s the Hunter Valley has long known the benefit of rich, fertile soils and warm, humid temperatures.

With wine growing heritage nearly as old as this very country, it's easy to see why the Hunter Valley is a great region to visit near Sydney.

The beautiful Hunter

The region is best known for its white wine varietals including Chardonnay and Semillon.

As far as recommendations go, we'd suggest Scarborough who produce an absolutely world class Chardonnay. You can get a taster before you go from us here. 

Scarborough Estate

On top of this, there are many world class wineries which are equally unmissable in the Hunter including McGuigan, Brokenwood and Tyrrells Wines.

Just two hours north of Sydney's CBD, the Hunter is an excellent option for wine country near Sydney for daytrippers and weekend getaways.

Mudgee Region

For those with a bit more time up their sleeves or who care to travel a little further off the beaten track than the Hunter, Mudgee is an excellent option. 

Peter Van Gent Winery - Mudgee

Mudgee's temperate climate allows for the slow ripening of grapes, producing red wines of great intensity, depth and flavour. The region produces excellent chardonnay and has a reputation for crafting Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz of great character; recent years has also seen success with Sangiovese, Barbera and Zinfandel.

If you're heading to Mudgee you can check out a number of great wineries including: di Lusso, Lowe Wines, Moothi Estate Vineyards and Robert Oatley Vineyards. But if you're after something off the beaten track check out Ernest Schuetz estate who is not only an excellent winemaker, but an awesome guy who is sure to show you a good time.

Ernie enjoying some of his own craftsmanship

Mudgee is a 3.5-4 hour drive from Sydney, so near enough for a weekend getaway.

Orange Region

Orange and Mudgee are quite similar distances from Sydney, however both offer extremely unique terrior which will easily satisify your palate. Orange is a wine region that is close to Sydney, but far enough away for a true country experience.

Orange vines making Orange's wines

Local heroes in white wine varieties include Chardonnay, with a growing following for the regions Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. In red varieties, the maturing vines deliver a soft Shiraz as well as exceptional Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The region has many top wineries, including Angullong, De Salis, Phillip Shaw and Ross Hill.

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