At this off-grid winery in the hills of Kangaroo Valley, you’re likely to be greeted by Rosie, a cheeky golden retriever, as you sip on the French varietal, Chambourcin. The grapes at Lyrebird Ridge Organic Winery and Retreat are organically grown, hand-picked, basket pressed and the wine has no added preservatives. There’s self-contained accommodation and while wandering the property you might come across Tiff from Eqwine Escapes, who hosts horseback high tea among the vines.

The winery has just undergone a facelift, with a snazzy new cellar door and vineyard estate that was reoriented to the north, to make the most of that glorious Hunter Valley view. The tasting area has been extended, there’s a members’ lounge and a bottle shop that sells some of Mount Pleasant Wines’ oldest drops. Food-wise, award-winning chef Justin North from Concept Hospitality collaborated with head chef Kyle Whitbourne to create a menu that focuses on smaller, shared dishes which showcase locally sourced produce.

The Hunter Valley is known for two main grape varieties, semillon and shiraz, and Thomas Wines is committed to showcasing what single vineyard sites can produce. It only works with these two grapes and makes approximately 18 wines from them. The cellar door’s three signature tasting flights will help you understand terroir, how the wine reflects where the grape is grown. Related story: 10 best regional hotels in NSW for your next weekend escape

To classify Cupitt’s Estate as just a winery would be remiss, it’s also home to a restaurant, brewery and fromagerie. Plus, there’s accommodation in the form of luxury pods, complete with balcony bathtubs. One of the big attractions in the Shoalhaven, it’s a one-stop shop for all the good things in life. And the best bit is that it’s a short, 10 minute drive to Mollymook beach.

The Southern Highlands is one of NSW’s youngest cool climate regions, established in the 1990s, and Artemis Wines was the first in the area to plant pinot noir. This family-run winery has also introduced a distillery, try the award-winning pinot noir pink gin which blends the best of the wine and the spirit. The cellar door vibe is casual, rustic and relaxed. On weekends there’s live music and wood-fired pizzas. Related story: 10 of the best wineries to visit in Victoria for 2022

The Riverina is the largest wine-producing region in NSW, its Mediterranean-style climate attracted European immigrants who started planting vines in the early 1900s. The Tuscan-style cellar door at Calabria Family Wines is a taste of the old country, as is the warm Italian hospitality, but the award-winning Italian grape varietals including Nero D’Avola and Montepulciano are bursting with local terroir. (Photography: Bonnie Coumbe.)

This has always been the go-to for wineries in the area and it’s easy to spend a day here. At Lowe Family Wine Co, choose between the go-to tasting or a premium option. Pick up a picnic hamper or platter at Lowe Cellar Kitchen to have on the lawn or settle in for a long lunch at Zin House. Kids will be entertained with the farm trail map, follow it to explore the property which includes a dam, animals and market garden.

Orange is cool-climate wines territory and the new cellar door at Printhie Wines is built on the snow line. Situated at 1000 metres above sea level on the slopes of Mt Canobolas, it’s dusted with the white stuff when the weather is just right. On warmer days you can picnic in the vines and there’s even winery helicopter tours available. At the new Printhie Dining, head chef Jack Brown, ex Berowra Waters Inn, embraces his Indigenous heritage with the use of native botanical flavours.

Minimal intervention wine is a big thing these days, but the Stratham family were pioneers when they introduced biodynamic methods in the late 90s. At Rosnay Organic Wines, sheep have free-reign over the vineyards to nibble on weeds, there’s an olive grove and a fig orchard. Cellar door visits are done by appointment, there are free tours of the property, a 90-minute wine tasting with tasting board of olive and fig products or more substantial platter of local goodies.

You don’t have to leave the city to visit a winery. At Urban Winery Sydney, winemaker Alex Retief sources grapes from NSW’s cool-climate regions and makes his award-winning wines in Moore Park, just 15 minutes from Sydney’s CBD. There’s also a cellar door and wine bar where you can try varieties such as shiraz, tempranillo, mataro and petit verdot. Related story: What to do if your flight is cancelled, according to an airline worker