Escaping the city for a weekend away in the country is the perfect way to enjoy some downtime during the cool winter months. Combine it with fine wine, crisp ciders and great food, and you’re onto a winner.
While the Hunter Valley is possibly the best-known region for homegrown wine in NSW – it’s not the only place. In fact, there’s somewhere much closer to Sydney that serves up the same rustic rurality, sprawling vineyards and quintessential country vibes, just a 60-minute drive away. Welcome to Hawkesbury!
Take your time to explore the beauty of Hawkesbury during the shorter, cooler days of winter. Kick back and relax with a glass of wine in front of a roaring fire, dig into hearty and warming cuisine, and then get cosy with rooms made for magical winter escapes at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley.
Ready to discover the best winter wine tours and weekend escapes that are less than an hour from Sydney? Read on for more.
Weekend Winery Destinations
Pack your winter warmers and make your way one hour northwest of Sydney CBD into the charming Hawkesbury Valley. Whether you want to spend some time exploring the national parks, enjoying the riverside, indulging in culinary delights or sampling local wine, cider, craft beer and food, make the weekend one to remember by visiting these local gems.
Jubilee Vineyard Estate
Located just a quick 20-minute drive from Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley, you’ll find the beautiful Jubilee Vineyard Estate. Make your way to the cellar door to sample a variety of rosé and red Chambourcin from 2004 to 2009. If you’re more of a white wine drinker, the 2010 Jubilee Sauvignon Blanc should hit the right spot.
Open from 12pm until 5pm, Saturday and Sunday, it’s the ideal place to enjoy tasting local specialties with palates embodying locally grown fruits, berries and citrus. Wander through mature vineyards and along the water’s edge while making the most of the early morning mist, crisp blue skies and the water lily lake.
Tizzana Winery
If you’re visiting Jubilee Vineyard Estate, then be sure to make a stop off at the ever-popular Tizzana Winery – which is just 130m down the road. Nestled on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, Tizzana Winery adds a touch of Tuscany to the area with its mature vineyards, olive groves and National Trust listed building.
Open from 12pm to 5pm on weekends and public holidays, and by reservations on weekdays, the cellar door doesn’t disappoint. Sample and stock up on favourites, such as 2019 Vermentino, Petit Verdot, 2018 Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon blend and Old Liqueur Sweet White, Shiraz, Sackville Tawny and St Thomas to name a few.
Being on the water’s edge makes this winery absolutely perfect for drinks and nibbles next to the river. Take a picnic with you and make the most of hints of rustic Italy in the heart of NSW.
Bull Ridge Estate Winery
Another hugely popular winery in the Hawkesbury Valley that is just 20-minutes drive from Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley is Bull Ridge Estate Winery. It’s also just a short 8 minute drive from Tizzana Winery and Jubilee Vineyard Estate, making the perfect addition to your Hawkesbury wine tour.
Spend an afternoon sipping on glasses of Shiraz, vermentino and verdelho at this small yet mighty winery. Open from 11am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays, drop in for tastings and to stock up on a few bottles to take home. A great place to start your winery tour, the winter months let you see the vineyard as the vines fall dormant, letting you focus your attention on tasting the previous year’s produce.
Hawkesbury Valley Winery Tours
If you’re looking for the ultimate Hawkesbury Valley wine tour, then you’ll love what Hawkesbury Valley Winery Tours have available. Enjoy a full day of food and drink while making your way around some of the region’s biggest and best wineries, vineyards and cellar doors.
While the main focus of the tour is wine, you will also get to indulge your taste buds with locally-made gin at Karu distillery. From here, the tour whisks you off to mountain apple country, where cider, apple pie and fruity desserts take the top spot. Breaking for a bite to eat in between tastings, it’s an amazing way to see the beauty of Hawkesbury while immersing yourself in the local produce.
When it comes to weekend escapes and places to visit near Sydney, you are spoiled for choice in this stunning corner of the country.
The Perfect Place to Stay
Get cosy in one of more than 100 newly refurbished rooms, suites and apartments in the heart of Windsor. Fall asleep in beds so comfy you won’t want to get out of them, then wake up to views that’ll make your heart smile. From welcoming contemporary styling to comfortable touches of local charm and personality, make every moment extra special when you stay at the award-winning Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury Valley.
Soothe away the stresses of daily life at Villa Thalgo, with a range of luxury spa treatments designed to reinvigorate mind, body and soul. Enjoy a dip in our heated indoor pool or workout in our gym. Hungry for amazing food and local sips? Make the most of our two onsite restaurants – or satisfy your cravings from the comfort of your room with in-room dining.
Then after a long day of exploring the region, warm yourself by the open fire in Barracks Bar with a serving of comfort food, guaranteed to warm you up.
Get ready for a weekend escape like no other. Book your stay online now.