The semi-arid climate of the Riverina creates the perfect growing conditions for botrytis – a grape fungus that results in the sweet dessert wines, flooded with rich vanilla, honey and stonefruit flavours. Winemaker Robert Fiumara is passionate about his craft and his refreshingly light ‘red velvet’ blend deserves a special mention. 47 Lillypilly Rd, Leeton lillypilly.com.au

A premier wedding destination with luxurious accommodation, the Bendooley Estate is renowned for its excellent restaurant, excellent wines and the Berkelouw Book Barn, which is one of the most spectacular libraries of rare books in the country. The Southern Highlands has the perfect climate for pinot noir and this vineyard’s offering is no exception. Pretty views of the lake and manicured gardens from the cellar door make this a charming tasting experience. 3020 Old Hume Hwy, Berrima bendooleyestate.com.au

This tiny family owned winery in the little known Hilltops wine region has the only planting of Rondinella and Corvina grapes in Australia. The collection of Italian inspired wines are delightful. Tastings in the downstairs ‘cave’ of this pretty winery are a sophisticated experience not to be missed. 101 Prunevale Rd, Prunevale freemanvineyards.com.au

In the heart of the country town of Orange lies Ferment, a multi-label cellar door where visitors to the region can taste wines from over 15 NSW Central Ranges vineyards. The venue itself is a convivial, welcoming, modern country bar. You can even hire a bike from here to ride through the old town and out to visit some of the featured wineries. 87 Hill St, Orange orangewinecentre.com.au

Winemaker Bruce Tyrrell’s eponymous vineyard has one of the most extensive range of wines in the Hunter Valley. Book in for the daily tour at 10.30am to see the working winery, or do a structured tasting of the estate’s most interesting wines. If you want a different perspective, helicopter tours can be arranged. Semillon is the hero of the vineyard at Tyrrell’s. 1838 Broke Rd, Pokolbin tyrrells.com.au

A pleasant day trip from Sydney, the pretty country coastal town of Berry is home to Two Figs Winery. The cellar door is perched atop a hill giving panoramic views of the magnificent Shoalhaven region. As well as tasting the award-winning range of red, white and sweet wines, you will receive a copy of the tasting notes for future reference. Purchase some of the local produce from the deli fridge to create your own antipasto platter. 905 Bolong Rd, Berry twofigs.com.au

One of Mudgee’s premier wine-producing families, the Stein’s motorcycle collection is also on show at their eponymous vineyard museum, where rare paraphernalia and old photographs, can also be perused. The Pipeclay Pumphouse Restaurant, with sweeping views over the valley, is one of Mudgee’s top fine-dining establishments, and the perfect spot to sip the estate cabernet sauvignon. Pipeclay Ln, Mudgee robertstein.com.au