Explore one of Australia’s youngest wine regions and stay in art deco style in NSW’s New England High Country. Doing it tough with the ever-present drought, there’s never been a more important time to visit Armidale and Uralla and support this cool-climate wine region, writes Sally Scott.

Drink

Dobson Distillery

Heading to Armidale, take a delicious detour to Dobson Distillery and enter a fantastical world of wine, gin, whiskey and spirits. The distillery is the obsession of owner Stephen Dobson, a former cinematographer who has refocused his creativity into a quirky gin bar with vintage vibes and speakeasy style.

298 Kentucky Rd, Kentucky

Merilba Estate Wines

Located 30km west of Uralla, this impressive family-run winery and restaurant by Shaun & Kassy Cassidy produces modern wines of class and distinction. The moderate summer temperatures in New England provide a long cool ripening period and Merilba concentrates on producing quality wines from a single vineyard. The cellar door is situated in a lovingly restored 150-year-old former shearing shed and is open on weekends or by appointment.

Kingstown Road, Uralla NSW 2358

Whyworry Wines

Darryl and Robyn Carter planted their first vines in 2000 and are now producing a commendable array of varietals. At 1100 metres above sea level, the cool climate means picking well into autumn. The ‘Whyworry’ name was inspired by the property’s consistent rainfall during some of the state’s hardest droughts, however is proving a little more ominous now.

376 Kingstown Road, Uralla

Petersons 

Set on a spectacular property, the historic homestead was built in 1911 and stunningly restored retaining its sense of grandeur and old world charm. The rustic cellar door operates from the old stables where guests can enjoy wine tasting or lunch on weekends at the cellar door or dinner daily at the guesthouse.

345 Dangarsleigh Rd, Armidale NSW 2350

New England Brewing Company

Tiny town Uralla punches well above its weight with an array of dining and drinking dens including a brewery smack bang on the High Street. All craft beers are brewed on the premises and a tasting paddle is the best way to sample their finest brews. Established in 2012, New England Brewing Company has expanded its premises and created some epic collaboration like the ‘Moo + Brew’ pie available at nearby Pie Mechanic.

9 Bridge Street, Uralla NSW 2358

The Welders Dog

Tom Croft, Daniel Emery and Phil Stevens are living the dream with a craft brewery and two craft beer bars under their belt. Despite the IPA’s, Stouts and Ales on offer, it’s the Pea Blossom Lemonade that caught our eye. A hard lemonade that’s beautifully coloured and outrageously delicious.

120 Marsh St, Armidale NSW 2350

Dine

There are plenty of brilliant dining spots in New England High Country. In Uralla, swing by Sunhill Dairy and pick up some delicious goats cheese products. The Alternate Root is housed in the stunningly transformed Trickett Building with ornate pressed metal ceilings, reclaimed timber and rustic vibe. Popular with locals, The Top Pub serves hearty country style meals fireside or alfresco in the pub’s courtyard. In case you were wondering, there is a Bottom Pub AKA ‘The Thunderbolt Inn’ named after the region’s beloved bushranger.

In Armidale, Café Patisserie serves authentic French crepes and sweet treats. Popular Goldfish Bowl and Bakery is a specialty coffee roaster, organic wood-fired sourdough bakery and purveyor of all things delicious. Buy wood-smoked trout and award-winning smoked trout dip straight from the source at Deano’s Smoked Trout Farm.

Stay

Tattersall’s Armidale

Retreat to your luxe High Country hideaway at Tattersalls Hotel: an unexpected slice of sophistication in Armidale. Established in 1854, this art deco beauty is fresh from a $24m refurbishment and positioned proudly in the centre of town. Pick of the 24 rooms is the Governors Suite with a grand king bed, stunning bathroom with deep soaking bath and separate sitting room complete with gas fireplace. Downstairs the fine dining restaurant has inviting plush booth seating and a menu focussed on local produce, including local beef grilled to perfection. This is one country stay you won’t want to leave.

174 Beardy Street, Armidale NSW 2350

The author travelled as a guest of Destination NSW.