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Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Taree and Surrounds


Wine regions on the North Coast - Hastings River

Fast facts

  • Best known for chambourcin.
  • Located on the North Coast of NSW, around Port Macquarie.
  • Port Macquarie is 402 km (5 hours’ drive) north-east of Sydney.

Why go there

Some of NSW’s loveliest scenery surrounds the wine region of the Hastings River, which boasts a long viticultural history. Slightly more humid conditions along the sunny north coast of NSW have proved successful with several varieties.

Proximity to the Pacific Ocean ensures a temperate maritime climate that has proven successful in the growth of a number of grape varieties, including the French red variety of chambourcin.

Henry Fancourt White, a Colonial Assistant Surveyor, established the first vines in Port Macquarie in 1837 and the region was revived in the 1980s with the emergence of the Roseworthy-trained John Cassegrain in the family winery. In 2004 Cassegrain won the NSW Red Wine of the Year. Today, there are more than 200 hectares of vines at Hastings River, providing fruit for seven different companies.

Don’t miss

  • The best varieties - chambourcin, chardonnay, verdelho, semillon and merlot.
  • Five cellar doors in the region, plus seven in wider North Coast region
  • Regional foods such as seafood (oysters and prawns), Gloucester and Greek-style cheeses, yoghurts, organic tomatoes, creams, honey, olives, macadamia nuts and products.
  • Local attractions - Timbertown, Ellenborough Falls, World Heritage subtropical rainforest, historic Stroud and Wingham.

Food and wine events

Hastings River

Wine Regions of New South Wales