New England Wine Tours

New England Australia - the world's newest wine region introduces its first guided wine tour around Armidale.

"There is no other region which has come on stream with so much to offer as New England. It is a beautiful region, it is no coincidence that the name New England was chosen when it was first settled. Variations in altitude, aspect, degree of slope, and soil type give vignerons a wide choice of variety and wine style."
James Halliday

The vignerons in this region have developed solid reputations as premium cool climate wine producers - as evidenced by the numerous awards received at local and national shows. These "new kids on the block" are now being embraced by wine lovers everywhere as they proudly show off their exclusive boutique regional vintages.

The region's first guided wine tour conducted by local coach company, Oxley Explorer Tours runs every second Sunday and visits three of the regions newest cellar doors. The first stop is at Thunder Ridge Wines, a family owned business run by 5th and 6th generation Armidale locals, Peter & Susan Moore. Thunder Ridge which is situated nearby the breathtaking Gara Gorge & World Heritage listed Oxley Wild Rivers National Park boasts a beautiful fresh, crisp Chardonnay and wonderful cool climate Merlot.

The second stop on the tour is at the fabulous Merilba Estate where hosts Shaun & Kassy Cassidy happily engage guests in a brief wine appreciation course as they sample a superb selection of 7 wines before enjoying a beautiful buffet lunch in a stunningly renovated shearing shed and function centre which was built more than 130 years ago.

The third stop is at the historic Gostwyck church and the famous Deeargee woolshed - a photographer's dream and a great place to stretch your legs.

The final stop on the tour is at Mihi Creek Vineyard. The vineyard, situated 1000 metres above sea level was planted in 2003 by hosts Andrew and Belinda Close and was originally part of a large sheep and cattle property - Mihi Station. Mihi Creek Wines produce 4 varieties, among them an outstanding Sauvignon Blanc and a fabulous Merlot.

This unrushed, totally relaxing, 1 day tour costs $55 per person. The optional two course buffet lunch at Merilba costs $20 per person.

For further information and bookings contact:
Oxley Explorer Tours 02 6777 2436.
Oxley Explorer Website

New England Wine Region

The local wine industry sits well with the other specialist niche food markets flourishing in the district, such as gourmet cheese, meats, trout, olives, pasta and berries, pome fruit & fruit wines.

There are currently 42 Vineyards, 5 Wineries, 19 Cellar Doors & 291ha of vines in the 'New England Australia' region.

New England Winery Map