Have you ever tasted white merlot, sipped wine beneath gum trees adorned with twinkling fairy lights, or met an accidental winemaker? If Lazy Oak Wines were an ice cream, it would be anything but vanilla.
Perched on a hilltop between Gulgong and Mudgee, Lazy Oak Wines
is one of the region’s most popular cellar doors, loved for its authentic country hospitality and unique collection of wines. From enchanting evening events to friendly tastings and gorgeous gum trees, a visit to Lazy Oak Wines is bound to be memorable – even after a glass or two.
How Lazy Oak Wines began
Like many of the region’s locals, owners Paula and David didn’t have to think hard about moving to the rolling hills of Mudgee. Paula describes the region as, “the perfect place for us to settle down and start our family.” All it took was one job offer and the rest was history.
“It was a quick and easy yes from me!! What wasn’t to love about Mudgee? It’s a beautiful region. And I have always loved wine!”, she says. In 2012 Paula and David accidentally bought a vineyard while purchasing their new home. After three years of their neighbour, Miramar Wines, running the vineyard, Paula and David made a bold – and fruity – decision.
Paula describes it as a beautiful epiphany, “I said to Dave, let’s make wine. He reminded me that he was a diesel mechanic, not a winemaker! Persistent, I found a winemaker and the idea of a white merlot was born.”
The passion behind Lazy Oak Wines is palpable and that's what it’s always been about for Paula and David. “We honestly didn’t think too much about making that first wine in terms of a business”, Paula describes. “Ian of Miramar Wines convinced us we should enter it into our local wine show, and it won a Bronze medal! Our rose the following year won a trophy for Best Rose of Show! And we were hooked!”
It didn’t take them long to fully throw themselves into the wine industry and establish Lazy Oak Wines, their rustic cellar door and winery.
Taste award-winning wines
Lazy Oak produces an extensive range of minimal-intervention wines that really let the fruit’s characteristics shine through. As Paula says, “We love interesting wine, not boring!” As you can see, their vibrant logo is indicative of both the owners and their wines' colourful personalities.
Among the favourites is no doubt Lazy Oaks’ signature white merlot – the only white merlot in Australia. This dry-style Rose is created solely from merlot grapes and holds notes of grapefruit, watermelon and cranberry – a refreshing change to your typical strawberries and cherry rose flavours.
Another stand-out is the Semillion Sauvignon Blac, winner of the Bronze Medal at both the NSW Small Wine Makers Show 2019 and the Mudgee Wine Show 2019.
Meet the maker at Lazy Oak Wines Cellar Door
Lazy Oak Wines’ cellar door, run by Paula herself, brings their unique story to life. The interior exudes authentic country charm – think an exposed steel cladding wall and a chandelier comprised of half-cut bottles. It’s practically dripping with character.
When the weather’s warm, the property’s gum trees offer protection from the sun and a picturesque setting to sit back and enjoy a self-exploratory tasting paddle, or a personalised tasting with Paula.
“I love meeting our guests and telling them our story. You don’t meet the maker and owner at every cellar door so it’s a very personalised and relaxed experience at Lazy Oak”, she says.
For the perfect pairing, nibble on a platter board with your tasting, or if you’ve worked up an appetite, munch on a grazing picnic lunch box complete with the irresistible local High Valley Cheese.
Join a Lazy Oak event
Every Friday evening (from September to December and March to May) the cellar door hosts Drinks @ Dusk, a laid-back event that blends live music, food and wine beneath the fairy lights.
For those who prefer a Sunday session in the sunshine, grab a ticket to Spit-Roast Sunday, showcasing locally sourced meats by Mudgee business, S and S Meats.
There are plenty of seasonal events across the calendar, too. From the cosy Campfire + Cabernet to Mudgee by Moonlight and Fire + Spice, there’s no shortage of food and wine celebrations.
Find the perfect pairing
If you’re craving your favourite Lazy Oak bottle in the heart of Mudgee, you’ll find it on the menu at Kelly's Irish Pub, Cade Kitchen & Bar and Three Tails Brewery. Those staying at the luxurious Evanslea or the Orange Door Mudgee guest house can book private tastings with Paula onsite; though we recommend getting up to the cellar door as well. It’s too good to miss.
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