Melt-in-your-mouth lunches, memorable wines and a modern cellar door overlooking the vines, Walter Wines has been a Mudgee gem for 30 years. Time to discover it for yourself.
Mudgee’s climate and scenic rolling hills have long been the perfect pairing for grape growing. The region’s first vines were planted in 1858, and since then, we’ve seen myriad wineries and cellar doors popping up across the region, all labouring a love and passion for Mudgee and wine. Over the last thirty years, there’s been one particular vineyard that has not only warmly welcomed its guests, but has supplied top-quality grapes to some of Mudgee’s finest wineries. We can thank Walter Wines for supporting Mudgee’s wine production, producing award-winning wines and inviting us into their memorable cellar door.
Approaching its 30th anniversary, Walter Wines is located on the famed Putta Bucca Estate and Federation Hill, land rich with local history. “Federation Hill was the name given by Mudgee residents to the location where a picnic was held in January 1901 to celebrate the birth of the Commonwealth of Australia,” the owners explain. With over 20 hectares of vines, this land has become a key part of Mudgee’s viticultural story.
Their first vines, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, were planted back in 1994, followed by Shiraz and more Chardonnay in 1996. “Originally, we established the vineyard to supply grapes to numerous premium wineries within the Mudgee region, a practice we still uphold today,” Kristin from Walter Wines shares. But by the early 2000s, owners Paul and Lynn, decided to create their own wines, with the creation of the Walter Wines label and cellar door. Today, they hold a four-star Halliday rating and have also received recognition from Real Wine Review for their wines .
Walter Wines’ cellar door is a gem in Mudgee’s winery scene; it’s full of Mudgee delights. From warm hospitality to some of the most impressive wines in the region, paired with seasonal dishes that’ll leave a lasting impression, you could easily spend your whole afternoon indulging here.
At first glance, the exterior doesn’t give much away. But once you step inside, you’re greeted by a modern space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking panoramic views of vineyards and farmland. The soft hum of conversation fills the room, but the kitchen’s aroma truly captures your attention, tempting you towards what might just be the best lunch in Mudgee. Choose from a wide variety of dishes, from cheese platters to fall-apart pulled pork burgers and loaded stone baked pizzas. It’s the ultimate hearty lunch during a wine day out.
In winter, keep warm by the woodfire, while outdoors, settle into comfortable park-like seating next to the fire with a glass of mulled wine. Come summer, enjoy the breeze beneath shaded trees with a glass of award-winning Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, while the kids roam free and your four-legged friends curl up beside you.
Whether you’re after a scenic lunch or a wine tasting with friends, this family-run vineyard is a must-visit.
