Courabyra Wines

Overview

Tumbarumba, with Snowy Mountains peeking in the distance, gurgling streams and picturesque greenery, is a wine lover's fairy tale with crisp days, beautiful sights and remarkable wines. Thanks to its cool climate and pure mountain air, the region produces some standout chardonnays (2016 was a good year) and pinot noirs — the two key grapes for good sparkling wines. Though the fine Tumbarumba grapes are often sold to bigger wineries, there are still some producers keeping things local and opening their own cellar doors at the foot of the mountains. Courabyra Wines is a favourite, winning best small cellar door in Gourmet Traveller Wine's 2019 awards.

Courabyra was established in 1992, but didn't open its cellar door and restaurant until 2014. Here you'll find cool-climate chardonnay, pinot noir, reisling and sparkling alongside more Euro-style varieties such as grüner veltliner and pinot meunier. The cellar door has a roaring fire in winter and you can match your vino tasting with a ploughman's board ($26 per person). Otherwise you can get some seasonal dishes likes homemade gnocchi ($26), slow-cooked beef brisket ($30) and a pot pie ($22) from the onsite restaurant. Bookings for the cellar door and restaurant are recommended, particularly for groups.

Images: Destination NSW