Denman: Discover history, wine and art

Denman offers travellers a range of reasons to explore the area: the Denman and District Heritage Village focuses on historical objects, Two Rivers Wines brings together wine, landscape and sculptures, and Small Forest Wines uses its cellar door as an art gallery. Each offers a distinct theme, allowing you to plan a trip around your interests. If you’re looking for a hotel in Denman, you can start by considering whether a collection, a tasting or changing art should shape your stay.

Cultural history at the Heritage Village

The Denman and District Heritage Village presents an extensive and unique display of objects and artefacts. Most were donated by local resident Jeff Wolfgang. Exhibits include a shearing machine said to be Australia’s first, an internal combustion engine said to be Australia’s oldest, and a very rare children’s penny-farthing. The examples span shearing, engine technology and a distinctive style of bicycle, offering several distinct thematic points of interest in the collection.

Volunteer staff can guide visitors through the exhibitions and demonstrate working exhibits. A guided tour lets you explore the collection with a guide; a demonstration focuses on individual working pieces. These offer two different ways to experience your visit: a tour through the exhibitions and demonstrations of selected exhibits.

Wine, river scenery and sculptures at Two Rivers Wines

The Two Rivers Wines vineyard lies on the banks of the Hunter and Goulburn rivers. From the cellar door, you can enjoy expansive views across the vineyards. Visitors can taste estate-grown wines with local cheese and antipasto from the Upper Hunter. This brings together the landscape and the tasting experience: the view takes in the vines, while the wines are served with regional accompaniments.

Eight sandstone sculptures titled “Custodians of the Landscape” are situated around the cellar door and the entrance to the vineyard. International artist Ben Dearnley created them on site in winter 2015. As a permanent installation, they give the winery an enduring connection to art. The features of a visit are easy to distinguish: the riverbanks and vineyard views describe the landscape, while the wine, cheese and antipasto characterise the tasting experience.

Art and views at Small Forest Wines

At Small Forest Wines, the cellar door serves as an art gallery, with the exhibiting artist changing every three months. Unlike the permanent sandstone sculptures at Two Rivers, the focus here is on the changing artist. Small Forest Wines is located on the Merton vineyard and offers views across the town of Denman. The three-month rotation gives the art focus a regular change, while the view adds its own connection to the local landscape.

The difference between the two art experiences is clear: Two Rivers features a permanent sculpture installation created on site, while at Small Forest the exhibiting artist changes. You can therefore think of art either as a work fixed in place or as a gallery featuring changing artists.

Discover more destinations: Bywong, Wildes Meadow, Tinonee, Hannam Vale, Tooleybuc, Walcha, Sefton, Yass

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.