Discover Nashdale: wine, lakes and seasonal fruit

Wineries, seasonal fruit and Lake Canobolas are at the heart of planning a trip to Nashdale. If you’re looking for a hotel, consider which of these themes you’d like to shape your stay: tastings with insights into winemaking, fresh produce straight from the farm, or time by the lake. The following experiences and places offer practical ideas without requiring you to commit to a set itinerary.

Wine tastings and insights into winemaking

At Nashdale Lane Wines, the owners, wine experts or winemakers explain the winemaking process step by step during an estate wine tasting experience. The cellar door and vineyard are in Nashdale. Tastings are booked per table, not per person—a useful distinction when coordinating your plans with others. The vineyard is sustainably managed and sits at an elevation of 860 to 900 metres above sea level.

RIKARD Wines also offers tastings in Nashdale: with guidance from the winemakers, you can sample wines from the bottle, barrel and tank. Winery tastings and tours are also available; check booking details with the winery in advance. See Saw Wine offers standard tastings, along with seasonal food and wine pairings. Dindima Wines offers a personalised wine tasting at its cellar door. For these experiences, it’s worth checking current arrangements directly with each winery.

Rowlee Wines’ cellar door is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm and offers two tasting experiences. Guided tastings introduce a selection of cool-climate wines. In addition, a private four-hour experience is offered near Nashdale, including a vineyard tour, a personalised tasting and lunch. Transfers from nearby accommodation are included. Check opening hours and booking details before finalising your tasting plans.

Seasonal dining and fruit straight from the farm

For a meal in Nashdale, Rowlee Dining and Bar serves lunch from Thursday to Sunday and dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. As opening hours may change, it’s a good idea to check the current schedule before your visit. This lets you plan around the days and meals available, rather than assuming a meal is offered outside those times.

Nashdale’s seasonal fruit can also be a reason to plan your stay around what’s available at that time of year. This includes cherries, peaches, plums, apples, figs and quinces. You can pick your own fruit or buy it fresh directly from farm gates; the varieties available vary by season. If you have a particular fruit in mind, it’s best to ask about current availability in advance.

Lake Canobolas: history and activities

Lake Canobolas was created in 1918 to supply water to Orange and was formerly known as Meadow Creek Reservoir. The Old Pumphouse on the eastern shore channelled water from the reservoir to Orange. After more than 60 years out of use, it was restored to near its original condition. The lake and pumphouse tell different parts of the same local story: the creation of the reservoir and the building’s historic purpose.

The Apex Adventure Playground is also on the lake’s eastern shore. Depending on the season, activities at Lake Canobolas may include cycling, sailing, canoeing, walking, swimming and dragon boating. As activities change with the seasons, you can plan around your preferred pastime and travel dates without assuming every activity is always available.

Lake Canobolas is open daily from early morning until sunset. Dogs are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash. As operational details may change, check the latest information before your visit. Near Nashdale, Lake Canobolas Reserve also offers picnic areas, barbecue facilities and fishing spots. A walking trail runs around the lake; the area is considered a refuge for native birds and other wildlife. So, by the lake, you can choose from activities as well as quieter ways to spend time outdoors.

Discover more destinations: Hat Head, Catherine Hill Bay, Quaama, Holts Flat, Bywong, Rawdon Vale, Forbes, North Star

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.