Grape vines were first planted in Australia at Sydney in 1788 with the arrival of the First Fleet. After many attempts and disappointments the successful growing of grape vines was achieved. Although Phillip Schaeffer was the first private vine grower, credit is given to Gregory Blaxland (one of the three explorers who conquered the impenetrable Blue Mountains) as one of the first to produce wine of reasonable quantity and quality in 1816. He was also the first person to export wine to London in 1822 and was awarded a silver medal.

The property at Vicary's Winery was originally part of a much larger grant made by John Blaxland grandson of Gregory Blaxland and he named the property "Luddenham" after his home village in England.

Many of the original buildings still exist on the property these include the farm house circa 1860, with the woolshed and Shearers quarters having been built prior to 1890. At this time the property was used principally for cattle and sheep with the wool being shipped to England.

When Cecil Vicary took over the property in 1916 he converted the woolshed to a dairy and planted the vineyard in 1918. The first wines were made in 1923 and the winery opened for business.

The winery is now owned by Chris Niccol a Roseworthy Graduate Winemaker who has worked at a number of wineries throughout Australia including the famous Minchinbury winery near Rooty Hill.

In 1996 Chris introduced his Heron's Wing range of wines and in 1999 the first "Kosher" wines were made for the Jewish market. The wines are well recognised throughout the industry and this is evident by the number of medals received at various national wine shows.

Sydney wineries are now on the increase with new vineyards and wineries being established. In fact several vineyards are reliant on the winery to process their grapes.

Sun Masamune is Australia's first and only sake brewery. Set against the majestic backdrop of world renowned Blue Mountains, the purpose-built sake making facility at Penrith offers unique brewery tours to the curious visitor/tourist.

Informative and enjoyable tours include an interesting explanation of the sake making, its long history, culture and tradition as well as a look inside the workings of the sake brewery. Tasting of the freshest and finest products is also included in the tour.

The Go-Shu Visitors Centre also operates as a special souvenir and licensed retail shop, offering freshest Go-Shu sake products and a wide range of sake-related unique merchandise and gifts. The Brewery is located 60 minutes by car from the Sydney CBD, making it a very accessible destination.

Go-Shu Australian Sake is pure and healthy rice wine that respects the traditions of finest quality sake. At Sun Masamune we combine pure water, experience and state of the art technology with the high quality Australian medium grain Japonica rice from Murrumbidgee and Murray River Basins to produce the finest sake.
Sake is a unique beverage good in both hot and cold. You will be able to enjoy your sake either hot or cold by adjusting the temperature depends on the season, the occasion or the menu. The modern high grade sakes are nearly always enjoyed slightly chilled.

Sake is brewed like a beer, but it is served enjoyed like a fine wine. Sake is frequently used for cooking and as part of key ingredients for Japanese recipes.

The complexity and flavour profile of sake enhances food flavour by cleansing the palate and sensitising taste. Sake matches very well with Japanese foods which attach importance to balance and harmony of taste. Goes also well with all seafood, fried or barbecued food and other Asian/spicy fusion cuisine. Sake is also used by athletes for massage as well as cosmetics because it helps to keep the skin well moisturized.

Jubilee Vineyard Estate is located on Tizzana Lagoon, near the Hawkesbury River, within a unique, picturesque valley that is reminiscent of Europe.

The famous Italian surgeon, Dr Thomas Fiaschi, impressed with the geography and soil of the area, purchased 250 acres of land at "Sackville Reach" and commenced establishing his famous 55 acre vineyards and sandstone winery in 1885.

He called it "Tizzana" as it reminded him of his village on the outskirts of Florence, Italy.

By 1889 "Tizzana" was producing 9,600 gallons of wine, and employing up to 100 people at it's peak production. The vineyards flourished and quickly gained a reputation for producing very fine, award winning wines. Its wines were transported to Sydney via the Hawkesbury River system, and sold from within the famous "Fiaschi Wine Bar" in Little George Street, Sydney.

After destruction by bushfire in the 1950s, the property was later subdivided.

"Jubilee Vineyard Estate" was re-established directly in front of Tizzana Winery in 2001, and was named after one of Dr Fiaschi's original Tizzana vineyards.

The 27 acre property is located just over an hours drive from the centre of Sydney.

2004 Jubilee "Drunken Bee" Port
2005 Jubilee Chambourcin Rosé
2004 Jubilee Chambourcin Red Wine
2006 Jubilee Chambourcin Rosé

This is the most beautiful part of the region. Come and visit. You will be surprised and you will enjoy yourself

The idea of being able to walk the length of one of the great river systems of the world from its source at Lake Bathurst not far short of Canberra, to its mouth at Broken Bay is becoming a reality with the Great River Walk of the Hawkesbury Nepean River. Four sections of the walk are now accessible on foot, bicycle, canoe or car.

Take a healthy, educational, cultural and relaxing stroll along the Great River Walk.

You can visit some farms on your way.

Download the attachment to find your Great River Walks.

As more parts of the Great River walk are built we will keep you informed. Please contact us if you want more information.

Open: Year round, Sat, Sun , Public Holidays 12 -6pm.
Weekdays phone first.

Built in 1887, this magnificent National Trust classified building is still being used for its original purpose. Nestled in a reach of the Hawkesbury River, Tizzana offers five star accommodation. Taste local wines or relax over light refreshments.

Ask Tizzana about their new releases.