The Bago Vineyards & Maze

Post

Subscribe

West on the Oxley Highway from Port Macquarie and following the signs you will find Bago Vineyards & Maze . Turning off Bago Road, you will need to drive a short distance on the dirt road named Milligans Road, however, the view and venue is definitely worth the drive.



In 1985, owners Jim & Kay Mobbs planted their first Chardonnay vines and from there a vision of creating a vineyard with a diverse variety of grapes became a fruition. Today your choice of wine can be purchased at the vineyard or online and choices are from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, Viognier, Chanel Paradisa, Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Tannat, Savagnin and Chambourcin. They also sell their own range of sauces, relishes and jams, along with a variety of cheese from the Hastings Valley and boutique cheese maker Comboyne Culture in the Wauchope district.



The Bago Vineyard and Maze is nestled at the foot of the Broken Bago Mountain with the word "Bago" thought to be an aboriginal word for mountain. The venue has the ability to cater for weddings, functions, corporate events, gala dinners, award ceremonies etcetera and their in-house event management team can liaise with you for your requirements. Guest from 10 to 1500 can be accommodated. The day I visited, a group of artists were sitting at their easels painting the landscape as their vision took them over the mountains and the Bago Maze.



The Bago Maze is the largest hedge maze in New South Wales and covers a total of 2,000 metres of pathways. The story to construct the maze began back in 2005 when Jim Mobbs decided to employ his landscape architect son to design the maze with the thought that it wouldn't take that long. In December 2012 the Maze was opened and as you walk around the numerous paths, you can bathe in the journey which symbolises the process of wine production.



There are emergency exits throughout the maze, but I was determined I would get to the end of the second maze in an allotted time. I made it to the first lookout with the overview still seeming quite achievable. Alas, after approximately 30 minutes of back tracking and arriving again at the first lookout I decided to take photographs of what appeared to be each new corner as I was sure I wasn't taking the same turn as before. However, I did concede defeat as the corners seemed to all lead back to the same bend and I became very frustrating. It was a hot day and a refreshing wine on the balcony seemed more relaxing than chasing my tail around numerous bends! The maze is said to take 20 minutes to complete!



This is a great venue for children with hidden items to be found around secret corners, but remember to take plenty of water and a hat. Children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult and footwear must be worn.



The Vineyards also host events throughout the year such as Jazz, Blues and Folk performances and dates for these events in 2016 can be located on their website.



The Bago Vineyard & Maze is open from 9.30am each day except Christmas Day, with last entry into the Maze at 4.00pm. The Cellar closes at 5.00pm. Entry is $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for children.

#day_trips
#family
#food_wine
#near_port_macquarie
#shopping
%wnportmacquarie