A visit to Bago Vineyards in New South Wales, Australia is a journey into a dimension of peace. The beautiful vineyards are as pleasing to the eye as their final product is to the palate.

Bago is situated in the Hastings River Basin area, which is known for its fertile soil, gorgeous weather and excellent growing conditions. The winery's name has an interesting history. Owners Jim and Kay Mobbs decided to name it Bago Vineyards after the mountain range in the vicinity that is known as Broken Bago Mountain. Carrying the name a bit further, a pictorial rendition of Bago Bluff, a familiar and picturesque sight that is also nearby on the mid-north coast, is on the label of each bottle of wine produced here.

The vineyards got their start producing quality wine back in 1985 when the first grapevines were planted in this beautiful setting. Any wine is only as good as the grapes it is made from, and the combination of the landform, soil, sea breezes and humidity is practically perfect at Bago. Grapes grown here include Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Verdelho, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Verdot, Viognier, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

On your way to the tasting room in the Cellar at Bago Vineyards, take a moment to look around you and appreciate the surrounding view. Most of the scenery in this area is stunning, and the panoramic setting spread out around you is nothing short of spectacular. You will also have an extensive view of the vineyards themselves from inside the pastoral space where you will sample the various Bago wines. Also, take note of the ample quantity of locally made cheeses that are for sale here.

If you have never attended a wine tasting before, you are in for a pleasant experience. The tasting coordinator might start with a glass test, where the same wine is placed into two differently shaped glasses so that you can taste the difference. Each wine has a certain design of glassware that improves its taste, and this test certainly makes that obvious!

It is not necessary to drink an entire glass of each wine at the tasting. Very few people could do this and walk out of the room on their own two feet! Just a sip or two is sufficient to discern the individual taste and character of the wine. Normally, it is best to sample the dry wines first (clearing your palate between each wine with a small snack normally provided by the winery) and then sampling the sweeter ones later in the tasting.

Bago Vineyards is creating an attraction for its visitors that will be called Bago Gardens. They plan to progress with the area over the next several years. The central feature of the Gardens will be called the Bago Hedge Maze. This will be the largest maze made from live hedge in NSW. Other additions will include a rainforest, a sculpture garden walk, an amphitheatre, a deck for viewings and picnics, an underground cellar and a children's playground.

Bago Vineyards is open from 9:30 AM until 5:00 PM Sunday through Saturday.