Sip & Savour Tour at BoxGrove Country Retreat - Bathurst

Read the full experience

Situated in the rolling hills of Bathurst, New South Wales, BoxGrove Country Retreat offers an immersive half-day journey through an evolving landscape of handcrafted beverages and rural charm. The Sip & Savour: Local Tastes Tour unfolds across the picturesque Bathurst countryside, a region marked by fertile soils and temperate climate ideal for viticulture and distilling. This tour invites visitors to engage directly with three local artisans—boutique wineries, a renowned gin distillery, and a craft brewery—each providing a distinct lens into the area’s flourishing craft beverage scene. Your day begins at Renzaglia Wines, a family-owned estate known for its meticulous small-batch wines that reflect soil nuances and sustainable practices. Sitting beside vine rows, guests sample varietals while a winemaker offers candid insights into organic growing techniques and the challenges of vineyard stewardship in this historic region. Next, the tour arrives at Grange Gin Distillery, where native botanicals are transformed through innovative distillation into complex gins layered with herbal, floral, and citrus notes. Engaging with the distiller, guests learn the science behind the craft and enjoy expertly poured gin cocktails that highlight local flavors. The final stop is Reckless Beer Brewing, a bastion of the craft beer revival in Bathurst. Here, a passionate team shares behind-the-scenes knowledge of brewing methods and ingredients. Tastings include crisp pale ales, hop-forward IPAs, and robust stouts, served in an atmosphere where rustic charm meets contemporary creativity. What distinguishes BoxGrove in the outdoor adventure landscape is its seamless blend of tactile outdoor experiences with authentic regional food and beverage culture. Amid the natural beauty of Bathurst’s countryside, the tour celebrates local craftsmanship and sustainable agriculture, offering a dynamic day-trip for adventurers seeking more than trails—a taste of place that is refreshingly grounded and richly rewarding.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

5 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required mostly limited to short walks at each venue.

Frequently asked questions

Is lunch included on the tour?

Lunch is not included, though you can purchase meals at Reckless Beer Brewing if the provided cheese plate isn’t enough.

Are tastings included in the price?

Yes, guided tastings at each venue and a cheese plate at one location are included.

What is the minimum age for participation?

Participants must be 18 years or older to join the tour.

Is transportation provided during the tour?

Yes, private transportation in a comfortable vehicle between locations is included.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Please notify BoxGrove ahead of time so they can arrange suitable options where possible.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Currently, wheelchair accessibility is not supported due to vehicle and venue limitations.

Local insights

Wildlife

Eastern grey kangaroos
Australian rosellas (colorful parrots)

History

Bathurst was established in 1815 as Australia's oldest inland settlement, laying a foundation for rich agricultural traditions.

Conservation

Local producers emphasize sustainable agriculture and water conservation, contributing to biodiversity and reduced environmental footprint.

About BoxGrove Country Retreat

BoxGrove Country Retreat is a Bathurst-based tour operator offering guided food and adventure experiences in New South Wales. The business runs curated tasting and exploration trips that showcase Bathurst's cool‑climate wines, handcrafted gins, craft beers and regional landscapes. Offerings include the BoxGrove Best of Bathurst: Express Tasting — a two‑hour guided journey through signature wines, gins and beers paired with local snacks; the Bridle Track Adventure: Half‑Day Private Tour — a half‑day 4WD experience in a Land Rover Defender 130 across the historic Bridle Track with stops at gold rush sites, a hearty pub lunch and a swim at Wallaby Rocks; and Sip & Savour: Local Tastes Tour — a half‑day itinerary visiting boutique wineries, a gin distillery and a craft brewery. Tours are presented as guided or private formats and are designed to combine regional tasting with local history and outdoor access. BoxGrove structures each trip with clear durations and itineraries so guests can select an express tasting or a more immersive half‑day adventure. Vehicle details are provided for off‑road itineraries, and food and beverage pairings are included where specified. BoxGrove Country Retreat operates from Bathurst, New South Wales, and focuses on small‑group, curated experiences that connect visitors with the region’s beverage producers and historic sites. The retreat lists specific trip names, durations and highlights for transparency, enabling prospective guests to choose the experience that matches their interests and schedule. Booking details, group sizes and accessibility information are provided on request to help guests plan trips accurately and confirm dates.

Base locationBathurst, New South Wales

Tours offered3+

Specialty

Adventure tips

Stay HydratedBring water to stay refreshed between tastings, especially on warm days.

Plan TransportationThis tour includes private transport, so coordinate arrival and departure times with BoxGrove to maximize ease.

Bring Cash or CardWhile tastings are included, lunch at Reckless Beer Brewing requires separate payment if desired.

Dress for ComfortWear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing for getting on and off the vehicle and walking at venues.

Recommended gear

Comfortable walking shoes: Supportive shoes ensure comfort during brief walks between tasting spots.
Sun protection: Sunscreen and a hat protect against sun exposure during outdoor segments.
Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is important given the alcohol tastings and outdoor environment.
Light jacket: A light jacket helps with cooler mornings and evenings in the countryside.