Published on January 4, 2024
Ride Profile
So many excellent cellar doors so close to town. This version of the Pinnacle Cellar Doors route takes you first to Philip Shaw located on the edge of town and then on to the cluster of cellar doors (Colmar, Brangayne, Word of Mouth and Ross Hill) located around Wallace Lane.
It’s a gentle uphill on the way out punctuated with some steeper climbs so you’ll need some fitness or an e-bike. Once you’ve visited the cellar doors it’s a downhill ride back to town.
Note: this route is on-road, shared with traffic, so please be careful drinking and riding.
Road Condition
Fully sealed except for the cellar door driveways. Generally quite good condition, although patchy in places. Improves from Shiralee Road. When returning to town, be careful on the downhill from Wallace Lane, it’s heavily patched and subject to potholes.
Which Bike?
As the cellar doors all have gravel driveways, something with wider tyres is ideal such as a gravel bike or MTB. If you struggle with hills you might prefer an e-bike.
Bike Hire
DG Cycle Co have a good selection e-bikes to hire.
Traffic
Generally light, although during peak hours and school pickup / drop-off there are more cars on the road. Lightens once you are past Shiralee Road. Single file recommended in busier areas. Also can be busier on Sunday during the day with higher tourist traffic.
When to Ride
Four of the five cellar doors are open all week so any day of the week works for this route. If you are keen to see Word of Mouth, go on the weekend or Friday or Monday. Cellar doors are generally open from late morning to late afternoon.
Route Stats
| Distance: | 18km |
| Elevation: | 272m |
| Time: | 1hr |
| Profile: | Rolling |
| Type: | Cellar Door |
| Longest Climb: | n/a |
| Percent Gravel: | 1% |
| Gravel Rating:* | Level 2 |
*See gravel rating for more details
The Cellar Doors
An excellent selection of cellar doors on this route, generally open around 11am, some a little earlier on weekends – check their websites for details.
Ross Hill
Ranked among the “Best of the Best” by Halliday receiving a 5 star rating for the last 13 years. Cellar Door of the Year at the 2023 Orange Wine Show. A winery with a strong sustainability focus. Features the Barrel & Larder cooking school.
Open: 7 days
Food: tasting plates
Bookings: recommended
Lunch / Snack Options
Tasting Plates / Grazing Boards at Philip Shaw, Word of Mouth or Ross Hill.
Pack your own picnic from Racine, Sugar Mill or the Agrestic Grocer or return to town and grab lunch at anyone of our excellent cafés, restaurants or pubs. Stop at Campbells Corner, ride up to the Pinnacle Reserve picnic tables or climb Pinnacle lookout to picnic on the rocks and enjoy stunning views over the Towac Valley.
Extend the route to Macquariedale and choose from one of their picnic options.
Alternative Routes
Try the Pinnacle Cellar Doors & Lake Canobolas route (29km / 410m elevation gain) for a longer option to include Macquariedale Organic Wines and Borrodell, take in the views from the Pinnacle Lookout and return to town via the Towac Valley.
