Here on the Central Coast, we have a vibrant and diverse line-up of independent breweries, distilleries and wineries, with local makers producing everything from small-batch whisky and botanical gin to craft beer and organic fruit wines.
We know you don’t really need excuses or reasons to visit the best places to drink craft beer, wine and spirits on the Central Coast, but we’ll give you some anyway! Because several of these are part of the Central Coast Makers Trail, making it easy to taste your way around the region.
Below, we’ve rounded up the Central Coast craft beverage makers you can visit, including cellar doors, brewery taprooms, distillery tastings and behind-the-scenes experiences.
Central Coast breweries, distilleries and wineries you can visit with the Makers Trail
From Erina and Kincumber to West Gosford and the hinterland, these local producers are making some seriously good drinks right here on the Central Coast. Most offer tastings or taproom experiences, and several run tours too.
These producers are all part of the Central Coast Makers Trail, which links local food and drink makers across the region. Check out our full guide to the Central Coast Makers Trail.
Amber Lane Distillery
Whisky distillery | Yarramalong Valley
Diving right in with Amber Lane Distillery, and oh my! Are these guys making a name for themselves or what?! Having recently won more prestigious awards than we can count, their handcrafted spirits are a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation.
Amber Lane focuses on small-batch production and creates exceptional whisky with distinctive flavours, drawing inspiration from the local environment. A visit to their distillery is a must for any whisky enthusiast looking to experience the best of Central Coast’s craft spirits.
They hold open days once a month on a Saturday between noon and 4pm. For more info and to book head here.
Distillery Botanica
Gin distillery & cellar door | Erina
Sticking with the distillery vibe the ever-popular Distillery Botanica in Erina Heights is a botanical haven of unique flavours and aromatic wonders. Located in a beautiful garden setting where you can explore the art of distillation firsthand as well as wander around the whimsical gardens at your leisure. Their award-winning gins are crafted with ingredients sourced from their very own gardens, making every bottle a true reflection of the Central Coast.
Recently kicking off an array of distillery experiences not be to missed, including guided tours, distil your own, gin tastings, cocktail making and more. With the Bar Botanica cafe on site and the serene surroundings, this is the ideal spot for those looking to kick back and unwind.
RELATED: Book at Experience at Distillery Botanica in Erina
Block ’N Tackle
Craft brewery & taproom | Kincumber
Beer lovers will find a warm and lively atmosphere at Block ‘N Tackle Brewery in Kincumber. Head brewmaster Paul and his team regularly host community events, live music, and food trucks, creating a fun and inviting space to enjoy fresh, locally brewed craft beers. The Block ‘N Tackle taproom is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors, offering their core range of brews as well as a rotating selection of limited releases. Our fave is the award-winning Sir Thomas Porter.
Keep an eye on their socials for their events calendar of exciting happenings that bring the Coastie community together over a schooner.
Firescreek Botanical Winery
Botanical winery & cellar door | Holgate
Now enter a touch of whimsy and romance that Firescreek Botanical Winery brings. Aside from the delectable botanical organic wines they regeneratively produce, the grounds of Fires Creek are so very special. Entering Fires Creek feels as though you’ve landed in the enchanting, magical fairy wonderland of your childhood. It’s no wonder this destination is an absolute stand-out as one of the top Central Coast wedding destinations. The picturesque grounds are the perfect backdrop for special celebrations.
Firescreek is leaning into the cooler months with a cosy new warm wine and chocolate pairing experience set in their dreamy garden surrounds. Think rich, hand-crafted fruit wines served warm and matched with velvety Belgian chocolates – it’s a flavour combo that’ll warm your soul and seriously impress your tastebuds. Perfect for a romantic date or a relaxed afternoon with friends, this indulgent seasonal experience is all about slowing down and savouring the good stuff.
Don’t miss out book here.
Six String Brewing Co.
Craft brewery & taproom | Erina
Finally, the wait is over – Six String Brewing’s new home at The Sawmill in Erina is officially open, and it’s everything local beer lovers hoped for (and then some). The new space is bigger, bolder, and built for good times, with 16 taps pouring fresh brews, a dog-friendly beer garden, and a sleek mezzanine bar that looks straight over the brewery floor.
Settle in with a tasting paddle and watch the action below – this spot gives you a front-row seat to where the magic happens. Add in a bold, flavour-packed food menu inspired by founder Chris Benson’s Filipino heritage, live music, cocktails, and local wine, and you’ve got yourself a full-blown destination.
Already a pioneer amongst Central Coast breweries & our craft beer scene, this next chapter for Six String cements their place as one of the region’s most exciting and beloved breweries.
Oak Haven Brewery
Microbrewery | West Gosford
There’s a brewery hiding inside Gosford RSL – and it’s got a lot more going on than your standard club lager! Oak Haven Brewery is an award-winning microbrewery producing small-batch beer right there in West Gosford. And because the brewery is inside Gosford RSL, you don’t need to plan your entire day around a brewery visit. Grab a tasting, settle in for lunch or dinner and try a beer made metres from where you’re drinking it.
The beers are brewed using traditional methods and have picked up more than 30 industry medals around Australia. The beers take inspiration from Gosford’s history, with names and stories linked back to the people and places that shaped the area. Oak Haven is particularly known for its single-hop brews, alongside a rotating line-up of seasonal and limited releases, so there’s usually something different pouring when you pop in.
Brewery tours are also listed as coming soon – definitely one to watch.
A peek inside our diverse Central Coast craft beverage scene
These craft beverage experts are all members of the Central Coast Makers Trail, a food and drink self-guided discovery trail that will take you to all the corners of our stunning region. Your senses will be delighted with unique experiences and behind-the-scenes access as you meet talented artisans and award-winning producers.
Our Central Coast hidden gems are waiting to be uncovered and their secrets waiting to be shared!
Find out more here.
KEEP READING: Join us as we explore the Central Coast Makers Trail
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