Lake George Winery’s 20 acres of dry-grown vines are responsible for the signature varietals the winery is famous for, including riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz. Photo: Supplied.
Lake George Winery’s sweeping 276 acres of land has rarely changed hands over the last half century of its award-winning history – and for good reason.
The property comes complete with a vineyard, owner and guest accommodation, restaurant and function centre and lots of extra space in its natural condition.
The new operator will also inherit a full roster of staff, all the relevant licenses, valuable commercial relationships and, most importantly, a profitable business with confirmed event bookings valued at a quarter of a million dollars.
“The owner’s done all the hard work and so someone else just needs to pick up the baton and run with it,” Auction Advantage selling agent Frank Walmsley explains.
More than its material assets, the new owner will also become the custodian of one of the region’s oldest wineries with a 50-year legacy of winemaking.
The Lake George wines seen in specialist bottle shops and hatted restaurants begin in the 20 acres of the property under vine, which recently produced a 32-tonne 2023 vintage.
Lake George wines have won several accolades in the intervening years, including TOPGOLD for its Chardonnay at Canberra Region Wine Show and a 4.5-star venue rating by wine reviewer James Halliday.
Dry-grown vines thrive on the property’s rich alluvial soil to produce the signature varietals for which Lake George Winery is famous, including riesling, chardonnay, pinot noir and shiraz.
The natural beauty of the grapevines can be admired with uninterrupted views of the vineyard, trees and landscaping touches all the way out towards Lake George.
“Standing there on a chilly winter’s afternoon and looking over the glorious vista, it almost feels like something from a bygone era,” Frank says.
The property is fully equipped to share its beauty with visitors through lunch at the licensed restaurant, a wedding reception or a longer-term stay in its guest suites.
Up to 120 restaurant guests can enjoy a meal prepared in the fully-equipped kitchen from the dining room, which features rustic polished floorboards, an open fireplace and large windows overlooking the vineyard. Downstairs from the dining room is the wine cellar and museum, a more intimate space with a rock wall and subtle lighting which can seat another 50 diners.
An additional 12 diners can also be seated adjacent to the main dining room in a unique all-weather clear dome with a bar area and an unimpeded 360-degree view of the property.
Throw in the property’s broad RU1 zoning, ample parking and being a short distance from Canberra and Goulburn, and it’s also perfectly suited to be a wedding or event destination.
Lovers can tie the knot beneath an arch at the property’s famous oak tree located just beside the vines, surrounded by 15 white chairs and ornamental wine barrels.
There’s also the potential for concerts, festivals and other large-scale events, with approval for up to 10,000 people without any sound restrictions.
“There’s not one traffic light from Sydney to the front door, so you can capture the Sydney and Canberra markets,” Frank says.
“Since the unfortunate demise of Pialligo Estate, Lake George Winery has had an unprecedented influx of wedding and event bookings. They’ve also crafted a very clever Airbnb business that runs at about 70 per cent capacity.”
The venue can sleep up to 23 people across seven different properties, including four tiny homes, a glamping tent, former manager’s cottage and the main homestead.
The extended four-bedroom homestead is the main attraction. Comprised of two single-storey dwellings, they include two bathrooms, a study, sunroom, kitchen, covered patio and deck, lounge and dining area with a vaulted ceiling and a detached guest house with a kitchenette and bathroom. Creature comforts include an open fireplace, split system air conditioning and panoramic views.
“It’s away from the venue,” Frank explains, “so that way the revellers late at night celebrating weddings and what-not won’t disturb the inhabitants of the main homestead.”
The new owner will also have access to several water tanks, unlimited dam water access, fruit and truffle trees, storage sheds, a spa, fenced backyards and more.
Lake George Winery in Lake George, NSW, is open for inspection every Saturday and Sunday leading up to the auction, from 2:30 pm to 4 pm. The winery goes to auction with a reserve of $4.97 million on Friday, 23 July, at 3 pm. Call Frank Walmsley on 0400 446 605 to arrange a private, mid-week inspection or find out more, and check out all the latest listings on Zango.
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