Vintage
wines with Italian style
Australia's
first vines
Since the first grapevine was planted on the edge of
Sydney Harbour in 1788, the New South Wales wine industry
has flourished. Today, New South Wales produces
world-famous Hunter Semillons, rich ripe reds from
Mudgee, delicate cool-climate wines from Australia's
highest vineyards and sweet botrytis-affected wines that
are amongst the best in the world.
The diversity of climate and terrain in New South Wales
has encouraged new and exciting wine regions to emerge
alongside established ones such as the Hunter Valley,
Orange and Mudgee.
The spectacular growth of new wine regions is only
matched by the enthusiasm of winemakers across the State
who are experimenting with lesser known varieties such as
Chambourcin, Gewurtztraminer and Chenin Blanc.
The good news for visitors is that the wine regions of
New South Wales are surrounded by great natural beauty, a
thriving food culture and welcoming country
accommodation.
There are wine trails taking in boutique wineries as well
small wineries offering exquisite wines. Gourmet cooking
schools are set amongst pretty vineyards and fine
restaurants serve creative, stylish fare with produce
sourced locally that is often organic.
Wine trails close to Sydney
The most popular wine region for visitors is also the
oldest continuously planted wine region in Australia.
Hunter Valley wines are best described as food wines -
flavoursome, medium bodied, lower alcohol wines, whose
strong regional characteristics are a product of warm and
dry growing conditions and rich red soils.
The Upper Hunter features open plains and an abundance of
vineyards while the Lower Hunter has over 100 cellar
doors, all within a 15 minute drive. It's here that
acclaimed wine brands such as Lindemans, Tyrrells and
Wyndham Estate. Visitors to the Hunter Valley can indulge
other passions such as golf at championship courses,
soothing spa treatments and fine dining.
Mudgee reds are powerful and European in style - the area
is famous for its rich, ripe Cabernet Sauvignon and
Shiraz. Surrounded by hills and vineyards and a beautiful
location for wine tasting, Mudgee is also home to a
thriving food scene with organic food markets and gourmet
trails.
One of the prettiest towns in NSW, famous for its lovely
parks and gardens, Orange has an international reputation
for its cold climate varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc,
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Merlot grapes excel in the
region, producing blackish red wines with a bouquet and
palate that is easily recognised and distinctive of the
area.
Emerging wine regions
Wine growing began in the Hawkesbury Nepean region in
the early 1800s and today there are 35 small vineyards
planted. The best varieties are Chardonnay, Semillon, and
the French variety, Chambourcin. This delightful
semi-rural area is the perfect place for a scenic day
trip from Sydney and just over an hours drive.
The Southern Highlands, a delightful short break from
Sydney, is a newcomer in wine terms with the first vines
being planted in the 1970s. The area thrives on delicate,
fresh white wines such as Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc,
both regarded as 'wines of the moment' with Pinot Gris
arguably the world's most popular white variety.
The Shoalhaven Coast is located via the Princes Highway,
Berry in the north is 130km south of Sydney, with Termeil
and Bawley
Point
in the south 240kms. Featuring a cool maritime climate
making the region ideal for the Chambourcin and Verdhelo
varieties. Chambourcin, a French hybrid red grape, is
particularly well adapted.
Major white wines produced in the "Shoalhaven Coast" wine
region include:- Chardonnay, Verdelho, Semillon and
Sauvignon Blanc, while the reds encompass Chambourcin,
Shiraz, Cabernet, Sauvignon, Malbec and Merlot. Many are
winning medals at major wine shows. A
visit to the "Shoalhaven
Coast"
is very suitable for a three day visit or weekend
visit.
The Riverina (Griffith) region has a rich Italian
heritage - Italian migrants were prominent in the
development of Griffith in the early 1900s with
agriculture being a lasting legacy. The region now
provides 60% of the State's grapes and is especially
known for its Botrytis (or dessert) affected wines. Some
of Australia's most famous names are featured in the
region - De Bortoli, McWilliams and the winner of the
2005 NSW Top 40 wines, Westend Estate with their
beautiful shiraz.
Winery
Accommodation
Stomping
of The Grapes
Shoalhaven
Coast Wineries
Historic
Goulburn Brewery
Winery
Accommodation
Project
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Watching - Events
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Indigenous
Tourism - Enquires