New South Wales Wine (15)

Wild Nature and Cultivated Wine from New South Wales

Just like the wine, the wild nature of New South Wales offers everything the heart desires. The high mountains of the Snowy Mountains provide an elevated view of the Tumut River. The small town of Coffs Harbour is surrounded by steep, rocky coasts, the deep blue sea, and breathtaking sandy beaches. The temperatures in the coastal areas are moderate. These are good conditions for white wines. Sémillon is the most well-known white grape variety from New South Wales. But of course, there is also the Outback, with its barren, brown-red earth and the boundless blue horizon. It can get unbearably hot in the Outback. Green, flat pastures and low mountain passages are abundant in southeastern Australia. Although wine has been cultivated in New South Wales since the early 19th century, most wine regions emerged from 1960 onwards. Occasionally, the vineyards in this part of the world need to be supported with water.

Hunter Valley – the Most Famous Wine Region of New South Wales

Hunter Valley is the most famous wine region of the southeastern state. The wine-growing region in New South Wales is of great economic importance to Australia. Several million tourists come each year to admire the vineyards and enjoy a glass of Sémillon. Wine has been grown in Hunter Valley since 1820. Thus, the wine-growing region can be called the oldest wine region of New South Wales, indeed all of Australia. Insiders, long-time residents, and winemakers refer to the area with its Mediterranean climate simply as: Hunter. Gentle days in spring and summer contrast with refreshing nights in autumn and winter. The temperatures during summer days average between 28 and 30 ºC, while winter days average around 17 ºC. The hottest month is January. Summers are characterized by high rainfall.

The three sub-regions of Hunter, where the white and red grapes ripen, are called Broke Fordwich, Pokolbin, and finally Upper Hunter Valley. The latter two areas have only been formally registered as a wine region since 2010, illustrating the young, emerging wine culture of Australia. In particular, the white grape variety Sémillon is world-renowned and characteristic for the Hunter wine-growing area in New South Wales. It is well-known among wine connoisseurs. Pure Sémillon wines are marked by fruity and lightly acidic aromas. Chardonnay and Verdelho, which is most often known as Gouveio, are the other two significant white grape varieties. The complexity of Australian Shiraz is characterized by a lightness that elegantly and finely caresses the palate. Shiraz is generally the red grape most widely grown in Australia. However, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are also present. Hunter Valley annually honors various individuals and groups with different awards that stand for excellence in wine and winemaking quality.

The Hunter Valley Awards for Wine and Winemakers from New South Wales

Since 2007, the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association has awarded various prizes to individuals and groups each year. These have distinguished themselves through honorable contributions to the overall Hunter region. The award categories include:

• Winemaker of the Year
• Rising Star of the Year
• Heritage Award
• Cellar Door of the Year
• Award for Excellence
• Viticulturist of the Year

Other Wine Regions in New South Wales

New South Wales hosts several other prominent wine regions, including:

• Hasting River
• Orange
• Shoalhaven Coast
• Tumbarumba
• Pericoota
• Riverina
• Mudgee

Gundagai – Emerging Red Wine from New South Wales

Red wine from the adaptable grape variety Cabernet Sauvignon is as normal in the area of Gundagai in New South Wales as the red earth on which the grapes ripen. The terroir here is rather nutrient-poor, but becomes richer along the rivers. Between the Snowy Mountains and the dry, warm plains of Riverina, the grapes from Gundagai can mature under the best conditions. The wine from Gundagai is as diverse as New South Wales itself. The Cabernet Sauvignon is bold in color and lively in taste. With full aromas, the bouquet unfolds. The Shiraz pairs with many dishes, offering intense flavors that enhance the culinary experience. But the white Chardonnay can also hold its own. In the so-called cellar doors, i.e., in the wine sales from the cellar, the emerging red wines can be tasted in exquisite surroundings. As a wine region, Gundagai was completely quiet from 1920 to around 1990. Only since 1995 have wines been vinified here again. Since then, wine from this region of New South Wales has been gaining more and more importance. 

Facts about Wine from New South Wales

How large is the vineyard area in Hunter Valley?

The best-known wine-growing region in Australia covers about 2,000 hectares of vineyard area.

What other grape varieties are cultivated in New South Wales?

In addition to Sémillon, wine from New South Wales is also made from the grape varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and even Grüner Veltliner.

How large is the total vineyard area in New South Wales?

All vineyard areas in New South Wales total about 33,500 hectares.

Buying Wine from New South Wales

In our online wine shop, you will find a large selection of wines from New South Wales. Browse VINELLO for Chardonnay, Sémillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Shiraz. With our service, you can easily enjoy: convenient payment in our shop, nearly worldwide shipping that arrives quickly to you or as a gift for your friends. Your enjoyment is just a few clicks away on VINELLO.