New South Wales Wine

Wild nature and cultivated wine from New South Wales

Just like the wine, the wild nature of New South Wales shows everything the heart desires. The high peaks of the Snowy Mountains provide a sublime view of the Tumut River. The small town of Coffs Harbour is surrounded by steep, rocky coasts, the deep blue sea and beautiful sandy beaches. The temperatures are moderate in the coastal areas. These are good conditions for white wines. Sémillon is the most famous white grape variety from New South Wales. But of course there is also the outback, with its barren, brown-red soil and the boundless blue horizon. It can get unbearably hot in the outback. Green, flat pastures and low mountain passages are abundant in the southeast of Australia. Wine has been cultivated in New South Wales since the early 19th century, but most of the wine-growing areas were established from 1960 onwards. Occasionally, the wine-growing areas in this part of the world have to be supported by water.

Hunter Valley - the most famous wine growing area of New South Wales

Hunter Valley is the most famous wine growing area of the southeastern state. The wine growing region in New South Wales is of great economic importance for Australia. Several million tourists come every year to view the vineyards and enjoy a glass of Sémillon. Wine has been grown in Hunter Valley since 1820. Thus, the wine-growing region may call itself the oldest wine-growing region of New South Wales, even the whole of Australia. Insiders, long-time residents and wine growers call the area with the Mediterranean climate Hunter. Gentle days in spring and summer contrast with refreshing nights in autumn and winter. The average temperature on summer days is between 28 and 30 ºC, and on winter days about 17 ºC. The hottest month is January. The summers are characterised by high precipitation.

The three parts that make up 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 officially registered as wine-growing regions since 2010, which illustrates Australia's young and emerging wine culture. Especially the white grape variety Sémillon is world-famous and characteristic for the New South Wales wine growing region Hunter. It is known to every wine connoisseur. Sémillon as a single variety white wine is the reason for the popularity and recognition of its fruity and slightly acidic bouquet. Chardonnay and Verdelho, mostly known as Gouveio, the autochthonous grape variety, are the other two main white grape varieties. The complexity of the Australian Shiraz is characterised by lightness that touches the palate in an elegant and delicate way. In Australia, Shiraz is generally the red grape, which is cultivated in large quantities by far. However, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are also present. The Hunter Valley annually honours different individuals and groups with different awards, which stand for excellent wine and winemaking qualities.

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 entire Hunter region. The prize categories are:

• Winemaker of the Year
• Rising Star of the Year
• Heritage Award (history and tradition prize)
• Cellar Door of the Year (PR, sales, presentation, recruitment)
• Award for Excellence (quality prize)
• Viticulturist of the Year (Winery of the Year)

Other wine-growing regions in New South Wales

New South Wales is home to other prominent wine regions. Among them are

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

Gundagai - emerging red wine from New South Wales

Red wine from the adaptable Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety is as normal for the Gundagai area of New South Wales as the red soil on which the grapes ripen. Although the terroir is quite poor in nutrients here, it becomes all the richer along the rivers. Between the Snowy Mountains and the dry and warm plains of Riverina, the grapes from Gundugai can ripen to their full potential under the best conditions. The wine from Gundugai is as varied as New South Wales itself. The Cabernet Sauvignon is strong in colour and lively in taste. The bouquet develops with full aromas. The Shiraz accompanies many dishes with intense aromas, which round off the physical pleasure experience. But the white Chardonnay is also very impressive. In the so-called cellar doors, i.e. the wine sales from the cellar, the up-and-coming red wines can be tasted in an exquisite ambience. As a wine-growing region, Gundagai was completely silent from 1920 to about 1990. Only since 1995 wines are vinified here again. Since then, the wine from this region of New South Wales is gaining more and more importance.

Interesting facts about wine from New South Wales

How big is the vineyard in Hunter Valley?

The most famous wine growing region in Australia has about 2,000 hectares of vineyards.

What other grape varieties are cultivated in New South Wales?

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

What is the total area under vines in New South Wales?

All vineyards in New South Wales cover approximately 33,500 hectares.

Buy wines 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, almost worldwide shipping, which arrives quickly at your home or as a gift to your friends. Your enjoyment is only a few clicks away on VINELLO.