New South Wales

• Semillon: iconic in the Hunter Valley, ranging from youthful, crisp and citrus-driven to complex, honeyed, and toasty with bottle age—distinctively unoaked and age-worthy.
• Shiraz: styles vary from the Hunter Valley’s savory, medium-bodied, and earthy expressions with supple tannins, to Mudgee’s powerful, structured, and fruit-intense reds; Canberra District versions are elegant with pepper and floral notes, especially when co-fermented with Viognier.
• Chardonnay: produced across cool and warm climates, from Orange’s vibrant, citrus and stone fruit-driven wines with refined oak, to richer, fuller styles in Mudgee and the Southern Highlands.
• Riesling: particularly notable in the Canberra District and Southern Highlands, offering crisp, dry, and aromatic wines with intense citrus and floral characters that develop complexity with age.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: a signature of Mudgee and Riverina, typically bold, structured, and brimming with dark berry, chocolate, and herbal notes.
• Shiraz-Viognier: a Canberra District specialty, blending Shiraz’s spice and red fruit with Viognier’s lifted aromatics for a silky, Côte-Rôtie-inspired style.
• Botrytis Semillon: Riverina’s hallmark dessert wine, lusciously sweet with layers of apricot, honey, and toffee, balanced by vibrant acidity.
• Pinot Noir: grown in Orange and the Southern Highlands, typically light to medium-bodied with bright red fruit, subtle spice, and supple tannins.
• Sauvignon Blanc: especially lively in Orange and the Southern Highlands, showing zesty acidity, grassy and tropical fruit nuances.

New South Wales offers a diverse terroir that significantly influences its wine varieties. The Hunter Valley benefits from a warm, humid climate, moderated by coastal breezes, perfect for cultivating Semillon and Shiraz with distinct character. In contrast, the vineyards in Orange, situated at higher elevations, enjoy cooler temperatures, enhancing the crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavors in Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The region's soils further define its wines' uniqueness. Hunter Valley's sandy loam and clay soils impart complexity to its wines, while Orange's rich volcanic soils contribute depth and intensity. This geological diversity, combined with innovative viticultural practices, underscores New South Wales' pivotal role in the evolution and excitement of Australia's wine landscape.

Nestled in New South Wales, the Hunter Valley stands as a cornerstone of Australian winemaking, with a blend of traditional and innovative wineries that define the region's rich heritage and forward-thinking spirit. Here are a few standouts:

• Tyrrell's Wines: A historic family-run winery since 1858, renowned for their Vat 1 Semillon and pioneering efforts in Australian Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
• Brokenwood Wines: Founded in 1970, this winery is celebrated for its Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz, a hallmark of Hunter Valley excellence.
• Mount Pleasant: Esteemed for its deep terroir knowledge, with the Lovedale Semillon as a quintessential example of classic Hunter Valley Semillon.

New South Wales is making significant strides in sustainable winemaking, with a growing number of vineyards participating in Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA). This national program encourages practices that are environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable. By aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the SWA program ensures that wineries take a comprehensive approach to sustainability, which includes a rigorous third-party audit for certification. This commitment not only supports the preservation of the region’s diverse terroirs but also enhances the quality and reputation of NSW wines globally. In addition to SWA certification, many wineries in New South Wales are exploring organic and biodynamic farming methods. These practices focus on nurturing the land naturally, often resulting in healthier vines and higher quality grapes. The adoption of these methods reflects a broader trend across the region to reduce the environmental footprint of winemaking. With initiatives like composting, integrated pest management, and eco-friendly packaging, NSW wineries are setting a benchmark for sustainable practices that ensure the long-term health and vitality of their vineyards, while also appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

New South Wales offers a rich mosaic of wine tourism experiences, with each region providing its own distinct allure. The Hunter Valley, as Australia's oldest wine region, is a standout destination with over 150 wineries. It's famous for its Semillon and Shiraz, and its visitor-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for those looking to explore wine culture deeply. Visitors can enjoy a variety of tours that highlight not just the wines, but also the region's gourmet offerings, scenic views, and even hot air balloon rides. The region's events and attractions, like the Hunter Valley Gardens and numerous fine dining options, ensure a well-rounded experience. In contrast, Orange and Mudgee offer more intimate and laid-back retreats. Both regions are known for their cool climates, which yield fresh and elegant wine styles. Orange is celebrated for its high-altitude vineyards and vibrant festivals, such as the Orange Wine Festival, which showcases local produce and wines. Mudgee, with its historic charm and over 40 cellar doors, is ideal for those seeking a cozy country escape. Its month-long Mudgee Wine + Food Month draws visitors with its engaging events that highlight the region's artisanal food and wine culture. Together, these regions illustrate the diversity and depth of New South Wales' wine tourism landscape.