New South Wales, a wine region on the southeast coast of Australia
Looking for the oldest wine region in Australia? Well, the official answer is New South Wales. It was established back in 1780 when convict James Busby returned from a trip to France with his own batch of cuttings and established the first commercial vineyard on Australian soil.
The most populous state in Australia, needless to say New South Wales has a lot to offer wine drinkers of all stripes, though its most popular regions are easily the Hunter Valley—an acclaimed spot for premium Semillon—and Mudgee, where you’ll find outstanding Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon (among other red varietals).
The Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley is known for its semillon wines, which are typically paired with seafood. The region also produces shiraz and chardonnay wines.
Orange is the youngest wine-producing region in New South Wales
The young wine-producing region of Orange is home to three notable wineries: Mount Pleasant Wines, Ross Hill Wines and Canobolas-Smith Wines. Each has received awards for its riesling and pinot noir wines.
Orange also produces other varieties of wine such as cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, merlot, shiraz and sauvingnon blanc. However, it is the riesling and pinot noir wines that have helped Orange build an international reputation.
Orange is located on the country’s east coast in New South Wales.
Mudgee has more than 40 wineries and produces cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, durif, marsanne and merlot wines.
Mudgee is a small but important wine region in New South Wales which produces cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, durif, marsanne and merlot wines. The region’s climate means that most winemakers use the dry-grown method, as irrigation is technically illegal. Mudgee’s high elevation also lends itself to crisp whites like sauvignon blanc and riesling (the latter being a personal favorite of mine). The soil in the region is also good for pinot noir and shiraz.
Scenic Rim is a recent addition to New South Wales’ wine region
Situated in the Mount Tamborine area, Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard & Winery is the oldest winery in Scenic Rim. It’s a family owned business that has been operating since the 1860s and is renowned for producing wines from both the Scenic Rim and Granite Belt regions.
Cedar Creek wine list includes cabernet sauvignon, merlot, viognier and other varieties of red and white wine.
There are many wineries worth visiting in New South Wales!
Wines of New South Wales
There are many wineries worth visiting in New South Wales.
The Hunter Valley is the oldest wine region in New South Wales. It is known for its semillon wines, which typically go with seafood and Asian dishes. If you’re into sweet wines, try the late harvest muscat and topaque (also called Tokay), which are delicious dessert wines.