Hunter Valley
Hunter Valley
THE BIRTHPLACE OF AUSTRALIAN WINE
The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s best‑known wine regions and home to some of its oldest vines. Located approximately 160 kilometres north of Sydney in New South Wales, and with a backdrop of UNESCO World Heritage National Parks, it’s an incredibly popular destination for visitors who come to sample its outstanding wines, particularly Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz. Today, this unique region is defined by its rich historical lineage coupled with an exciting new generation of innovative winemakers.
One of Australia’s earliest wine regions:
The first vines were planted by 1823, with commercial grape growing beginning soon after. When James Busby returned from Europe in 1832 with vine cuttings, he helped establish the Hunter Valley as a key wine region.
Rich in natural wonders:
Green rolling hills are dotted with iconic vineyards, and the Hunter River meanders through the northern parts of the valley. It is bordered to the north, west and south west by the Great Dividing Range and surrounded by national parks. – Warm, humid climate: Growers and winemakers produce distinctive styles suited to the climatic conditions.
Climate and Altitude
The Hunter Valley in New South Wales is one of the warmer wine regions in Australia. But cloud cover and gentle sea breezes from the Pacific Ocean keep things cool enough for quality grapes to grow.
Growing Season Rainfall - 527MM
Mean Temperature - 23.1C
Altitude - 0 - 1597M
Wines from the Region
SEMILLON
A unique wine that’s delicate, fresh and citrusy when young, with the potential to age for decades. Hunter Valley style is unoaked.
CHARDONNAY
Has a long history in the Hunter Valley. Generally full-flavoured or a bit lighter with flavours ranging from stone fruit to ripe peach.
SHIRAZ
The region’s flagship red grape. Not as powerful as some other Australian Shiraz, it’s savoury and food-friendly, with berry flavours that transform into earthy notes as it ages.