New South Wales wine regions

Even though the Hunter Valley is the most famous wine region in the State, the powerhouse of New South Wales’ are the Riverina and Murray Darling regions along the Murray River border. The Riverina is an important region as it produces 15 percent of the total grape production within Australia. The constant hot and dry conditions produce ripe fruit flavours that are warm and friendly to most palates. The Riverina is home to the internationally famous Botrytised Semillon, or “sticky” dessert wine. Other areas rivalling the Hunter Valley in terms of premium wine production are Mudgee for its big reds and Rose; Orange for its cool climate Sauvignon Blanc and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon; Cowra, famous for its full-bodied Chardonnay. Other regions to look out for are Canberra, Gundagai, Hastings River, Hilltops, Perricoota, Shoalhaven Coast, Southern Highlands, Tumbarumba, and Griffith.