New South Wales: Semillon and more from Australia’s oldest wine state
From the iconic Semillon of the Hunter Valley to cool-climate Chardonnay and bold reds, discover the wines of New South Wales.
Good wine is a good friend.
- Australian proverb
New South Wales: A rich history of wine and exceptional varieties
New South Wales is Australia’s oldest wine-producing state, with a history of winemaking that stretches back over 200 years. Known for its diverse regions and a rich variety of wines, this state offers some of the country’s most iconic offerings, such as the world-renowned Semillon from the Hunter Valley, elegant cool-climate Chardonnays from Orange, and bold reds from Mudgee.
New South Wales has played a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s winemaking reputation. Its regions span from the cool, high-altitude areas of Orange, known for its crisp, refreshing whites, to the warm, sun-soaked Hunter Valley, where rich reds and the iconic Semillon thrive. Whether you’re a fan of vibrant whites or full-bodied reds, New South Wales delivers a variety of wines that capture the essence of Australia’s unique terroirs.
Let’s explore the key wine regions of New South Wales and the renowned producers who help make this state a standout in the world of wine.
Explore the famous sub-regions of New South Wales
Hunter Valley, Orange, Mudgee: The iconic wine regions of New South Wales
New South Wales is home to a diverse range of sub-regions, each known for producing wines that reflect the unique climates and terroirs of the area. The Hunter Valley, Orange, and Mudgee stand out as the top regions for their exceptional wines and distinct characters.
🍇 Hunter Valley – The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and most renowned wine regions, known for its iconic Semillon and Shiraz. The region’s warm climate and ancient soils contribute to the distinctive style of Hunter Valley Semillon, which is known for its refreshing acidity and ability to age gracefully over time. Shiraz from the Hunter Valley is also highly regarded, with rich, full-bodied flavors and hints of dark fruit, spice, and earthiness. The Hunter Valley is a must-visit destination for those seeking high-quality Australian wines with a long history and tradition.
🍇 Orange – Located in the high-altitude areas of New South Wales, Orange is known for its cool-climate wines, particularly its elegant Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The region’s cooler temperatures help preserve the acidity and freshness in the wines, allowing the grapes to develop vibrant flavors. Chardonnay from Orange is crisp and mineral-driven, with notes of citrus and green apple. Sauvignon Blanc from this region is also highly regarded for its aromatic profile, with bright flavors of passionfruit, citrus, and herbs. Orange offers a refined and sophisticated wine experience for lovers of cool-climate whites.
🍇 Mudgee – Mudgee is known for its bold reds, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The warm climate and diverse soils of Mudgee provide the perfect conditions for these full-bodied wines, which are rich in flavor and character. Cabernet Sauvignon from Mudgee is known for its deep color, firm tannins, and complex layers of dark fruit, spice, and tobacco. Shiraz from Mudgee offers bold flavors of blackberry, plum, and black pepper, making it a favorite among red wine enthusiasts. Mudgee is the perfect destination for those seeking robust, full-flavored wines that reflect the region’s diverse terroir.
The grapes that define New South Wales wines
Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc: The grapes behind New South Wales' finest wines
New South Wales’ wines are defined by its iconic grape varieties, which thrive in the state’s diverse climates and terroirs. The most famous grapes from the region include Semillon, Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, each contributing unique characteristics to the wines produced here.
🍇 Semillon – Semillon is the star grape of the Hunter Valley, producing wines that are vibrant, crisp, and have an incredible aging potential. Known for its fresh acidity, Semillon is often described as the "Chardonnay of the Hunter Valley." The region’s Semillon is unique for its ability to age, developing rich honeyed flavors and a soft, textured mouthfeel over time. It’s a wine that evolves beautifully, offering a completely different experience as it matures.
🍇 Shiraz – Shiraz is one of the most prominent red grape varieties in New South Wales, particularly in the Hunter Valley and Mudgee. Hunter Valley Shiraz is known for its balanced, fruit-forward style with bold flavors of dark berries, spice, and a touch of earthiness. Mudgee’s Shiraz, on the other hand, is more robust and full-bodied, with intense flavors of plum, blackberry, and pepper. Both regions produce Shiraz with a depth of character, making it a key red wine variety for New South Wales.
🍇 Chardonnay – Chardonnay is one of New South Wales’ most popular white grape varieties, particularly in the cooler regions like Orange. Chardonnay from Orange is known for its elegant, mineral-driven profile, with crisp citrus flavors and a clean, refreshing finish. The warmer regions like the Hunter Valley also produce Chardonnay, which tends to be more full-bodied, with rich fruit flavors and subtle oak influence. Whether fresh and vibrant or rich and complex, Chardonnay from New South Wales offers a diverse range of styles.
🍇 Sauvignon Blanc – Sauvignon Blanc from Orange is one of the region’s standout white wines, known for its fresh, aromatic profile. The cooler climate allows the grapes to retain their acidity, resulting in a crisp, refreshing wine with vibrant flavors of citrus, passionfruit, and grassy herbs. Orange’s Sauvignon Blanc is a favorite for those who enjoy aromatic, lively white wines with a zesty finish.
Explore the notable producers of New South Wales
Tyrrell's Wines, Brokenwood, Lowe Wines: The pillars of New South Wales winemaking
New South Wales is home to some of Australia’s most prestigious wineries, known for producing wines of exceptional quality. Producers like Tyrrell's Wines, Brokenwood, and Lowe Wines have shaped the region’s winemaking reputation, producing wines that are celebrated both locally and internationally.
🍇 Tyrrell's Wines – Tyrrell’s Wines is one of the oldest and most respected wineries in the Hunter Valley. Known for its focus on Semillon and Shiraz, Tyrrell’s produces wines that reflect the history and tradition of the region. Their Semillon is widely regarded as one of the best examples of the variety in the world, offering vibrant citrus flavors and remarkable aging potential. Tyrrell’s wines are a testament to the Hunter Valley’s rich winemaking legacy and continue to be a favorite among collectors and wine enthusiasts.
🍇 Brokenwood – Brokenwood is another iconic name in the Hunter Valley, known for producing high-quality Shiraz and Semillon. The winery has earned a reputation for its commitment to crafting wines with elegance and structure. Brokenwood’s Shiraz is particularly renowned for its richness and complexity, with layers of dark fruit, spice, and a touch of oak. Their Semillon, often made in a more restrained, age-worthy style, is a standout in the region and is known for its refreshing acidity and ability to develop honeyed complexity over time.
🍇 Lowe Wines – Lowe Wines is a standout producer in the Mudgee region, known for producing bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, as well as some excellent cool-climate whites. The winery’s commitment to sustainable practices and small-batch production has made it one of the region’s most respected producers. Lowe Wines’ reds are rich and full-bodied, with deep flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones, while their whites are elegant and fresh, with a balance of fruit and acidity that reflects the cool-climate terroir of Mudgee.
Explore the famous vintages of New South Wales
New South Wales has produced some truly remarkable vintages that have helped define the region’s reputation for high-quality wines. The following vintages are particularly notable for their balance, richness, and aging potential, making them standout years in the region’s winemaking history.
📅 2006 – A vintage of great depth and elegance
- The 2006 vintage in New South Wales produced wines of exceptional depth and elegance. Semillon from the Hunter Valley was particularly outstanding, with vibrant citrus flavors and a remarkable ability to age. The Shiraz from this year is known for its richness and complexity, with bold fruit flavors and a smooth finish. This vintage is considered one of the best of the decade and is a favorite among collectors.
📅 2014 – A balanced and harmonious year
- The 2014 vintage was characterized by perfect growing conditions, leading to wines with a harmonious balance of fruit, acidity, and tannins. Semillon from the Hunter Valley showed off its crisp, fresh character, while Shiraz from Mudgee was rich and well-structured, with flavors of dark berries and spice. The vintage was celebrated for its ability to produce wines that were both approachable in their youth and capable of aging gracefully.
📅 2017 – A cool vintage with bright acidity
- The 2017 vintage was marked by cooler temperatures, which helped preserve the freshness and acidity of the wines. The Semillon from the Hunter Valley was particularly vibrant, with citrus and green apple notes and a crisp finish. Shiraz from the region showed more subtlety, with bright red fruit flavors and a silky texture. The 2017 vintage is considered a standout for its fresh, lively wines that have great aging potential.
📅 2018 – A warm vintage with concentrated flavors
- The 2018 vintage in New South Wales was warmer than usual, resulting in wines with greater concentration and depth. Shiraz from Mudgee was especially notable, with intense flavors of blackberry, plum, and pepper. Semillon from the Hunter Valley was also rich, with a fuller body and a more textured mouthfeel. The 2018 vintage is expected to age well, offering wines that are both bold and complex.
Store your New South Wales wines at the perfect temperature
Explore our wine coolers →
Present your New South Wales wine collection with style
Find your perfect wine rack here →
New South Wales: A hub for premium wines and diverse terroirs
New South Wales is one of Australia’s most important wine regions, known for its diversity and long history of winemaking. From the cool-climate Chardonnays of Orange to the iconic Semillon and Shiraz of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales offers a wide range of wines that highlight the unique terroirs of the state. With its combination of traditional techniques and modern innovation, this region produces wines that are sought after by collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.
The role of climate and terroir in New South Wales winemaking
The climate plays a crucial role in shaping the wines of New South Wales. The region’s varied climates allow for the cultivation of different grape varieties, each offering unique characteristics. In the cooler regions, such as Orange, the cooler temperatures help preserve the acidity and freshness in white wines, resulting in crisp and mineral-driven styles like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The warmer regions, such as the Hunter Valley and Mudgee, allow for the production of fuller-bodied wines like Shiraz, Semillon, and Cabernet Sauvignon, which develop rich, concentrated flavors.
New South Wales is home to a range of microclimates that further contribute to the diversity of wines produced here. Whether you’re looking for bright, zesty whites or bold, full-bodied reds, this state has something to offer every wine lover.
The signature grape varieties of New South Wales
New South Wales is particularly known for its Semillon, Shiraz, and Chardonnay, but it also produces some excellent Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and even more niche varieties. These grape varieties thrive in the state’s diverse climates and produce wines that are both elegant and powerful.
Semillon
Semillon is the flagship grape of the Hunter Valley and one of the most iconic varieties of New South Wales. Known for its fresh acidity and aging potential, Hunter Valley Semillon is often characterized by its citrusy freshness in its youth and its complex, honeyed flavors as it matures. Semillon from this region is celebrated for its ability to age beautifully, with some bottles becoming even more complex and intriguing over decades.
Shiraz
Shiraz is another standout grape variety in New South Wales, particularly in the Hunter Valley and Mudgee. Hunter Valley Shiraz is known for its rich, full-bodied style with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. Mudgee’s Shiraz tends to be even bolder, with deep, concentrated fruit flavors and a strong structure. Shiraz from New South Wales is a favorite for wine lovers who enjoy complex, powerful reds that can be enjoyed both young and with some aging.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most versatile white wine grapes in New South Wales. The cooler regions of Orange produce crisp, mineral-driven Chardonnays with vibrant citrus flavors and refreshing acidity. On the other hand, the Hunter Valley’s warmer climate creates a fuller-bodied style of Chardonnay with richer flavors of stone fruit, along with subtle oak influences. Chardonnay from New South Wales has a wide range of expressions, from light and fresh to rich and complex.
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc from Orange is one of the state’s standout white wines. Known for its aromatic profile, this wine offers lively flavors of passionfruit, citrus, and herbs. The cool climate of Orange allows the grapes to retain their fresh acidity, making the wine crisp, refreshing, and perfect for pairing with seafood and salads.
New South Wales: A future of innovation and sustainability
As New South Wales continues to grow as a wine-producing region, many winemakers are focusing on sustainability and innovation. Many wineries are turning to organic and biodynamic practices to reduce their environmental impact and ensure the highest quality of wine. This dedication to sustainable winemaking practices is leading to even more exciting and high-quality wines from the region.
New South Wales’ diverse terroir and commitment to quality winemaking ensure that the state will remain a prominent player in the world of wine for years to come. Whether you’re exploring the iconic Semillon of the Hunter Valley or the elegant Chardonnays from Orange, New South Wales offers wines that will satisfy every palate.