Naturally elevated
The Southern Highlands is the stuff weekend getaways are made of – think rolling hills, historic villages, fresh produce and diverse wines. About an hour and a half from Sydney and two from Canberra, it’s not surprising that the Southern Highlands wine region is a favourite escape for city-dwellers.
In the south-eastern corner of New South Wales, the Southern Highlands has a relatively cool climate, with cold winters and occasional snow, but lush greenery year-round. Those low temperatures are thanks to altitude – there are vineyards up to 900 metres above sea level. The region encompasses a string of well-known towns, including Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale and Berrima.
Expect country charm in a sophisticated, luxurious kind of way – this is where national parks and unspoilt forests meet formal gardens, celebrity-owned estates and boutique shopping. There’s no shortage of things to do, whether you’re into hiking, history or gallery hopping. But for gourmets, that’s all a backdrop to the region’s thriving food and wine scene.
There’s an abundance of produce on offer, from apples and olives to truffles, cheese and premium beef. And there are plenty of places to taste it – the region is well known for its bakeries, classic pubs and acclaimed restaurants, plus annual food and wine festivals.
Southern Highlands wine: bright and sparkling
A relatively small wine region with a growing reputation, the Southern Highlands is all about small-scale vineyards, independent wineries and passionate makers. You’ll find contemporary tasting rooms with sweeping views and cosy cellar doors down winding lanes, fireplaces crackling in winter. The modern wine scene is young, getting started in the 1980s. But the Southern Highlands has a surprisingly long history as a wine region, with the first wine-grape vines planted around the 1870s and the early industry continuing well into the 20th century.
Grapes ripen slowly in the region’s cooler climate, resulting in bright flavours and elegant wines. And this is one Australian region where Shiraz takes a back seat. Standout wines include delicate sparkling styles and vibrant whites – Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris. There’s also elegant reds, with a focus on Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
You’ll also discover wines from alternative varieties, including at Tertini, one of the region’s most awarded wineries. Acclaimed but unassuming winemaker Jonathan Holgate takes an old-school approach, fermenting hand-picked grapes in small batches to produce vibrant wines, including Pinot Blanc, Arneis and Lagrein. At Centennial Vineyards, the cellar door offers sweeping vineyard views, and the acclaimed wines run from traditional method sparkling and refreshing Pinot Grigio to silky Pinot Noir. Other wineries to look out for include Joadja – the first to revive the region in the 1980s, Bluemetal, Cherry Tree Hill and St Maur.
For years, the dynamic Southern Highlands wine region was a well-kept local secret, but these days the word is out. Discover its spirited producers and standout wines for yourself.
