New South Wales is the birthplace of Australian wine, with the Hunter Valley home to Australia’s first commercial vineyards. Today there are 14 dynamic wine regions in New South Wales. In each one, you’ll find unique wines and tourism experiences – from sunny beaches and misty mountains, to friendly country towns and delicious local produce.
Whether you’re planning a trip or you’re just keen to learn more, here’s a guide to exploring the wine regions of New South Wales.
MOST POPULAR WINE REGIONS OF NEW SOUTH WALES
Hunter Valley
On a tour of New South Wales wine, the historic Hunter Valley wine region is a must-visit. It was established in the 1860s and today it’s one of Australia's best-known and most-visited wine regions, thanks to its easy two-hour drive from Sydney, award-winning cellar doors, top restaurants and stunning scenery. The Hunter Valley is famous for its unique Semillon wines, alongside Chardonnay, Shiraz and a growing list of alternative varieties suited to the warm climate.
Southern Highlands
On Sydney’s doorstep, the Southern Highlands is a popular destination for its wine tastings in boutique cellar doors, regional produce and top restaurants in historical towns. Expect sophisticated country charm – this is where national parks and forests meet formal gardens, celebrity-owned estates and boutique shopping. The climate is quite cool, thanks to the higher altitude, and there’s a small but growing community of independent producers crafting elegant wines, including Chardonnay, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Canberra District
Surrounding the city of Canberra, the lush and hilly Canberra District wine region produces premium cool-climate wines. It’s home to around 140 vineyards that span New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Discover elegant Shiraz and fresh Riesling, plus a range of other red and white wines. There’s also contemporary cellar doors to visit, a fast-growing food scene and all the attractions of Canberra a short drive away.
Orange
About three-and-a-half hours west of Sydney, Orange is one of the highest vineyard areas in Australia. The weather is relatively cool and the landscape is dominated by the now extinct Mount Canobolas volcano. This young but fast-growing region has become a serious dining destination thanks to its brilliant wines, restaurants and local produce. There are more than 60 wineries and top-quality examples of Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, plus elegant sparkling wines.
Mudgee
The Mudgee wine region is a popular weekend getaway thanks to its flourishing food and wine scene, arts community and boutique shopping, set within a historic, down-to-earth region about three-and-a-half hours from Sydney. Its wine community is known for innovation and sustainability, so expect architectural cellar doors, creative winemakers, and vibrant red and white wines grown in sustainable vineyards.
LESSER-KNOWN WINE REGIONS OF NEW SOUTH WALES
Beyond the well-known wine hotspots, there are lesser-known regions just waiting to be discovered. Escape the crowds and enjoy some of the best wines in New South Wales.
Hilltops
A few hours south-west of Sydney, the Hilltops wine region is a hidden gem that’s home to villages nestled in the hills and valleys. It’s filled with gold rush–era architecture, antique stores and stone-fruit orchards. This peaceful spot is also one of Australia’s most exciting young cool-climate regions, producing award-winning Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet.
Tumbarumba
South of the Hilltops, just before you reach the Victorian border, the Tumbarumba wine region is crisp with alpine air and surrounded by pristine wilderness. It’s nestled in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, making it a stunning place to visit. It’s also another exciting emerging wine region that’s becoming known for its elegant Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wines.
Riverina
Soak up some sun in this vast region of rivers, lakes and national parks. There’s also a great food and wine culture here, thanks to the thriving agricultural industry and Italian-Australian influence. The Riverina’s sunshine, fertile soils and flat plains have made it New South Wales’s biggest producer of wine, including full-flavoured reds and whites, and world-class dessert wines.
EMERGING WINE REGIONS OF NEW SOUTH WALES
Get a glimpse of the exciting future of New South Wales wine by exploring up-and-coming wine regions – from the stunning beaches of the Shoalhaven Coast and Hastings River, to the award-winning wines of Gundagai and New England, to the country charm of Cowra and Perricoota.
Gundagai: Discover the scenery and history that make Gundagai a celebrated part of rural Australia and a diverse up-and-coming wine region.
Cowra: Escape city life for the sweeping vistas and green fields that set the scene for Cowra’s outdoor adventures and boutique wineries.
Hastings River: Soak up the natural beauty and holiday vibes of this coastal wine region that’s making a name for its vibrant white wines.
New England: Enjoy the fresh air of this high-altitude region, where rainforests and lush pastures are the backdrop to diverse cool-climate wines.
Perricoota: Sip crowd-pleasing wines like Chardonnay, Vermentino and Shiraz in this budding riverside wine region that’s big on country charm.
Shoalhaven Coast: Explore waterfalls and pristine beaches in between visits to bustling cellar doors for fresh, food-friendly wines.
Want to learn more about Australian wine?
Download ‘Foundations of Australian wine’ to learn about Australia’s top wine regions and wine styles, along with the climate, soils and history that make Australia so unique.
