Hilltops is a hidden gem of a region, home to a huge array of exciting prize-winning wines and rustic cellar doors.
The yellow-green hills of the Hilltops wine region are checkered with orchards, olive groves and grapevines. The region was built on gold and you’ll find traces of its history all over. But these days the spotlight's on food and wine.
Down-to-earth producers handcraft diverse wines and quietly pull in a string of awards. Hilltops doesn’t have the star power of the big-name wine regions, and locals and visitors wouldn’t have it any other way.
Read on for more about Hilltops or visit the Hilltops Region website.
Climate and Altitude
The Hilltops wine region has a continental climate that’s cool in winter thanks to its altitude, but gets enough heat and sunshine in the warmer months to provide excellent ripening conditions.
The Environment
The Hilltops wine region is an undulating, agricultural region surrounding the thriving town of Young. It’s about two hours’ drive from Canberra and three and a half from Sydney.
Climate
The region has warm to hot summers and cool winters, with most rain falling in spring and winter.
Soil
The rich, deep granite clay soils are free draining and support strong vine growth.
Top Varieties Grown
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The region produces elegant, intensely flavoured cabernets characterised by briar, savoury notes and full mellow palates. .
SHIRAZ
Think cool climate pepper and spice, red berry fruits, full-flavoured with mid-tannin structure that enables cellarability.
TEMPRANILLO
Several growers have planted Tempranillo an early ripening red variety that thrives in the Hilltops region producing mellow mid-weight red wines.
NEBBIOLO
Could Hilltops Nebbiolo become the region’s flagship variety? Increasingly wine writers are lauding Nebbiolos from the region, wines of structure and intensity set to rival those from northern Italy.
TOP VARIETIES GROWN IN THE HILLTOPS WINE REGION
