Hunter Valley
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
The Hunter Valley wine region has a rich history and a new generation of daring winemakers rewriting its future. Picturesque, it's packed with award-winning restaurants and experiences to discover.
Iconic wineries dot rolling hills in the home of Australia’s first commercial vineyards. Just over two hours' drive from Sydney, it’s a popular tourist spot bordered by national parks.
And while it might be defined by its past as a birthplace of Australian wine, it’s a region that refuses to stand still, with creative winemakers taking a typically Australian approach to innovation and experimentation.
Read on for more about the Hunter Valley.
32° 33'S
latitude
151° 44'E
longitude
2,605HA
total vineyard area
Climate and Altitude
The Hunter Valley in New South Wales is one of the warmer wine regions in Australia. But cloud cover and gentle sea breezes from the Pacific Ocean keep things cool enough for quality grapes to grow.
527MM
growing season rainfall
23.1C
mean temperature
0-1597M
altitude
The Environment
About a two-hour drive north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley lies at the foothills of the Brokenback Range, part of the Great Dividing Range. Its green hills are home to many farms and are bordered by UNESCO World Heritage National Parks.
Climate
With an Mediterranean-style climate, the days are warm but autumn and winter bring cold nights. It rains most in summer.
Soil
The Hunter Valley wine region sits on an ancient seabed, giving it rich and diverse soils.
The Makers
Top Varieties Grown
SEMILLON
A unique wine that’s delicate, fresh and citrusy when young, with the potential to age for decades. Hunter Valley style is unoaked.
CHARDONNAY
Has a long history in the Hunter Valley. Generally full-flavoured or a bit lighter with flavours ranging from stone fruit to ripe peach.
SHIRAZ
The region’s flagship red grape. Not as powerful as some other Australian Shiraz, it’s savoury and food-friendly, with berry flavours that transform into earthy notes as it ages.
Varieties in the Hunter
The ultimate guide to Hunter Valley wine
With local winemakers exploring new varieties, styles and techniques, discover why this historic region, like its famed Semillon, is only getting better with age.
