Diverse and delicious wines, local produce, natural attractions and charming towns – the burgeoning Cowra wine region ticks all the boxes for a perfect country getaway.
Neat vineyards, gentle slopes and blue skies stretch in all directions. Here you’ll find classic and alternative grape varieties thriving in more than 40 vineyards along with cellar doors and restaurants that showcase the talents of passionate producers.
Collaboration defines the Cowra’s down-to-earth wine community. Beyond the beautiful vines –or above them in a hot-air balloon – discover national parks, waterways and fascinating historical sites.
Read on for more about Cowra.
Climate and Altitude
Set among the high western slopes of the Lachlan Valley, Cowra’s continental climate brings warm days that ripen grapes to perfection and cool nights that help to produce intensely flavoured wines.
The Environment
Part of the New South Wales Central Ranges, in the scenic Lachlan Valley, Cowra is just over two hours from Canberra and around four from Sydney.
Climate
Thanks to its altitude and inland location, Cowra gets hot summer days and cool winters, with cool nights year-round.
Soil
Soils include brownish loamy sands and clay loams, and range from low to moderately fertile.
Top Varieties Grown
CHARDONNAY
Chardonnay put the Cowra wine region on the map and remains its star variety, producing classic, full-flavoured wines.
SHIRAZ
These wines are bursting with ripe fruit flavours and earthy and peppery notes. Shiraz can also be combined with Viognier to produce vibrant red blends.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
With its long ripening season, Cowra is well suited to growing Cabernet. It produces deeply coloured, full-flavoured wines that are ready for immediate drinking.
ALTERNATIVE VARIETIES
A number of producers in the Cowra wine region are exploring alternative varieties with great success. They include Verdelho, Gewürztraminer and Sangiovese.
