Wines of the Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s most prominent winemaking regions. Here, hundreds of different types of tipple are produced and sold around the world every single year.

Visitors on the hunt for a taste of culture can explore numerous different wineries, tasting a selection of some of the best flavours in the world.

Boasting an incredibly rich wine heritage that dates back almost 200 years, the region is most famed for its Semillon and Shiraz varieties, although there are many other distinctive varieties that continue to make the cut. Here are some of the best.

• 1. Semillon

  The Hunter Valley is known across the world as one of the best producers of Semillon. It is the region’s flagship white wine thanks to the dried up, sandy river beds that make the perfect growing ground for this particular variety of grape.

  The Semillon produced here has lemon and lime flavours with a natural, lively acid kickback. With older varieties, expect more honey-like flavours and several toasty notes.

• 2. Chardonnay

  Chardonnay has been through a renaissance period over the past decade or so, with the introduction of several new varieties. Flavours of Chardonnay tend to boast white peach and citrus notes, with a slate-like acid aftertaste.

• 3. Verdelho

  Though this variety of white will never have the same importance as the previous two, it is still a big-name in the Hunter Valley. It’s perfect for the new drinker or someone looking to taste something a little lighter. The flavours tend to be bold and lively, a bit like a fruit salad in a glass, and is the perfect tipple to sip while kicking back with friends in the lush Hunter Valley landscape.

• 4. Shiraz

  Shiraz is the most prominent red wine variety in the Hunter Valley, and it has remained that way for many years. The variety of Shiraz produced in the Hunter Valley is medium-bodied and savoury – which makes it the perfect accompaniment to any food. Shiraz has been a major part of the wine industry in Australia for centuries, and will no doubt continue to claim a large stake in the country’s wine heritage.

For anyone looking to discover the unique flavours of the Hunter Valley, these four varieties are the perfect place to start. Not only do they provide an insight into the lengthy and rich wine heritage of this part of Australia, but they are imbued with the unique ingredients of the land, providing a very local taste of the area.

Related article: Australia’s Best Wine Regions

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