Southern NSW District Wineries

The Southern New South Wales wine zone is a vast area that encompasses several distinctive wine regions, including the Canberra District, Hilltops, and Tumbarumba. Stretching from the foothills of the Snowy Mountains in the south to the Central Ranges in the north, this zone is characterized by its cool-climate viticulture, largely influenced by high altitude and proximity to the Great Dividing Range. This diverse geography and varied terroir allow for a wide spectrum of wine styles, though the region is particularly celebrated for its high-quality Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz. Many of the vineyards are relatively new, making this an exciting area for those who appreciate boutique wineries and innovative winemaking. The region’s cool, long growing seasons contribute to the production of wines with elegant acidity, complex aromatics, and refined flavors.

Canberra District Wineries

The Canberra District is an area of highly varied climatic conditions that allows it to produce a diverse range of exquisite wines, including riesling, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, sémillon, cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, viognier, tempranillo, pinot noir and pinot gris. Among all the varieties it produces the region is most famous for its shiraz. These elegant wines are a full-flavoured demonstration of the skills of the region’s winemakers that can be enjoyed now or after being left to age.The other star of the show in this region is the riesling, available in a range of dry and off-dry styles that also support being aged for even finer flavours. With 160 years of winemaking heritage nestled in these beautiful hills, the Canberra District is one of New South Wale’s most diverse and visually stunning wine regions.

Upper Murray Darling District Wineries

The Upper Murray region of New South Wales is a cool-climate wine-growing area located in the high country, on the western foothills of the Snowy Mountains. This region, also known as Tumbarumba, benefits from high altitude (vineyards are generally situated between 550m and 830m above sea level), reliable rainfall, and a large daily temperature range. The combination of cold nights and sunny days slows the ripening process, allowing grapes to develop intense flavor, complexity, and elegant acidity. This unique terrain makes the region particularly well-suited for producing classic cool-climate varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as other award-winning varietals such as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. The area is characterized by its rolling green hills and a landscape shaped by the backdrop of the mountains and the Upper Murray River, which forms its southern border.

Hilltops District Wineries

Hilltops, the hidden gem of the state, is known for its award-winning wines, rustic cellar doors and stunning countryside. Centred around the town of Young, the region is famed for shiraz and cabernet sauvignon, with a growing focus on Italian varieties like prosecco, sangiovese and nebbiolo. More than 600 hectares of vines thrive on elevated, well-drained red granite soils, alongside orchards, olive groves and cherry trees. With its rolling hills, gold rush history and strong food culture, Hilltops offers an authentic and charming experience away from the bustle of better-known regions.

GUNDAGAI District Wineries

Nestled on the south-west slopes near the Snowy Mountains, Gundagai is one of the state’s newest wine regions. With mountain streams flowing toward the Riverina plains, the landscape supports a growing number of vineyards since plantings resumed in the mid-1990s. Known for full-bodied shiraz, elegant chardonnay and fruity cabernet sauvignon, the region is gaining recognition for quality wines and charming cellar doors. Gundagai’s natural beauty, heritage sites and cycling trails add to its appeal. Visitors can also enjoy local icons like the Dog on the Tucker Box and the town’s rich bush poetry heritage.

TUMBARUMBA District Wineries

Tucked away in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, Tumbarumba is a high-altitude wine region in southern New South Wales known for its breathtaking alpine scenery and exceptional cool-climate wines. With more 200 hectares under vine, it produces elegant chardonnay and pinot noir, much of it used for premium sparkling wines. The region’s crisp climate, high rainfall and elevation foster refined, expressive wine styles. Tumbarumba also offers a charming rural escape with historic towns, boutique cellar doors and outdoor activities like bushwalking, fishing and skiing.