The Northern Rivers is a large wine zone on the North Coast of New South Wales, stretching from the Hunter Valley zone all the way to the Queensland border. Unlike many other regions, the Northern Rivers is not a single contiguous area but a zone with scattered wineries, with the Hastings River being its only officially recognized sub-region. The climate here is hot and humid, especially during the summer and autumn months, which presents challenges for viticulture. For this reason, the region is known for its cultivation of grape varieties that are particularly tolerant of these conditions. Chambourcin, a French hybrid variety resistant to mildew, is a common feature, along with Verdelho, which also thrives in humid environments. While not a major player in Australia’s overall wine production, the Northern Rivers offers a unique and distinct winemaking experience that sets it apart from the country’s cooler-climate regions.
Hastings River District Wineries
Hastings River is a small yet historic wine region on the state’s mid-north coast, with viticulture dating back to 1837. After a long dormancy due to disease and market pressures, the area was revived in the 1980s, sparking renewed interest in winemaking along the northern coast. The region’s coastal location near Port Macquarie offers a unique terroir, ideal for producing food-friendly wines like chardonnay, semillon, cabernet/merlot blends and chambourcin. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, subtropical rainforests and natural attractions like Ellenborough Falls, making Hastings River a perfect blend of wine, nature and coastal charm.
Hastings River District Wineries
