Tucked away at over 900 metres above sea level on a remote plateau in New England in northern New South Wales, Topper’s Mountain Wines is anything but ordinary. Surrounded by state forests, sky and panoramic views of the Macintyre Valley, the vineyard feels like a world apart – because it is!

It is a family-owned vineyard, comprised of vines mostly planted by Mark Kirkby in the spring of 2002. Most of those original vines are still going strong today, with a few extra characters added along the way. What started as a wild dream on a high, windswept plateau has grown into a full-blown adventure in rare varietals, sustainable farming and making wines that reflect both the site and the team’s stubborn streak.

Topper’s Mountain don’t do the usual suspects. Rather, the winery specialises in rare alternate varieties that actually belong in the wild, high-altitude, cool patch of earth. Renowned for doing things “their way”, Topper’s Mountain’s focus is on rare varieties such as nebbolio, tannat, manseng, touriga, tempranillo and gewurz. Grown with grit, made with heart, hard work and sustainable minimal intervention practices, these wines are for those who seek something different. Exclusively using grapes grown onsite, the team is dedicated to crafting wines with curiosity, care and a bit of rule-breaking flair.

The laid-back cellar door is perched right on the vineyard. With no manicured hedges or big brass signs, visitors will be welcomed with genuine hospitality, epic views, and a chance to experience something real. Visitors can enjoy a tasting flight with local charcuterie, soak up the fresh air on the deck or snuggle up beside the fire and maybe even catch a thunderstorm rolling across the valley. The team offers guided tastings that dive deep into the rare varietals, as well as vertical tastings from the museum stock, with some wines dating back to 2006.

New England may not be a famous region, but Topper’s Mountain Wines has embraced carving its own path and invites you to join the adventure. The winery doesn’t chase trophies, dedicating it’s time to making great wine and investing in what’s in the bottle. Yet it’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed, with James Halliday referring to Topper’s Mountain as “an innovator, not a follower”.

If you can’t make it up the mountain just yet, the full range of Topper’s Mountain wines are available online, delivered straight from the vineyard to your doorstep.