Southern Highlands – Click to Enlarge

Southern Highlands Wine Region

The Southern Highlands wine region is a picturesque and easy hour and a half drive south of Sydney via the Hume Highway. The region forms part of the South Coast wine zone, which it shares with the Shoalhaven Coast wine region.

An exciting cool-climate region, which surrounds the delightful towns of Mittagong and Bowral, and makes a perfect day trip from Sydney.

The region came to fruition in the 1990s when wine growers became interested in the advantages of high altitude vineyards in which Pinot Noir excels.

There are more than 50 vineyards and a dozen cellar doors to visit in the region, as well as elegant restaurants and cosy pubs to sample the local produce alongside fabulous wines. With over 350 hectares under cultivation, increasing grafting to Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, this is a bigger player than you may first think.

The fertile soils, high altitude and seasonal changes in the region are ideal for cool-climate vineyards. The region particularly excels in Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

Beyond the Pinot pair, wineries are increasingly producing balanced and alternative styles and a fantastic range of Cabernet Sauvignon and blends. Look out for the exceptional high-altitude Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Source:  www.wineaustralia.com, www.nswwine.com.au, Photo Credit