Mudgee is nestled on the western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, surrounded by hills. The region is recognised for deeply coloured, concentrated red wines with generous fruit.
The majority of production is based on rich reds, with full flavoured cabernet sauvignon as the regional hero. It makes powerful wines with firm tannins, and ripe red berry flavours. Shiraz, merlot and pinot noir are also important. Newer plantings of Spanish and Italian varieties include sangiovese, barbera and zinfandel. Chardonnay is the region’s leading white wine. It makes a tropical style with yellow peach and fig characters. Sauvignon blanc, verdelho, traminer and long-lived semillon are also present.
Mudgee is situated inland 250km west of Sydney, adjacent to the Hunter Valley. With a viticultural history dating back to 1858, the region has played a key role in the development of the Australian wine history. It is the third largest grape growing district in NSW, laying claim to over 3,300 ha under vine. The inland region has a very warm, dry continental climate with long sunshine hours. The landscape is a series of gentle, undulating slopes and hollows at elevations of some 450 metres. Cold nights, drought and frost can pose some challenges. Irrigation is essential in this part of the world. Soils consist of well drained brown sandy loams over clay.
Mudgee is home to more than 40 cellar doors. The region has also pioneered organic and biodynamic practices. Botobolar vineyard (est 1971) is Australia’s oldest certified organic vineyard.
[Mudgee] - Nest in the Hills, Wiradjuri boriginal word
