Hastings River New South
Wales
The Hastings River is a small viticultural region
most renowned for its substantial plantings of the French hybrid
variety Chambourcin. Chardonnay and Semillon also perform well,
showing richness of flavour.
Two rivers, the Hastings and the Wilson, flow through the Hastings
River region. The region is on the North Coast of NSW and has a
maritime, sub-tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall.
The main group of vineyards are east of the Pacific Highway near
Port Macquarie and west of the highway near Wauchope.
The region was first planted with vines in the 1860s. The recent
history of the area has seen the Cassegrain family pioneer the use
of the fungus resistant Chambourcin grape variety as well as produce
wines from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Chardonnay,
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
The Hastings River is a developing wine region.
A useful stop for travellers is the recently established Sherwood
Wine Embassy. They serve the travelling wine buff well, being conveniently
located near the junction of the Pacific and Oxley Highways at Port
Macquarie (next to the petrol station on Oxley Highway). The Wine
Embassy offers tastings and sells wines and food condiments from
a range of regional wineries and food producers. They also supply
brochures and maps for most wineries and attractions in the area.
The region's quality wines, cellar door facilities, music events,
good regional restaurants, coastal attractions and great climate
are serving to build interest in the local wine industry.
Harvest time: late January to early March
Sites with more information
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