Wine regions - Mudgee
Mudgee New South Wales
The Mudgee wine region is rich in both natural beauty and fine wine. Powerful and concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the regional highlights with its complex flavours and ageing potential. Chardonnay is the strongest white variety, with pronounced peach and fig flavours.
Mudgee is the big brother of the Central Ranges wine regions. The Great Dividing Range flanks the region on three sides hence its Aboriginal name meaning "Nest of the Hills". Elevation ranges between 470m and 1080m. This beautiful undulating country has rich volcanic soil laced with quartz. Its climate is mild with cool summer nights (extending the ripening period) and spring and summer rain. Water is also on occasion sourced from the Cudgegong River that runs south-east into Lake Windamere.
Mudgee Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon have earned the region a reputation for full-bodied wines that carries over to its white varieties, the largest planting of which is Chardonnay.
Mudgee is the largest town with the majority of vineyards and wineries located just to its north. Wineries and vineyards also appear to the west of the town and near the town of Illford.
The first white settlers started arriving in the early 1820s. By the late 1860s commercial plantings of vines were well established with much of the expertise coming from German immigrants.
The modern era of grape and wine production began in the 1970s. A number of small wineries and vineyards were established along with the expansion of large companies such as Orlando/Wyndham and Rosemount Estate. This trend has continued through the 1990s.
The region is a popular wine tourism destination due to the many cellar doors, great local produce with plenty of good restaurants being creative with it. A range of accommodation services supports the influx of visitors to its annual Wine Celebration and other attractions.
Harvest time: late February to early April
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