Shoalhaven Coast New South
Wales
The Shoalhaven Coast is an emerging region on the
South Coast of NSW. The climate has a distinct maritime influence
and a range of wine styles are produced.
The Shoalhaven Coast is located in the South Coast Zone and takes
in the city of Wollongong, and the key towns of Kiama, Berry, Nowra
and Ulladulla.
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This is rich, green undulating
hill country where lush paddocks still meet the sea. |
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The region's climate is characterised by high summer rainfall,
high humidity and cool sea breezes.
The feature grape variety is Chambourcin chosen for its mildew
resistance. Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon,
Verdelho, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz are also grown,
producing a growing number of wines which are winning awards at
wine shows in Australia and abroad.
The first vines were planted at Coolangatta Estate in the 1820s
by Alexander Berry, after whom the popular town of Berry is named.
The estate, now fully restored, lies in the shadow of the ancient
volcano Mt Coolangatta.
Modern viticulture in the region was established during the decade
of the 1990s. Cambewarra Estate at the base of Mt Cambewarra was
planted by the Cole family in 1991. Dr Robert Allotta established
Bundewallah Estate in the Bundewallah Valley in 1995 and Humphries
Wines planted its first Chambourcin in 1996. At Termeil, the Stanifords
established Fern Gully Winery and Crooked River Wines, now an exporter
of wines, was planted at the end of the decade. The region now has
15 vineyards and wineries.
Although small in number they represent a significant diversity
in grape varieties grown, wine styles and production methods, with
the Lyrebird Ridge in Budgong being the first to produce organic
wines in the region.
In recent years new wineries have further enhanced the region with
cellar doors opening at Seven Mile Vineyard and Kladis Estate, Nowra Hill Vineyard and Yarrawa Estate.
The reputation of the South Coast as a surf and sun tourist destination
and its mere two-hour travel time from Sydney give this boutique
wine region a good future. It is a very beautiful region with vineyards
from Cambewarra to Roselea Vineyard right on the coast at Gerringong.
Along with a number of winery accommodation services there are the
winery cafes including Jasper Valley Wines, the award winning restaurants
at Silos Estate and Coolangatta and the restaurant with the view
of the coastline at Crooked River.
Festivals include Ulladulla's annual Food and Wine Festival, the
Berry Show and the Shoalhaven Coast Wine Festival, all of
which showcase the great local wine and produce.
Sites with more information:
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Vineyard at Cambewarra
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