Wine regions Australia - Shoalhaven Coast

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.

This is rich, green undulating hill country where lush paddocks still meet the sea.

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: Shoalhaven Coast Wine Association South Coast Leisure Times Shoalhaven North Visitors Association Sapphire Coast Travel South Shoalhaven Shoalhaven QuickBreaks

Vineyard at Cambewarra