Nestled amongst gentle hills, the vineyards of the Hunter benefit from moderately fertile black silty loam soil and good drainage. The production of a variety of quality table wines is aided by sea breezes, afternoon cloud and rain, which falls mainly between January and April.
Although first settled in 1822, Mudgee was really born of the 1850s gold rush, becoming the second largest settlement west of the Great Divide. Mudgee's wine growing pedigree stretches back over 150 years. The region enjoys warm days in summer and cool night temperatures. Despite being prone to pockets of frost, these generally good ripening conditions ensure excellent flavour and colour in the Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon the region is best known for. The well drained brownish coloured soils are slightly acidic or sandy loam over neutral clay subsoils.
Located in the central ranges, the Cowra region is primarily known for its white wines, specialising in full flavoured, early-maturing and moderately priced Chardonnays. Since vines were first planted in 1973, the region has experienced enormous growth, particularly during the 1990s. The climate is hot and dry with relatively high growing season rainfall and relatively low humidity but some risk of spring frosts. The vineyards are situated on gentle slopes within two valleys cut into the western side of the Great Dividing Range by the headwaters of the Lachlan and Belabula rivers, which converge at Gooloogong. The soils are generally brownish loamy sand to clay loam on the surface, with red clay subsoils. They are moderately acidic and consequently moderately fertile.
