Mudgee wine region is cradled by an outer rim of hills, tucked behind the Blue Mountains. The name “Mudgee” is based on the local Aboriginal word meaning “ nest in the hills”.
The wine culture started in 1850s when grapes were first grown in Mudgee. This rich history is still evident in the well-preserved sandstone buildings and the region and its people has made this its anchor to bring the town to the present made possible by passionate producers. To date, Mudgee is a thriving food and wine destination where boutique wineries and cellar doors abound.
Mudgee Wine
The Mudgee Wine Region has a viticultural history dating back from 1858. It built itself on well-loved Shiraz, Cabarnet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. These days, a repertoire with wide range of fresh styles is included in the Mudgee Wine selection – Riesling, Barbera, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Vermentino, and Pinot Grigio.
The Environment
The hilly region of Mudgee is about three-and-a-half hours north west of Sydney and is surrounded by mountains and rugged bushland.
Lying on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, Mudgee has some of Australia’s highest vineyards. Its temperate climate is characterised by warm days, cool nights and lots of sunshine.
SOILS
A well-structured combination of rich, fertile soils suited to sustaining agricultural growth. Volcanic earth and sandy loam lie over sub soils of clay. Nutrient retention coupled with superior drainage are paramount to high quality grape production.
CLIMATE
With elevations from 450m to 1100m above sea level, our climate is diverse and can create a wide range of varietal nuances. Spring frosts and cold nights delay bud burst, rainfall and humidity are typical of an inland grape growing area.
Summer and autumn days are warm, with temperatures dropping at night and during winter. There’s less rainfall here than in some of the surrounding areas.
Top Varieties Grown
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
These outstanding wines are deep purple in colour with generous flavours of berry and dark chocolate and can be aged for many years. Cabernet is sometimes blended with Merlot and Shiraz.
CHARDONNAY
Chardonnay from Mudgee is consistently good and many can be aged for several years or more. They’re full-flavoured wines made in a diversity of styles.
SHIRAZ
Shiraz is a flagship variety here, with styles ranging from elegant and bright to full-flavoured and robust. Shiraz is also blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier.
RIESLING
A rising star in the Mudgee wine region, Riesling produces dry to slightly sweeter wines with refreshing citrus flavours.
Wine Tasting
The best way to enjoy Mudgee wines is by tasting of course! By nature of its uniqueness, this location is where winemakers, and grape growers richly ply their craft. Take part in wine tours and sample Mudgee’s finest produce.
Check out some of the best wineries in Mudgee, here.