Hunter Valley Wine Region – The Birthplace of Australian Wine
A Rich History in Australian Winemaking
The Hunter Valley is one of Australia’s oldest and most historic wine regions, dating back to the early 19th century. Vines were first planted in 1823, but it was James Busby, often referred to as the "father of Australian wine," who truly shaped the region’s future.
In 1832, Busby returned from Europe with 500 vine cuttings sourced from some of the best vineyards in France, Spain, and South America. Among these were Syrah (Shiraz) cuttings from Hermitage in the Rhône Valley, which would go on to define the region’s winemaking legacy.
Famous Wineries and Iconic Wines
- Tyrrell’s Wines – Established in 1858, home to the legendary Vat 1 Semillon.
- Brokenwood – Famous for their Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz.
- Mount Pleasant – Crafted by Maurice O’Shea, a pioneer of Australian table wines.
- Audrey Wilkinson – One of the oldest wineries, with spectacular views.
- Drayton’s Wines – Six generations of winemaking, producing classic Hunter Semillon and Shiraz.
- Lake’s Folly – One of Australia’s first boutique wineries, renowned for its Cabernet blends.
Wines to Try from the Hunter Valley
Emily Glover Hunter Valley Semillon – A crisp, citrus-driven Semillon with outstanding ageing potential.
First Creek Semillon – Classic Hunter Valley Semillon with zesty lemon, minerality, and vibrant acidity.
Fun Fact About Hunter Valley
In 1855, a sparkling wine from James King’s Irrawang Vineyard in the Lower Hunter was served to Napoleon III at the Paris Exhibition. French tasters were amazed, describing it as having a “bouquet, body, and flavour equal to the finest Champagnes.”
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