Wine regions – 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 one of the newest wine regions in Australia (declared in 2002) and yet has already garnered over 1,000 medals.

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.

The region’s climate is characterised by high summer rainfall, high humidity and cool sea breezes. The region extends down the coastline resulting in a diversity of mircoclimates.

The feature grape variety is Chambourcin chosen for its mildew resistance but by far the most awarded wines from the region are Semillon and Shiraz. Other varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Verdelho, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec are also grown, producing a growing number of wines which are winning awards at wine shows in Australia and abroad. Less well known varieties are also being established in the region. Coolangatta Estate is pioneering wines from the Portugese / Spanish varieties Alberino and Tannat as well as establishing plantings of Tempranillo and at nearby Mountain Ridge Wines the Italian variety Arneis is being produced.

The first vines were planted at Coolangatta Estate in the 1820s by Alexander Berry, after whom the popular town of Berry is named. This was closely followed by Silos Estate in the 1870’s. Both estates have now been fully restored and use their convict and dairying heritage to full effect with their cellar doors and tasting rooms.

Modern viticulture in the region was established during the decade of the 1980s, commencing in earnest at Coolangatta Estate. At around the same time Jasper Valley Wines and Silos Estate re-established their vineyards and were followed by Cambewarra Estate planted by the Cole family in 1991; Fern Gully and Crooked River, creating a vibrant and active wine region which counts over 19 vineyards today.

Although small in number the vineyards and wineries have a diversity of grape varieties and wine styles which consistently win awards including international awards. In 2008 Kladis Estate won a raft of medals at the coveted London International Wine Show and the AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge. Production methods also vary with 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 Two Figs, Mountain Ridge Wines, Kladis Estate, Cupitts, Nowra Hill Vineyard, Bawley Vale 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, Cupitts, Bawley Vale the award winning restaurants at Silos Estate and Coolangatta and the restaurant with the view of the coastline at Crooked River.

The Shoalhaven coastline is one of the most beautiful and rugged in Australia – with great surfing beaches, fishing spots and whale watching and close to many wineries the Seven Mile Beach National Park for wonderful coastal walking.

Festivals include Ulladulla’s annual Food and Wine Festival, the Berry Show and the Shoalhaven Coast Wine Festival every June long weekend, all of which showcase the great local wine and produce.

News Update

Coolangatta Estate has won Silver and Bronze medals for their 2005 Semillon, 2008 Semillon and 2007 Alexander Berry Chardonnay at the 2009 Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show.

 

Sites with more information:

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