Best Wine Varietals in New South Wales and Victoria (And Where to Get Them)

NSW and Victoria might share a border, but their wines couldn’t be more different. Same grapes, different climate, and cellar doors that offer distinct experiences. Here’s what you need to know about two of Australia’s most dynamic wine states and where to enjoy the best of what they’re growing. 

Best Wine Varietals in New South Wales 

Unlike the ripe, full-bodied examples from warmer zones, Hunter Semillon is defined by its crisp acidity and surprisingly lean profile when young, evolving over years into a honeyed, complex white wine varietal that demands patience and respect. 

The Hunter Valley 

Australia’s oldest wine region, the Hunter Valley is famous for its signature Semillon and Shiraz. Despite its warm weather, Hunter Semillon stands out with its crisp acidity and surprisingly lean profile when young. The region’s morning mists and humidity help keep the grapes fresh, allowing the wine to mature slowly into a honeyed, complex white wine varietal that rewards patience. 
 

Pokolbin’s Audrey Wilkinson embodies this spirit. Perched on the edge of a steep escarpment, this vineyard, revered by critics, captures the Hunter’s varied microclimates, producing Semillon that’s taut and minerally with a bright citrus zing. They’re also known for medium-bodied Shiraz that boasts fine tannins, plush fruit flavours and added depth from extended maturation in French oak casks. Established in 1866, it is one of the region's oldest wineries, and their cellar door experience offers a connection to the winemakers and a chance to taste history. 

Nearby, Tyrrell’s Wines crafts a benchmark Semillon that’s beautifully expansive and textural, bursting with vibrant citrus and a silky, mouth-coating finish. Their Vat 47 Semillon is celebrated for its silky bouquet of citrus and stone fruit and a subtle creaminess and a touch of oak spice. 

Down the road, Brokenwood Wine’s Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz is a full-bodied, velvety standout known for its dense, dark fruit flavours, smoky character and signature peppery spice. The vineyard’s old, dry-grown vines produce concentrated fruit that’s both elegant and powerful, earning it a reputation for some of the region’s finest Shiraz. 

Mudgee  

Mudgee’s higher altitude, generally between 400 and 700 metres, combined with its cooler nighttime temperatures, creates ideal conditions for slower grape ripening. This results in Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz that show deeper colour, more concentrated flavours, and pronounced earthy and mineral notes compared to warmer regions like the Hunter Valley.  
 

Rochford Wines, established in 1971, has long been a leader among Mudgee’s wineries. Their reds, especially the Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, are known for their layered complexity and firm tannins, making them excellent candidates for cellaring. Rochford’s approach focuses on minimal intervention and careful oak maturation to enhance varietal expression without overwhelming the fruit. 

Best Wine Varietals in Victoria 

Victoria’s wine regions, from Yarra Valley to Mornington Peninsula and beyond, owe their acclaim to cooler maritime influences. These temperate conditions extend the ripening period, allowing grapes to develop nuanced aromatics and balanced acidities that are ready to drink now.  

Yarra Valley 

When it comes to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the Yarra Valley’s reputation is well earned. Jackalope Estate offers a refined take on both. Their Rare Hare LL Vineyard rich and buttery Chardonnay boasts a butterscotch bouquet with complex, toasty flavours and notes of stone fruit. They also offer a medium-bodied Pinot Noir that is concentrated and spicy.  
 

Just down the Yarra, Oakridge Wines is another winner. Their elegant Shiraz is layered with dark fruits and finished with a touch of spice and a hint of aniseed. Their Sauvignon Blanc is also worth mentioning. Crisp and lively, with hints of orange blossom and citrus, it is barrel aged in old French oak, which adds a subtle depth. 
 

Mornington Peninsula 

Mornington Peninsula, known for its cool maritime climate, shines for sparkling wine and rosé. The area’s proximity to the Southern Ocean means vineyards benefit from strong sea breezes and cool nights, which slow grape ripening, preserving natural acidity, an essential ingredient for producing vibrant, balanced sparkling wines. Montalto’s sparkling rosé exemplifies the region’s finesse. Made primarily from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, the wine undergoes traditional method sparkling winemaking, which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create fine, persistent bubbles. Perfect for a leisurely Victorian afternoon.