About the Hilltops Region

Hilltops is a relatively new wine region in elevated country in southern New South Wales. This is a cool climate region in prime agricultural country where the other industries include grazing, wool growing, dairy, horticulture and stone fruit orchards.

The region is centred on the towns of Boorowa, Harden and Young and there are about 400 hectares of vineyards planted in foothills of the Great Dividing Range at 450m to 600m elevation.

The climate is continental, with cold winters and warm, dry summers. The high altitude ensures plentiful hours of sunshine but relatively cool summer nights. A range of hills to the north protects the region from sub-tropical summer storms. These attributes, coupled with a long season stretching into the warm, dry days and chilly nights of autumn, provide excellent ripening conditions for Shiraz grapes. The resulting wines have the finesse and attractive herbal character of cool climate Shiraz, with deep colour and intense fruit flavour.

Hilltops soils are deep and well-drained decomposed granite with overlaid terra rossa of red sand and clay. Reliable winter rains provide good ground moisture for spring growth.

This captivating corner of Australia attracts tourist for its rural charm, enchanting serenity and natural beauty as well as first class local produce and interesting historical sites. Young is known as the "Cherry Capital of Australia" and hosts the National Cherry Festival each December. There are an increasing number of cellar door and gourmet food destinations.