Old and new

Semillon

One of the area's most sought-after white wines harvested early at a low sugar content to give a distinctively light body and crispness. Refreshing citrus and green apple with herbal notes that develop into richer, fuller complexity.

Chardonnay

An iconic Australian wine, with a balance and finish fully leveraged by the valley's winemakers. Chardonnay here exhibits peach and similar fruit flavors with hints of the region's terroir. Wineries lean on barrel fermentation and aging to add more texture and oak-influenced flavor that balance well with a freshness that pairs elegantly with a variety of dishes for discerning palates.

Shiraz

This medium-bodied, full-flavored wine is another Australian pride that is never far from gourmet menus. The soft tannins, cherry and other red fruit notes accompany earthy undertones. Characteristic complexity in spice and other richness rewards cellaring, while the valley's warm, humid, maritime-influenced climate combined with diverse soil nurtures a gradual grape ripening that aids balanced acidity.

Vanguard varietals

The Hunter Valley's climate, similar to that of the Mediterranean, is seeding the emergence of grape varieties that also help the region face the challenges of warmer and more humid weather along with catering to changing consumer preferences. More winemakers say they are offering alternatives such as grenache, tempranillo and sangiovese reds, alongside fiano, vermentino and viognier whites, all familiar to parts of Europe with similarly warm weather.

These reflect an evolving sector open to experimentation, with the appearance of Mediterranean varietals adding to the diverse range of wines in the valley available for visitors.