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About Hilltops
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The Hilltops Wine Region is one of New South Wales' most exciting wine regions. Situated in the Murray-Darling Basin around the towns of Young, Boorowa and Harden, the Hilltops is fast gaining recognition as a consistent producer of ultra-premium wine.  Consequently it has attracted the attention of leading winemakers from other regions.

Croatian immigrants planted the first vines in this region in the 1860’s. These vines were planted especially for refreshments for the diggers working in the near-by gold fields. However, the more recent vineyards contributing to today's viticulture industry were established from the 1970's.

This region has a continental climate, with cool winters and rain falling predominantly in the winter, autumn and spring months. The summer's hot dry days but cool nights provide ideal ripening conditions, distinguishing the Hilltops from many other renowned viticultural regions in Australia.

 Vineyards are found at altitudes of 450m to 600m above sea level, contributing to the high diurnal temperature range. The rich terra rossa soils of the region are another important factor enhancing the quality of the Hilltops wines.


Grape Varieties

Varieties grown in the region include:
Reds

- Barbera
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Corvina
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Gris
- Rondinella
- Sangiovese
- Tempranillo
- Shiraz
- Zinfandel



Whites

- Chardonnay
- Gewurztraminer
-
Riesling
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
-
Viognier

 

 

Vital Statistics

Young Post Office Weather Station 1871-1991

Map coordinates

34° 19’S, 148° 18’E

Altitude

450 m (1476 feet)

Heat degree days

1627, (cut off at 19ºC (66.2ºF) but otherwise not adjusted)

Sunshine hours, Oct-Apr

2041 (Gladstones)

Annual rainfall

654 mm (26 inches)

Growing season rainfall

355 mm (14 inches)

Mean January temperature

22.95 °C (72.5°F)

Relative humidity, Oct-Apr, 3 pm

Average 38%

Harvest

Late Feb – May