The Hastings River wine region, located near Port Macquarie in the Northern Rivers Wine Zone, faces challenges due to its humid coastal climate with summer rainfall. Careful selection of grape varieties is essential, with traditional red wine grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz dominating production. The French Hybrid variety Chambourcin is prized for its resistance to humidity and rain during harvest, while Verdelho, Semillon, and the Villard Blanc hybrid also thrive in these conditions.
With six wineries spread over 13 hectares, the Hastings River region offers a balanced mix of red and white grape varieties. Semillon, Chambourcin, Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon are prominent choices, with larger wineries like Cassegrain Wines showcasing unique options such as Fiano, Gewürztraminer, Viognier, and Sangiovese. Smaller producers like Bago Vineyards feature alternatives like Savagnin and Verdelho.
Port Macquarie serves as the central point for the region, offering a range of accommodations and easy access to the scenic coastline. This makes it an appealing destination for tourists looking to explore local wineries and indulge in the vibrant food scene of the area.