Coffs Harbour, located in the North Coast region of New South Wales (NSW), offers visitors a chance to taste some of the state's best cool climate wines. The area features several wineries, including Raleigh Vineyard and Winery, located south of Coffs Harbour on the banks of the Bellinger River, and Red Tail Wines. The North Coast wine region of NSW is known for its cool climate varietals, making it ideal for growing grapes used in sparkling, chardonnay, and pinot noir production.
The North Coast wine region stretches from Port Macquarie in the south to the Queensland border in the north, covering around 7,000 square kilometers. Its diverse terrain ranges from subtropical rainforests to rolling hills and valleys, providing a variety of microclimates suitable for viticulture.
Raleigh Vineyard and Winery, one of the notable wineries in the region, sits along the Bellinger River, offering both river and mountain views. Their focus lies on creating fine, cool-climate wines using traditional methods. Another nearby option is Red Tail Wines, which boasts a range of handcrafted boutique wines made from locally sourced fruit.
In addition to the North Coast region, NSW hosts twelve distinct wine regions, each with its unique characteristics and climates. These regions vary from the cool alpine vineyards to warm coastal estates, allowing for a broad spectrum of wine styles and types. Among these regions, the Riverina is known for producing fortified wines, particularly Botrytis Semillon, along with excellent Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. Some top wineries in the Riverina include McWilliam's Wines, Calabria Family Wines, and Lillypilly Estate.
When visiting wineries in NSW, it's recommended to ask questions, take your time tasting the wines, and identify the different flavors and aromas in each sample. Winery staff are usually happy to share information about their products and the winemaking process.