NSW is the spiritual center and soul of Australian fine wine production and the second largest wine �state.� Within New South Wales there are two areas of primary importance, plus assorted smaller areas.

Mudgee: Mudgee, which means �little mound� in Aborigine, is located at a moderate elevation and is best known for deep red, earthy Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, though it also produces many other varietals including Chardonnay, Riesling and Semillon. It has its own self-imposed AOC system.

Hunter Valley: Commercial Australian winemaking first thrived here in 1825. �The Hunter,� as it�s known locally, is 100 miles from Sydney, the best known of NSW�s wine districts and a popular tourist destination. The lower Hunter Valley is hot and damp and frankly better suited for cattle than grapes. Nonetheless it is known for Semillon, Shiraz and Chardonnay. The Upper Hunter Valley also produces Chardonnay, Semillon, and others; the dry whites are known for their richness and depth.

Riverina: Also known as the MIA (Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area), Riverina produces large quantities of bulk wine and lots of everything else as well (Chardonnay, Riesling, sparkling wine and Cabernet Sauvignon). The district has been producing since the early 1900�s.

Other New South Wales: Other NSW wine-producing areas include Cowra (several hours west of Sydney), Port Stephens, Camden and Canberra, with many boutique wineries dotted throughout.