Hunter Valley Wines: Classic Semillon, Savoury Shiraz and Chardonnay from New South Wales

Why Does Hunter Valley Semillon Age So Well?

Hunter Valley Semillon ages so well because it is picked early, with fresh natural acidity and low sugar, and usually made without oak. Young wines are light, bone dry and crisp, with lemon, lime and lemongrass, often at only around 10 to 11% alcohol.

With time in bottle, something remarkable happens. The wine develops notes of toast, honey and nuts that taste as if it had been aged in oak, while keeping its fresh acidity.

That is why some producers release Semillon with bottle age, such as the Brokenwood ILR Reserve Semillon, while the Tyrrell's Hunter Valley Semillon shows the fresh young style.

Hunter Valley Shiraz

Hunter Valley Shiraz is medium bodied and savoury, with red berries, earth and leather, and fine, gentle tannins. It is more elegant than the powerful Shiraz of South Australia and can develop beautifully over many years. Compare it with other regions in our Shiraz collection.

Chardonnay, Verdelho and New Grapes

The Hunter has a special place in Chardonnay history: Tyrrell's 1971 Vat 47 Pinot Chardonnay was one of Australia's first commercial Chardonnays. Today Hunter Valley Chardonnay is fresh and fine, with stone fruit and subtle oak.

Hunter Valley Verdelho is another local tradition, fruity and easy to love, made by producers such as Capercaillie and Two Rivers. Newer grapes show how the region keeps evolving, from Hunter Valley Tempranillo to Albariño, Vermentino and Barbera.

You will also find sparkling wine from Tyrrell's, a dry rosé such as the Brokenwood Rosato and a light, sweet sparkling Moscato from Two Rivers.

Pokolbin, Broke Fordwich or Upper Hunter?

Each part of the Hunter has its own style. Pokolbin is its heart, home to most of the famous cellar doors.

Broke Fordwich, to the west, is known for fine Semillon and Chardonnay, including Margan's Fordwich Hill wines. The Upper Hunter Valley, further inland, makes generous whites and reds, like those from Two Rivers.

Hunter Valley Wine Brands in Our Range

Tyrrell's, family owned since 1858, is our largest Hunter Valley producer, followed by Bimbadgen, Margan and Brokenwood, founded in 1970 by three Sydney solicitors, among them James Halliday, who later became a well known wine writer.

You will also find Two Rivers, Meerea Park, Dalwood Estate, Silkman and organic wines from Tamburlaine.

Serving and Food Pairing

Serve young Semillon well chilled at 6 to 8 degrees, aged Semillon and Chardonnay at 10 to 12 degrees, and Shiraz at 16 to 18 degrees. Semillon is perfect with oysters, prawns and fish, while Hunter Shiraz suits roast lamb, duck or mushroom dishes.

What Wine Is the Hunter Valley Famous For? Your Questions, Answered

What wine is the Hunter Valley famous for?

Semillon above all, followed by Shiraz and Chardonnay. Verdelho is a long standing local favourite too.

Is Hunter Valley Semillon dry?

Yes, classic Hunter Semillon is bone dry. A few producers also make sweet, late harvest or botrytis styles, but these are clearly labelled.

Hunter Valley or Mudgee?

Both are in New South Wales. The Hunter is warmer and more humid and is famous for Semillon and elegant Shiraz, while Mudgee, higher up and drier, is better known for fuller reds.

Why Buy Hunter Valley Wine at YourWines?

From a crisp young Semillon for summer to a cellar aged Shiraz for a special dinner, you can buy Hunter Valley wine online for every occasion and budget.

Every wine is chosen by our team, available by the dozen or as a six-pack, and shipping is free Australia wide with a surcharge for WA, TAS and remote areas.