Climate of NSW
An overview of the climate of the major wine regions in NSW
Hunter Valley
The Hunter Valley wine region experiences a warm, temperate climate, making it ideal for grape growing. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures often reaching into the high 30s°C, while winters are mild, with cooler evenings and occasional rainfall. The region benefits from a mix fertile soils and varying elevations, contributing to the diverse range of wines produced here. Overall, the climate supports a long growing season, allowing grapes to develop rich flavours and aromas.
Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands wine region of New South Wales is defined by its cool-climate conditions, thanks to its elevated position between 500 and 900 metres above sea level. Summers are mild, winters are cold with frequent frosts and the occasional snowfall, and rainfall is relatively high compared to other NSW regions, falling fairly evenly throughout the year. This combination of altitude and moisture creates a long, slow ripening season, allowing grapes to develop delicate flavours while retaining natural acidity. The climate particularly favours cool-climate varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Gris, with sparkling wines emerging as a regional specialty. Overall, the Southern Highlands offers a growing environment more reminiscent of Europe than much of Australia, producing elegant wines with freshness and finesse.
Orange
The climate of the Orange Wine Region in NSW is characterised by a cool to temperate climate, making it ideal for viticulture. With warm and cool winters, the region experiences significant diurnal temperature variation, which helps to produce high-quality grapes with vibrant acidity and rich flavors. The area receives moderate rainfall, ensuring that the vineyards thrive while still benefiting from plenty of sunshine Overall, the climate contributes to the unique terroir that defines the wines of Orange.
Mudgee
The Mudgee wine region in New South Wales experiences a warm, continental climate shaped by its inland location and elevation of around 450–600 metres above sea level. Summers are hot and dry, with long hours of sunshine that encourage full ripening, while winters are cool to cold, providing the vines with a clear dormancy period. Rainfall is relatively low and concentrated in summer storms, meaning irrigation is often important for consistent yields. The warm days are balanced by cooler nights, which help to maintain acidity and structure in the grapes. This climate is particularly well-suited to robust red varieties such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, as well as fuller-bodied Chardonnays, giving Mudgee wines their characteristic richness, depth, and intensity.
Riverina
The Riverina wine region in New South Wales has a warm to hot climate with long, dry summers and mild winters, making it one of Australia’s most reliable grape-growing areas. Its inland location means rainfall is low and irregular, so irrigation from the Murrumbidgee River system is essential for consistent yields. The abundance of sunshine ensures grapes ripen fully, producing generous flavours and high natural sugar levels, while the dry conditions help minimise disease pressure. This climate supports large-scale production of a wide range of varieties, but the region is especially renowned for rich, botrytised Semillon dessert wines, alongside popular reds such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon and widely planted Chardonnay.