Regional Hero ~ Semillon

The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine growing region. Vines were first planted in the area in the early 1820’s from cuttings brought by James Busby, the father of Australian wine.

Today the Hunter Valley is home to some of Australia’s most distinctive and outstanding wines. The most recognised of these is Hunter Valley Semillon, a truly remarkable wine that has been called ‘Australia’s unique gift to the world’. A standout in terms of quality and taste, Hunter Valley Semillon is the product of techniques, skills and processes that have developed over 150 years of winemaking in the Hunter Valley as well as through the inspiring work of famous winemakers and winemaking families such as the legendary Maurice O’Shea and the Tyrrells, Draytons and Tullochs.

From its early days, when it was known as Hunter River Riesling, the variety formed a unique bond with the Hunter Valley. So strong is this affiliation with its ‘terroir’ that the style has not been replicated anywhere else in the world. When young, Hunter Valley Semillon is deliciously crisp with abundant citrus aromas and flavours that pair magnificently with seafood. With age Hunter Valley Semillon develops its unique complex toast, vanilla and honey flavours, giving it depth and richness.

Since the beginning, Hunter Valley Semillon has attracted much attention with Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Semillon being named an icon wine for Wine Australia’s regional heroes marketing strategy. Also being the reigning NSW Wine of the Year with the 2006 Audrey Wilkinson Museum Reserve Semillon.

The Hunter Valley is also known for producing outstanding Shiraz and for its development of innovative new varieties and styles such as Tempranillo.