Hilltops

European graziers arrived in the Hilltops area in the 1830s, planting the earliest seeds of viticulture. The gold rush of 1860 brought Croatian immigrant Nichole Jasprizza, who established a wine business in the region. By 1900, Croatian families owned 600 acres of orchards and vineyards, cementing a wine culture that would persist for generations. The modern era began in 1969 when Peter Robertson planted vines at Barwang. The Hilltops Vineyards Association held its first meeting on 4 August 1983, and the region was subsequently recognised as a separate Geographical Indication following a formal submission.

• European settlers arrived in the 1830s; Croatian immigrants shaped early winemaking from the 1860s
• Modern viticulture began in 1969 with Peter Robertson's plantings at Barwang
• Hilltops Vineyards Association formed in 1983; GI status followed shortly after
• Italian varieties expanded significantly from the early 2000s onwards

Hilltops occupies the south-western slopes of the Great Dividing Range, centred on the towns of Young, Harden, and Boorowa. The continental climate delivers cool winters, warm summers, and dry conditions through summer and autumn. Vineyards sit predominantly above 450 metres, with an average elevation of around 500 metres. Spring rainfall supports high-quality viticulture, while the longer, cooler spring and autumn compared to hotter Australian regions allows full phenolic ripeness to develop without sacrificing freshness. Spring frost is a genuine risk, particularly for early-budding varieties like Merlot.

• Cool continental climate with dry summers and autumns; spring frost risk present
• Elevation mostly above 450 metres, averaging approximately 500 metres
• Longer spring and autumn seasons allow phenolic ripeness to develop gradually
• Centred on Young, Harden, and Boorowa in southern New South Wales

The soils of Hilltops are defined by dark red granitic clay with basalt and red granite loam. These free-draining, iron-rich soils are well suited to the production of structured red wines and contribute to the region's signature intensity of flavour. The granitic base is consistent across much of the GI, providing good mineral character to both reds and whites.

• Primary soils are dark red granitic clay with basalt
• Red granite loam is also found across the region
• Free-draining, iron-rich soils support structured reds and flavour intensity

Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are the region's signature red varieties, producing wines with black pepper character, full palates, and genuine elegance from the cool continental conditions. Chardonnay and Semillon represent the leading whites, with crisp profiles suited to the altitude and climate. What makes Hilltops truly distinctive is its embrace of Italian and Spanish varieties. Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Barbera, Montepulciano, Sagrantino, Aleatico, and Fiano all feature, along with the unique plantings at Freeman Vineyards: Australia's only known Corvina, Rondinella, and Furmint. Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Prosecco round out a remarkably diverse portfolio.

• Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are the flagship reds; peppery, full, and elegant in style
• Italian varieties including Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Barbera, and Sagrantino are well established
• Freeman Vineyards grows Australia's only known Corvina, Rondinella, and Furmint
• White wines show crisp, cool-climate profiles from Chardonnay, Riesling, and Semillon

The Hilltops GI has more than 20 vineyards in operation. Freeman Vineyards is internationally recognised for its Italian varieties and unique plantings. Grove Estate, Barwang Wines, Chalkers Crossing, and Collector Wines are among the most prominent names. Ballinaclash, Woodonga Hill, Boydell's, Corang Estate, Lambs Valley Wines, and MADA complete a diverse producer landscape that spans value-focused and premium tiers.

• Freeman Vineyards is the benchmark for Italian varieties in the region
• Barwang Wines traces its roots to the modern era's founding 1969 plantings
• Chalkers Crossing and Collector Wines are recognised premium producers
• Over 20 vineyards operate across the GI