Brian Freeman one of the Hilltops winemakers featured… The global wine magazine Decanter has recently published an in-depth profile on dual NSW wine regions – the Hilltops and Orange – ‘fast proving their cool credentials.’ The Decanter GI feature article highlights our vignerons’ innovative approach to viticulture, and the Hilltops newer plantings of fiano, prosecco, […]
TWO HILLTOPS VINEYARDS FINALISTS IN VINEYARD OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2024 The vignerons of the NSW Hilltops are mid-harvest Vintage 2024, filling bins with top-quality flavour-packed ripe grapes destined for myriad wines. It’s that time of year when precision and sustainable viticulture pays dividends. Two cornerstone Hilltops vineyards have particular reason to feel […]
The HILLTOPS WINE OF THE YEAR 2023 has been awarded to Moppity Lock & Key Shiraz 2022 a wine that also impressed the judges of the 2023 Canberra & Region Show where it won the highly contested Shiraz Trophy. The same wine scored a Gold Medal at the 2023 NSW Wine Awards. ‘We’ve had […]
Making your mark at wine shows can be an elusive challenge for winemakers but those glittering medals do matter, even more so the ‘Best of Class’ trophies. And there is plenty that sparkles for happy Hilltops vignerons and winemakers from the recent NSW Wine Awards 2023 and the Canberra & Region Wine Show 2023. […]
One of the Hilltops region’s pioneering vineyards BARWANG has just launched a quartet of wines from the excellent 2022 vintage. The Barwang vineyard was originally established in the late 1960’s by Peter Robertson and hosts some of the oldest vines in the region. The property was purchased last year by the Bowman family, 6th generation […]
Planning a wine discovery road trip? Well, we can’t think of a better destination than the NSW Hilltops wine region around Young. And to prime your palate we recommend listening to this Winederlust Podcast with Jeanene Kennedy who interviews Brian Freeman (FREEMAN Vineyards), Tom Mullany (Ballinaclash) and Jane Adams (Hilltops Wine) Wine tastings are offered […]
It might be cherry season but there are many other memorable wine and food diversions if your destination is the NSW Hilltops region near Young. ABC presenter Sally Bryant speaks to Jane Adams about Hilltops cool climate wines and local produce and Young’s new wine bar restaurant and providore store… Start in at 2.36mins to […]
Not long now till The Cranfield swings open its grand front door to reveal Young’s new go-to ‘love local’ destination – wine bar, restaurant and providore store. Named after significant Young citizen, one-time mayor and brewer George Cranfield, and housed in the stylishly transformed grand 1888 Masonic Hall, it is destined to draw wine lovers […]
Hats off and loud clapping for Hungerford Hill Hilltops Tempranillo 2022, winner of the Peter Robertson Perpetual Trophy for Hilltops Wine of the Year 2022 and winner of the Best Hilltops Region Wine Trophy at the Canberra and Region Wine Show 2022 (CRWS). More applause too for another Hilltops Associate wine Allandale Pinot Gris 2022 […]
Hilltops Associates keep the Hilltops flag flying high with dual Trophy wins at the 2022 Australian Highlands Wine Show. The Best Cabernet Trophy was won by the already applauded Corang Estate Hilltops Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, while the Best Shiraz Trophy went to Hungerford Hill Hilltops Shiraz 2021. Hilltops Associates are wine companies selectively sourcing […]
NSW Wine has just announced the 2022 Wine Award Winners… among them several Hilltops Wine members and Hilltops Associates (who source their tip-top quality grapes from the region). Drum roll for Gold Medallists: * Corang Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 * Grove Estate Rose 2022 * Grove Estate Nebbiolo Sommita 2019 * Hungerford Hill Wines Tempranillo […]
At the recent annual AGM the members of Hilltops Wine elected Brian Mullany of Grove Estate the incoming President of Hilltops Wine to replace Brian Freeman, of FREEMAN Vineyards. Brian Mullany is a strong advocate of the Hilltops region and will be supported by Peter Creyke (Vice President) and Eris Gleeson, Burrangong Ridge (Treasurer).
NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show 2022 celebrates the state’s best wines and their artisan makers. Corks are popping for two Hilltops Associates Trophy Winners – Corang Estate Hilltops Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 and Hungerford Hill Wines Hilltops Tempranillo Graciano. Other high flyers are Hungerford Hill Tempranillo 2021 (Gold), Ballinaclash Wines & Fruit Jack Jack Shiraz 2021 […]
The Real Review crew annual TOP AUSTRALIAN WINERIES ratings are just out. The list is impressive and long and includes three Hilltops wine companies – FREEMAN Vineyards, Grove Estate and Moppity Vineyards. That’s punching high considering the Real Review list represents the Top 18% creme de la creme of our nation’s wine companies. The rating […]
SAVOUR HILLTOPS WINE 2022 has been postponed due to current public health concerns. Hilltops Wine will monitor the situation and is committed to hosting several ‘Savour Hilltops’ Canberra activities this year. Check back here for more details…
Gourmet Traveller Wine has just announced its annual national awards for Australia’s TOP CELLAR DOORS. Winner of STAR CELLAR DOOR and BEST TASTING EXPERIENCE goes to… FREEMAN VINEYARDS a family winery that specialises in wines made from Italian origin varieties. The flagship FREEMAN Secco made from Australia’s original plantings of Rondinella and Corvina leads a […]
The Hilltops Region (near Young) in NSW is increasingly seen as Australia’s ‘Little Italy’…for grapes. Think Nebbiolo and Sangiovese, Rondinella and Corvina – and most recently Fiano. Hear more about the origins of the region’s affinity for these varieties and wines on this podcast. Compere Jillian Upton of The Australian Wine Show talks with […]
Hilltops Wine Awards 2021: Winners of Peter Robertson Trophy – Jill and Michael Bynon, Corang Estate. HILLTOPS HERO 2021 WINE OF THE YEAR – CORANG ESTATE HILLTOPS SHIRAZ 2019 The Hilltops wine region is arguably best known for its shiraz grapes and wines, and again this year the variety triumphed at the 2021 Hilltops Wine […]
Heading to the NSW Hilltops for fresh air, wide open spaces and some wine exploring? Wine Tastings for all NSW residents (and hopefully soon all interstate travellers) recommence at our friendly Cellar Doors during November. All require pre-booking, have Covid-Safe Plans and require guests to be double-vaxed. Ballinaclash: Open from 13 Nov – Christmas. FREEMAN […]
Seeking alternatives for a NSW mini-break? Well, DELICIOUS magazine has a suggestion. And it hasn’t anything to do with tulips… The 20th birthday edition features a come hither travel story entreating readers to head to the #HilltopsRegion… to explore winding country roads, rustic Cellar Doors, Pick-Your-Own Fruit, great pubs, cafés, bakeries…comfy cottages…bush walks… What are […]
The Real Review has just published its annual TOP VALUE Australian Wine List… and loud clapping is deserved for several Hilltops wine producers. The big gongs go to FREEMAN Vineyards and Grove Estate for topping their varietal categories, wines chosen from producers across Australia rated best value up to $25. NO.1 TOP VALUE Rosé: FREEMAN […]
HILLTOPS WINE announces a new partnership with both ACT and NSW based wine companies that feature Hilltops GI wines in their portfolios. The new Wine Associates all market wines from the Hilltops Region. Eligible wines are required to be made from grapes sourced from the Hilltops Region (85%) and must carry the denomination Hilltops on […]
The Hilltops Vineyards Association AGM this week re-elected Brian Freeman, founder of FREEMAN Vineyards, as President. His report highlighted both the achievements and challenges of 2021 – characterful wines from the 2021 vintage, followed by an unusually wet autumn and winter impacting pruning work. New viticulture research was flagged as were plans for reinvigoration of […]
The Hilltops Region may constitute just 2% of NSW vineyards but according to sommelier Samantha Payne the region is nothing less than “small but mighty.” Punching enough weight to score a double-page spread in this month’s Australian Gourmet Traveller. Samantha’s Top 5 Picks include estate grown #FREEMANSecco2015 and #MoppityEscalierShiraz2014, and three wines crafted from Hilltops […]
Loud clapping deserved for the three NSW Hilltops wine companies that made the top tier grade in the just announced prestigious 2021 Real Review AUSTRALIAN TOP WINERIES collection. They are FREEMAN Vineyards, specialising in Italian inspired wines, Grove Estate that also features Nebbiolo in its portfolio and Moppity Vineyards. Another indicator that the Hilltops cool […]
Gourmet Traveller Wine annually awards Australia’s Top Cellar Doors… and the 2021 Hilltops NSW winners are: STAR Cellar Door: Ballinaclash BEST TASTING EXPERIENCE: Freeman Vineyards BEST LARGE Cellar Door: Grove Estate BEST SMALL Cellar Door: Trandari Be sure to visit the Hilltops wine region soon where the welcomes are warm!
Fortunately the recent severe weather system largely skirted the NSW Hilltops Region. The white varieties had already been harvested, with vignerons reporting good quality and yields for pinot gris, chardonnay and prosecco. And the earlier ripening reds like tempranillo were also already in the tank. Other red grapes had been picked for making rosés. According […]
Hilltops vignerons are among grape growers innovating to accommodate changing climate. And one white variety that is showing serious promise is Fiano [fee-ah-no]. An immigrant from southern Italy, it is acknowledged as a versatile variety that likes the Hilltops region terroir and elevation. The regional news website The Riot-ACT has just published an article looking […]
The year is ending on a high for Ballinaclash. Yes, another trophy for the Ballinaclash Tom Cabernet Sauvignon 2019! This time at the 2020 ANZ Boutique Wine Show where it topped the jam-packed Cabernat Sauvignon class that attracted over 80 entries. Two other Hilltops cabernets from Moppity Vineyards garnered Silver Medals. Better than baubles on […]
Rhymes with piano… Fiano is a southern Italian grape variety that is tweaking curious wine palates, and inevitably those of innovative grape growers. A recent industry seminar focused on Fiano, and its impressive suitability to Australian terroir, especially in elevated regions like the NSW Hilltops. Small plantings already exist in the Hilltops and several wines […]
Drum roll… Hilltops Wines make their mark in the just announced 2020 Real Review Top Value Australian Wines. The Real Review team has tasted thousands of wines over the past year and selected those that represent best value based on quality and price. And Hilltops wines punch well above their weight! These 12 terrific wines […]
The 2020 NSW Wine Awards have just been announced and Chair of Judges Dave Brookes has given the nod to the top quality of Hilltops Cabernet Sauvignon. The Riedel Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded to Ballinaclash Tom Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, which also stood stall in the 2020 Hilltops Wine Awards where it won […]
Every year the vignerons and winemakers of the NSW Hilltops celebrate the excellence of the wines of their region at the Hilltops Wine Show and the Wine of the Year is recognised by the award of the Peter Robertson Trophy. The 2020 Hilltops Wine of the Year has been won by the McWilliam’s prestige portfolio […]
The 2020 NSW Wine Awards have tallied the scores and just announced the Gold Medal winners. From the HILLTOPS the bling goes to… Ballinaclash 2019 Tom Cabernet Sauvignon Ballinaclash 2018 John Shiraz Hungerford Hill 2018 Corvina McWilliam’s 2018 1877 Shiraz McWilliam’s 2019 480 Shiraz Trophy winner announcement yet to come… 23 October.
Regional champion the Sir George Hotel in Jugiong is determined their guests take home happy memories (and some wine) when they head to the Hilltops region for a break away…
The Hilltops region may be best known for its Shiraz and Cabernet, but increasingly its Italian varieties are shining bright. Latest top performer is FREEMAN Nebbiolo 2016 rated No.4 in Australia’s Top 2016 Nebbiolos by The Real Review. ‘A very smart Nebb…’ says wine writer Huon Hooke who commends its bouquet ‘earthy, meaty and forward, […]
Hilltops Inc., the representative organisation for the NSW Hilltops wine region, has a new President, Brian Freeman, vigneron, winemaker and proprietor of FREEMAN Vineyards. Brian was previously professor of wine science at Charles Sturt University and established his family vineyard in the Hilltops region near Young in 1999. Brian has taught many Australian winemakers and […]
Grove Estate Wines has received national recognition in a wine magazine for a fifth straight year. Owners Brian and Suellen Mullany were hugely pleased to receive the Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine’s award for the star cellar door in the Hilltops and Tumbarumba region. Click here to read article in Young Witness
Young vignerons Peter and Cath Mullany from Ballinaclash orchard and cellar door have won the coveted Peter Robertson Trophy for the ‘Hilltops Wine of the Year’. Click to read article in the Young Witness