Overview

Viticulture and winemaking in the Hastings River region date back to 1837 when the first vineyard was planted by Henry Fancourt White, a colonial surveyor. In the 1860s there were 33 vineyards in the area.

The Big Picture

The Australian wine industry declined in the early 1900s and, along with many other wine regions, production ceased in the Hastings Valley during that period.  After 60 years of non-productivity, in 1980 the Cassegrain family of French descent decided to expand into real estate and associated viticulture and winery interests.  Improbable though it seemed at the time, it has significantly expanded the viticultural map of Australia. In the course of meeting the unique climatic challenges of the region, the family pioneered new varieties and new ways of managing vineyards, and indirectly encouraged the development of other vineyards and wineries along the northern coast of New South Wales.

Hastings River Wine Region

Climate

The vineyards of the Hastings River are the only significant new plantings in Australia over the past 30 years not to have been supplemented with irrigation, simply because they have no need of it.  As well as being uncompromisingly warm, this is a region that combines high summer humidity and high rainfall. It is much affected by the tail end of tropical cyclones moving down the coast from Queensland, and by its proximity to the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. 

The best vintages are the driest; those in which the late summer rains are below average.  However, even in these circumstances the successful outcome of the vintage is dependent on split-second timing of the harvest and very careful management of the canopy.  The only assured solution has been the propagation of the French-bred hybrid Chambourcin, which is resistant to the mildews that otherwise pose a constant threat. 

Soil

The gently hilly terrain offers a wide choice of aspect that affords a response to, as well as the use of, prevailing winds, which are helpful in assisting disease control.  The soils vary greatly in fertility, depth and drainage capacity, spanning rich free-draining alluvial and red volcanic soils, and running from sandy through to heavy, water-resistant yellow clay; some are deep, while others overlie gravel or limestone.

Wines

Chardonnay: Chardonnay dominates plantings in the Hastings River and does well.  The style is not unlike a more expansive version of that of the Hunter; rich and generous in a peach and tropical fruit spectrum.  It lends itself to manipulation in the winery and to the expansive use of oak.  As might be expected, it matures relatively quickly but the wines from drier, better vintages can hold their peak for several years.

Semillon: The thin skins and large berries of Semillon make it especially vulnerable to the effects of vintage rain.  As in the Hunter, the saving grace is the unusual ability of the Semillon to produce excellent wine at lower than usual sugar (and hence alcohol) levels of around 10 degrees Baumé. Thus early picking is the appropriate response, for the wines show many of the characteristics of, and similar development to, those of the Hunter. As with Chardonnay, weight and intensity can be diluted in high yielding years.

Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot: Vintages such as 1991 and, to a lesser extent, 1993 show what can be achieved with these varieties (and also Shiraz).  The resulting wines are soft and quite fleshy, with abundant berry and earth flavours. Merlot, too, can be successfully made as a single varietal, though it is sometimes seen as a cross-regional blend.

Chambourcin: To the trained eye the intense purple colour of Chambourcin immediately signals its genetic ancestry and gives the wine a second use as a blend component where colour is thought necessary by the winemaker.  The flavour of Chambourcin is pronounced.  In its youth, it falls into the black cherry and plum range with occasional slight spicy and gamey overlays.  As a young, fresh wine it is among the best examples of hybrids produced anywhere in the world.

Vital Statistics

A Case In Point : Ian Adams, Bago Vineyards, Hastings River, NSW

"The Hastings River Region is situated approximately 400 kilometres north of Sydney and is a popular stopping place for people travelling between Brisbane and Sydney. The main towns  are Port Macquarie (a popular seaside resort town) and Wauchope. The population of the region is approximately 70,000.

"The region is steeped in tradition. Port Macquarie originally was settled as a penal colony, with Wauchope the commercial hub and centre of a bustling timber, rural and dairy industry. Grapes were first grown in the region in the early 1800s with some 35 vineyards/wineries stretching from the coast to Long Flat, about 60 kilometres west of Port Macquarie.

"There are many theories as to why the wine industry declined in the early to mid 20th century, with many believing this was due to the inability of our earlier winemakers to compete with the weather conditions that prevailed along the coast. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the wine industry in Hastings River re-emerged, with  pioneering wine families such as Cassegrain, Charley and Mobbs establishing vineyards.

"The challenges of competing with the temperate maritime climate and seasonal rain just prior to and during vintage had to be overcome. Varieties such as the resilient French hybrid Chambourcin were planted along with Chardonnay, Semillon, Verdelho and Merlot.  In more recent years, the region is becoming better known for its quality Verdelho, with the pioneering Chambourcin taking a back seat.

"Bago Vineyards (a family owned and operated vineyard and winery) continues to trial many new varieties such as Viognier, Tannat and Petit Verdot. The vineyard is somewaht unique in being nestled between state forests and a national park.

"Depending on the weather conditions, vintage in Hastings River commences between mid-January and late-January and continues throughout February and March. A number of smaller vineyards have emerged in the region over the past couple of years, with a small number also emerging in neighbouring districts.

"The Hastings River Region is renowned for its seafood and local produce, with farmers' markets almost a weekly event. The district is also known for its award-winning dairy products, particularly cheese manufacturing – both the hard/matured style and softer brie styles.

"The combination of wine and cheese along with fresh Hastings River oysters makes for an enjoyable visit to the vineyards in the Hastings."

Summary

Hastings River has a history of viticulture and winemaking that dates back to 1837.  Due to the location of the Hasting River vineyards, they are the only siginificant new plantings in Australia that have not been supplemented with an irrigation system. The main wine styles produced in the region include Chardonnay, Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot and Chambourcin.

Wineries, Cellar Doors & Vineyards

Bago Vineyards, Cassegrain Wines, Douglas Vale Wines,  Inneslake Vineyards, Long Point and Sherwood Estate.

If you would like to have your winery included in this list, please email awbc@awbc.com.au.