Australia’s cool-climate regions are gaining world-wide pre-eminence. One such region is the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. The wines from this region have distinctive characters, elegance and varietal definition traditionally found in the world’s classiest most elegant wines. There is evidence that the regions first vines were planted at Throsby Park near Moss Vale during the mid 1800's by Dr. Charles Throsby. It has been in the last fifteen years that serious plantings have been undertaken. The current resurgence in vineyard development has occurred over a short period when recently the Geographical Indications Committee (GIC) of the Australian Wine Board declared that it was a viticultural region of cool-climate significance.The region now boasts some 60 vineyards and eight wineries, many with exciting cellar door facilities. A booming tourist destination just an hour down the M5 from Sydney Airport lies potentially one of the most exciting wine destinations in NSW. The Southern Highlands is yet to determine its best varieties, (that’s how new it is!) early indications of outstanding wines from chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, riesling, pinot gris, pinot noir, merlot and some notable wines from cabernet sauvignon. The Southern Highlands has much to offer with an established tourism industry now complemented by an emerging cool climate wine region to be discovered. Come and experience it soon! For further info:       www.southern-highlands.com.au