The Tumbarumba wine region is located in Southern New South Wales. It has a cool climate and a high level of annual rainfall. Due to the region's colder climate, the majority of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are used for sparkling wine
However, when conditions allow, both grape varieties have been used to produce still wine. The GI is 3,007 km2 in size and has a total of 214 hectares of vineyards. The main varieties grown in the region are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
214 ha
Total Vineyard Area
-36.346
Latitude (southernmost point)
209-1290m
Altitude
469mm
Growing season rainfall
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the most important variety in Tumbarumba producing elegant wines with fresh acidity and restrained flavours of peach and citrus. It is also used as a base for top quality sparkling wine.
Top varieties grown in Tumbarumba
Climate
- Tumbarumba's climate is cool but no more so than the climate of the Yarra Valley. There are a number of other factors that affect the region’s climate: high sunshine hours with brilliant light, cold summer nights and a late start to the growing season.
- Frost is an ever-present viticultural threat and its presence dictates the necessity for careful site selection and management.
- Extremely cold night temperatures can cause problems and, as such, elevation is a significant factor in determining varietal choice.
Soil
- These are typical high mountain soils, derived from decomposed granite and basalt, with a typically gritty and granular texture.
- The choice of viticultural site is chiefly determined by aspect and slope (sufficiently steep to promote good air drainage at night and thus minimise the risk of frost).