Hawkesbury, New South Wales, is part of the diverse wine scene in New South Wales, which includes 14 unique wine regions with varying climates and grape varieties. New South Wales features a wide range of climatic conditions, from coastal areas with mild temperatures to warmer inland regions, boasting some of Australia's highest vineyards.
Shiraz is the most widely planted grape variety in New South Wales, covering nearly 40,000 hectares, followed by varietals like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Hunter Valley is renowned for its distinctive Semillon style, known for its crisp acidity and citrus aromas when harvested early and bottled young.
Climate change and drought present challenges to wine production in New South Wales, especially in warmer inland areas like Riverina. Water scarcity from dwindling reserves in the Snowy Mountains basin has made irrigation financially unviable for some growers. Despite these obstacles, the state's wine industry continues to innovate and adapt, exploring new grape varieties suited to drier conditions to ensure its longevity.