Similar to a mediteranean climate the Hunter Valley is one of the warmer grape growing regions in Australia but the gentle breezes from the Pacific Ocean help to maintain excellent growing conditions.
The grapes tends to ripen early and harvest begins in early January making the Hunter Valley the first major wine region to commence picking each vintage. The Shiraz grapes were sourced from the Upper Hunter Valley Norlana Vineyard in the subregion of Denman and the Tempranillo grapes were sourced from the Lower Hunter Valley Hunter Ridge Vineyard in the Subregion of Pokolbin.
Both varieties were machine harvested earlier in the season than other red varieties as lower sugar levels and hence alcohol levels are well suited to the production of Rosé wines.