Hinterland Wine Company is the county's sparkling wine specialist, and a visit is a good way to see a different side of the local wine scene. The winery is at 1258 Closson Road near Hillier, the same road as Closson Chase, and began making sparkling wine in 2007 after three years of observing its vineyards and the way the fruit ripened in the county's cool, limestone-rich conditions. Sparkling wine is a natural fit for the region, since high acidity and restrained ripeness are exactly what a good bubbly wants. The winery's range includes traditional-method sparkling, made with a second fermentation in the bottle in the style of Champagne, along with other sparkling styles. A tasting room is open daily, and visitors can taste a small flight of wines before buying bottles to take home. The setting is simple and unfussy, which makes it a relaxed place to spend an hour.
What to do
Taste the sparkling wines in the tasting room and ask the staff to explain the difference between the styles, which can be a useful lesson if you are used to still wines. Traditional-method sparkling wines are aged on their lees, which gives them a toasty, bready character, while lighter, fruitier sparkling wines are made to be enjoyed young.
Buy a bottle for the evening or to take home, and consider a cooler bag if you plan to travel on. Sparkling wine is also a good match for the county's food, from oysters and cheese to simple picnic lunches, and a bottle is easy to carry on a day of wine stops.
Seasons and planning
The tasting room is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, and groups of six or more need to reserve by contacting the winery. Hours can change around holidays and events, so check the winery's website before you go. Tastings are charged by the sample, so it is easy to taste a few wines at modest cost, and you should check the site for current prices rather than rely on a figure here.
Weekends are busier, and midweek visits are calmer and more relaxed. If you are driving, plan a designated driver or hire a local tour, since the distances between wineries add up quickly.
Fitting it in
Allow about an hour for a tasting and a short chat, or longer if you buy a bottle and linger. Because Hinterland sits on Closson Road, it is only a couple of minutes from Closson Chase, and the two make a natural pair, one known for still Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and the other for bubbles. Norman Hardie and Huff Estates are a short drive away, so a four-winery day is possible if you start early and keep a steady pace.
In the cooler months the tasting room is a warm, quiet place to spend an hour, and sparkling wine suits a celebration at any time of year, from a birthday to a holiday dinner. Ask the staff which bottle they would open for a particular occasion, and whether any limited bottlings are on hand, since small producers often have wines that do not reach shops.
What to expect
The experience
A tasting room pouring small flights of sparkling wine, with bottles to take home.
Best time
Daily from 11 am to 5 pm; weekdays are calmer, and the tasting room is a warm stop in the cooler months.
How long
About an hour for a tasting and a chat.
Tips
Reserve for groups of six or more, plan a designated driver and check the winery's site for current tasting fees and hours.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Sparkling wine fans and anyone who wants a change from the county's still wines.
- Families
- The focus is tasting, so it suits adults better than young children.
- Couples
- Share a flight, buy a bottle for the evening and add Closson Chase next door on the road.
- Pair with
- Closson Chase on the same road, Norman Hardie and Huff Estates.
- Time needed
- About an hour, plus a short drive between wineries.
Good questions
What is Hinterland known for?+
Sparkling wine, including traditional-method bottlings, made from county-grown grapes. The winery began making sparkling wine in 2007.
Where is Hinterland Wine Company?+
At 1258 Closson Road near Hillier, on the same road as Closson Chase Vineyards.
What are the tasting room hours?+
Daily from 11 am to 5 pm. Check the winery's website before you go, since hours can change around holidays and events.
Do I need to book a tasting?+
Groups of six or more need to reserve by contacting the winery. Smaller parties can usually drop in, but confirm on the day.
Can I buy wine to take home?+
Yes, bottles are sold at the winery. Bring a cooler bag if you are travelling on.
