History of Hastings River
Hastings River is a small, developing wine region situated in the Northern Rivers area of New South Wales. The region is located roughly 420 kilometres north of Sydney and 510 kilometres south of Brisbane. It is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Great Dividing Range. It spans 84 kilometres of coastline and is surrounded by rugged hinterland mountains and rainforests. The main clusters of vineyards are located in Port Macquarie and Wauchope.
The Hastings River region has been inhabited by the Birpai people for thousands of years. The river was first chartered by European explorers in 1818, and the region celebrated their bicentenary in 2021.
Early vignerons in the 1800s favoured planting the Isabella variety in the region. Now, the region is known for growing the classic grape varieties used in France. This includes Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chambourcin, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
1837
The first vineyard 'Clifton' was planted in the Hastings region by Yorkshire born colonial surveyor Henry Fancourt White. The area in Port Macquarie known as Clifton (and its main road Clifton Drive) is named after this vineyard.
1860
The region reached a peak of 33 established vineyards. The main variety they grew was Isabella, known for its use in making wine, and its notable labrusca flavour (musk). Douglas Vale continue to grow and use this grape in their Portobella fortified wine.
1920
Due to competition in other regions, shifts in taste, and difficulties with vineyard maintenance at that time, production had declined and ultimately ceased.
1981
Cassegrain Wines' first vines were planted by John Cassegrain, which was the first vineyard in the region for 60 years. This began John's mission to re-establish the Hastings River area as a wine region. Cassegrain Wines (known as "Cassegrain's Hastings Valley Winery" back then) was opened to the public 4 years later. By then, they had established 8 blocks, as well as Le Clos Sancrox, a 'Clos system of farming originating in France, where many small adjoining yet separately owned farms growing the same crop, are managed and run as on large production unit. They grew Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Shiraz, Traminer, Trebbiano, and Table Grapes.
1985
Bago Vineyards was established by Jim and Kay Mobbs, when they planted their first Chardonnay vines. As a part of Bago Gardens, they created Bago Maze. An award-winning attraction, which they are continuing to expand over the next few years.
1988
Innes Lake Vineyards vines were planted by Bob and Jim Charley, whose father previously farmed the estate as a pineapple and banana plantation. The estate was a vineyard roughly 100 years prior, which Bob and Jim wanted to recreate. They also host Little Fish Café, where you can dine overlooking the vineyards.
1994
Long Point Vineyard & Art Gallery was established, encompassing 12 acres and a homestead, 5 of which are under cultivation. Long Point’s wines are produced from grapes grown on their estate. They grow Chardonnay, Frontignac, Verdelho, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin and Tempranillo.
1995
Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard was re-opened. A conservation group was formed to ‘rescue’ the homestead and vineyard from disrepair. Their aim is to continue to preserve this iconic site as a working museum and vineyard for future generations. It is the only volunteer run property of its kind in Australia.
1999
The Hastings River Region was officially established as an Australian Geographic Indication, with roughly 500 acres (200 hectares) of planted vineyards, across six wineries. New vineyards in the Hastings River region are the only significant new plantings in Australia in the last 30 years not to be irrigated.