Yarrawa Estate
Nestled in the picturesque Upper Kangaroo Valley of New South Wales, Yarrawa Estate is a boutique winery that offers a unique and intimate wine tasting experience. Established in 1998 by Susan and Mark Foster, this family-run vineyard has become a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts seeking a blend of exceptional wines and breathtaking scenery.
Location and Setting
Yarrawa Estate is situated on a remote escarpment, providing visitors with stunning views of the lush Kangaroo Valley and its rugged sandstone cliffs. The journey to the estate is an adventure in itself, as you follow wooden signs winding upwards from Kangaroo Valley village. The estate's hillside location, combined with the region's temperate climate and rich volcanic soil, creates an ideal environment for viticulture.
Vineyard and Produce
The Fosters have cultivated a diverse range of crops on their 2.5-hectare property, including:
Wine grapes: Verdelho, Chardonnay, Chambourcin, Shiraz, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon
Nut trees: Macadamia, Walnut, and Pecan
Fruit trees: Citrus, Chinese raisin, Avocado, and Kiwi
This variety allows Yarrawa Estate to offer not only exceptional wines but also a range of homemade products, including jams, pickles, and nuts.
Wine Selection
Yarrawa Estate produces a diverse range of wines that showcase the unique terroir of the Shoalhaven Coast. Some notable varieties include:
Chambourcin: A spray-free, hand-picked red wine known for its crunchy red fruit flavors and peppery notes
Chardonnay: Aged in new French Oak barrels, offering a rich, buttery bouquet with cellaring potential of up to 10 years
Verdelho: Featuring a tropical fruit bouquet and fresh finish
Shiraz: The 2017 vintage is praised for its balance and lingering spicy finish, with cellaring potential of up to 15 years
The estate also produces unique blends and specialty wines:
Danielle Jane Shiraz: A Cabernet Merlot blend with spicy cherry notes
Jasmin Grace: Notable for its muscatel overtones and exotic aromas
Sparkling Chambourcin: Crafted in the traditional méthode champenoise style
Walnut Liqueur Wine: A specialty offering that combines the estate's wine and nut production
Cellar Door Experience
The cellar door at Yarrawa Estate offers an intimate and welcoming tasting experience. Highlights include:
Setting: The tasting room is located in the Fosters' dining room, creating a homely atmosphere
Tastings: Visitors can enjoy a flight of selected wines for $15 per person
Cheese Platters: Available for purchase to complement the wine tasting, featuring Sue's homemade delicacies
Views: On sunny days, guests can enjoy their tasting outside, overlooking the small lake and valley
Yarrawa Estate provides wine lovers with a genuine and personal wine tasting experience in a stunning natural setting. The combination of high-quality wines, homemade local produce, and the warm hospitality of the Foster family makes this hidden gem in Kangaroo Valley a memorable destination for any wine enthusiast.