Each region needs a flag-bearer and the Southern Highlands has Centennial Vineyards as its showpiece. It’s an integrated winery, cellar door, restaurant and function centre with picturesque gardens morphing to manicured rows of vines planted to capitalise on Bowral’s cool climate.
Aromatics such as arneis, pinot grigio and riesling join chardonnay in the stellar Centennial Vineyards line-up with their sparkling wines a real highlight. Grapes from Centennial Vineyards’ Orange site and other growers augment the Southern Highlands fruit with each wine labelled clearly with its origins. Medium-bodied savoury reds such as barbera, sangiovese and tempranillo rub shoulders with classic pinot noir, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon. All Centennial Vineyards wines are made on-site in a purpose built winery designed by the winemaker, Tony Cosgriff, who has accumulated a truck-load of medals and trophies in recent years. There’s value with the Bong Bong range while the top-tier Centennial Vineyards wines remain under the $40 mark.
Centennial Vineyards Restaurant owners, Robin and Mandy Murray, source local ingredients for their delicious lunches and high teas. This thoroughly professional operation stands as a shimmering beacon in the Southern Highlands region. Peter Bourne