Mount View is in the Hunter Valley, about 2 hours drive north of Sydney.
The vineyards are cradled against the magnificent backdrop of the Brockenback Range. Mount View has very good soils that were originally used for market gardens and dairy farms. Volcanic soil occurs in several places.
The atmosphere of Mount View is quite different from other wine growing areas of the Hunter:
the flowers on the roadside bloom more profusely and more brightly.
the vines are greener, lusher and more vigorous.
the soil is dark red and crumbly.
most of the vineyards are small boutique vineyards and are family owned.
The first vineyards were planted in the 1860s. New plantings commenced in the 1960s and are continuing to expand.
The quality of the fruit is exemplary. It has all the flavour and varietal character one could wish for. With limited production and attention to detail, wineries such as Petersons, Briar Ridge, Farrell's, Mt View Estate, Jackson's Hill and Talavera Grove are producing premium award winning wines.
Mount View: Montvalley
Montvalley is set in a spectacularly beautiful mountain valley that is hidden away in one of the most southerly parts of Mount View.
The landscape is rural and was previously used for grazing. Here you can spot kangaroos grazing, bellbirds, aquatic wildlife and nocturnal animals such as wombats.
15 acres are planted with Semillon, Chardonnay and Shiraz.
Montvalley has its own unique microclimate. It is cooler and greener than other parts of the Hunter and harvest is several weeks later than most other vineyards at Mount View.
Mount View: Climate
Most of the vineyards are on the slopes and the foothills of the Brockenback range between Mt View and Mt Bright and are approximately 100-200 metres above sea level.
Mount View has a largely easterly exposure, freedom from frosts, protection from late afternoon sun and afternoon sea breezes.
Winters are mild. Summers are hot to very hot and humid. 70% of the rain falls between October and March. The highest rainfall is often prior to and during harvest. Summer thunderstorms can bring heavy hail, stripping vines completely. At other times, vines can suffer considerable water stress.
Harvest is slightly later than the rest of the Hunter, although there is some variation between individual vineyards.
