Barwang turns shearer’s cottage into cellar door

Hilltops winery Barwang has unveiled its new rustic cellar door – an original shearer’s cottage.

The rejuvenation of the vineyard and brand – and now the new cellar door – is the work of Wendy and James Bowman who acquired the 400-hectare property in late 2021.

The Bowman family have farmed in the district for six generations.

As neighbours they knew the significant heritage of the property and the far-reaching reputation of its wines.

“These foothills of the Great Dividing Range offer some of the very best quality farmland in Australia,” James Bowman says.

“Certainly our pastures fatten top quality lambs and cattle, and produce high-yield grain.

“So it’s no wonder grapes thrive on our rolling hills.”

Wherever possible recycled materials have been used in the project.

“It is very satisfying to help preserve Barwang’s vineyard history, which dates back to the late 1960s,” Wendy Bowman says.

In officially opening the cellar door, State MP Steph Cooke, Member for Cootamundra, congratulated the Bowman family, notably for their optimism and commitment to the wine industry.

“Australia’s wine sector has been experiencing turbulent times, which have also had some impact on vignerons in both the NSW Hilltops and Riverina,” she said.

“It is so encouraging to see families like the Bowmans act counter-cyclically, investing with foresight in our region that boasts a long wine heritage and a growing reputation for its world-class wines.”

The new Barwang portfolio was launched in 2023 and features six single varietal estate grown wines – Barwang Impromptu Sparkling Chardonnay, Rosé, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.

They all bear the amous royal blue and white Barwang label.

The latest addition to the collection is the just-released Barwang Pinot Noir 2024.