This has pleased local growers as the season was not tipped to be fantastic because of the lack of water.

President of the Cowra Wine Region Tom Ward said the season is one of the best he has seen since 1995.

“In the middle of November the weather turned mild and we have seen very little warm to hot weather since,” Mr Ward said.

“This has also been dispersed with regular rain although we have been lucky to avoid any of the extreme weather that has been hitting Sydney and the Hunter Valley.

“January started off a little warm but turned mild and has stayed that way until the past couple of weeks.”

Mr Ward said the overall outlook for the Cowra region is good.

“We should see between 20,000 ton produced from the region, compared to last years 14,000 ton.”

Mr Ward’s Swinging Bridge Estate has been able to produce five varities this year, two more than they produced last year.

“We still have the Shiraz and Chardonnay, but we also have Verdelho and Cabernet Sauvignon.”

The 2008 Chardonnay has now finished primary fermentation (sugar to alcohol) and is in oak. It has been inoculated for the secondary malolatic fermentation. The wine is already showing the signs of the cooler season with some citrus, melon and pineapple characters.

“It is showing great length of flavour already and a really fine palate. It is the most promising that I have seen a Chardonnay at this stage,” Mr Ward said.

Mr Ward said for people to taste what the region has to offer they should go to the Taste Canowindra on Saturday April 12.

“There will be entertainment and an opportunity to taste 300 wines from the district. Awards for the best red and white wines, the most successful exhibition and best museum wine will be presented at the Suncorp Cowra Regional Win Awards.”

Tickets are just $25 per head and include wine tasting and nibbles.