despite initially being tipped to be the

opposite due to lack of water.

Tom Ward is president of the Cowra Wine

Region and has been at Canowindra’s

Swinging Bridge Estate since 1995.

“This is one of the best seasons I have ever seen. In the middle of November the weather turned mild and we have seen very little warm to hot weather since,” he 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 look for the Cowra region is good.

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

As the season has been so good Swinging Bridge Estate are able to produce five wines, which is 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 Wine Awards.”

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