Moppity
HilltopsBoutique Winery · Space for Groups · Outdoor Tastings
Freeman Vineyards, nestled in the Hilltops region of New South Wales, stands out as a unique small specialist family winery. Established in 1999, the vineyard is situated at an elevation of 560 metres, featuring soils derived from speckled dog granite, red wind-blown sand, and silt. This unique terroir, combined with well-structured and drained soils, enables the vines to thrive. The vineyard expanded in 2004 with the acquisition of a neighbouring property, adding a diverse array of varieties including mature 40-year-old Pinot Noir vines, now grafted to Nebbiolo and Sangiovese, as well as white varieties like Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and the aromatic aleatico and Hungarian siblings – furmint and harslevelu. Further expansion over the years has brought the total area under vine to 200 hectares, with a focus on Italian-origin varieties like Prosecco, alongside producing quality grapes for other NSW wineries.
Founded by Brian Freeman, a former head of Wine Science at Charles Sturt University, the vineyard's signature is its exclusive Australian plantings of Rondinella and Corvina, Italian-origin varieties used to craft the award-winning FREEMAN Secco. This wine is a reflection of Freeman's winemaking philosophy, which draws inspiration from traditional Italian Amarone and Ripasso red wines, known for their complexity and savoury profile. Other wines in their Italian-inspired portfolio include Nebbiolo, which has adapted well to the Hilltops terroir, FREEMAN Robusta, made entirely from Corvina grapes partially dried for 10 days, and FREEMAN Fiano, rated No.1 Australian Fiano from the 2022 vintage by the Real Review. Additionally, the vineyard produces limited release single varietal reds like FREEMAN Tempranillo, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the diverse winemaking skills and innovation at Freeman Vineyards.
The Cellar Door at Freeman Vineyards offers a bespoke wine tasting experience, open by appointment only, seven days a week from 10 am to 4 pm, excluding public holidays. Each seated tasting includes a complimentary cheese salumi plate, enhancing the sensory journey of the wines. The tastings, limited to a maximum of eight adults, are conducted with Covid Safety protocols in place, ensuring a safe and intimate environment. Visitors can also place orders in advance for wine collection directly from the winery, adding an element of convenience to their visit.
You can expect the following from a tasting at Freeman:
Visiting Freeman Vineyards requires an appointment, ensuring an exclusive and tailored tasting experience. Open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, except on public holidays, the winery offers seated bespoke tastings accompanied by a complimentary cheese salumi plate. With a maximum capacity of eight adults per tasting session, the winery maintains a cozy and personalised atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to engage with the unique character of each wine, while the winery's commitment to Covid safety protocols ensures a comfortable and secure environment. For those unable to join a tasting, Freeman Vineyards also facilitates wine orders for collection, catering to the preferences of all its visitors.
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