This is the first winery established in the Glen Innes district, in what has been dubbed the "last great untapped grape-growing region in Australia".

Scott and Julie Wright are based at Waratah Ridge, a 60-acre property 18 km south of Glen Innes, near Glencoe Village. They first planted in 1999. Since harvesting their first crop in April 2002, they produced 1,000 cases last year and expect to produce 1,300 cases - or 15,000 bottles, in 2003.

They have produced five varieties of 2002 wines under their Wright Robertson of Glencoe label: shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, dry red, syrah, and chardonnay, with additional grapes coming from other growers in the district.

Scott and Julie, both 29, are indicative of the new breed of Australian wine
maker: young, well educated in every aspect of the process; and market savvy. Scott has a degree in rural management and has almost completed a winemaking degree; while Julie has a business degree.

Scott said he researched a number of areas before settling on Glen Innes, with the influential factors being the climate, soil quality and rainfall. When Australian viticulturist Dr Richard Smart referred to New England as the "last great untapped grape growing region" in the country, Scott knew he had chosen wisely.

According to Scott, there are only between 20 and 30 grape growers in the entire New England North West region (Big Sky Country) of NSW, and very few wine producers.

"The conditions here are perfect, really, and comparable to some other successful wine making areas like Coonawarra in South Australia and the Yarra Valley in Victoria. The cooler temperatures create more flavour in the grapes, and the difference between the day-time and night-time temperatures intensifies the colour," he explained.

At 1140m above sea level, the cold conditions can be harsh, according to Scott, who has seen the vineyard white with snow.

"At times I feel as if our vineyard must be the coldest vineyard in Australia - usually when I'm pruning in the midst of a howling August westerly!" he said.

Scott uses organic and dry land farming, meaning he doesn't use pesticides or chemicals and relies on rainfall, not irrigation. He believes these factors are strong selling points for his wines.

"The great pride I have in our vineyard is that we farm both organically and without irrigation. Never since the day the vines were planted have they seen synthetic chemicals, artificial fertilisers or irrigation water. It really is a great way to farm, to know that your vineyard is safe for your children and good for the environment."

The wines are currently being wholesaled to restaurants and a few bottle shops in the New England area but the Wright's long-term plan is to wholesale to Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and the Asian export market.