First Ridge Wines

John and Helen Nicholas planted Sangiovese and Barbera on volcanic ridges south of Mudgee in the late 1990s, on the advice of viticulturist Dr Richard Smart. At 520 metres, the altitude stretches the ripening season, preserving acid alongside flavour. The cellar door, open since 2015, pours the full Italian varietal range — including Vermentino, Fiano and Prosecco — against views down the Cudgegong Valley.