Cowra was established in the 1970s with an early emphasis being on the production of fruit for vinification elsewhere, in particular at Mudgee and in the Hunter Valley. Although small producers have now been established in Cowra, the majority of fruit is still made into wine elsewhere.

Chardonnay is the stand out, with Shiraz and Cabernet the other major varieties. Alternative varieties are increasingly important with the warmish climate indicating that Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, and Tempranillo could play a bigger role in the future.