(ABC) - It is barely the end of Australia's hottest summer on record and in mainland Australia's coldest wine region you still reach for the jumper in the morning. Driving to Tumbarumba is a pleasure. Winding roads sweep you over steep hills enclosed by timber plantations, and every so often it seems the world opens up to you as a great valley reveals itself. The hills roll on and the closer you get to town, small vineyards start to appear on the horizon. They are not great in number but numerous enough to notice. This wine region is full of excitement. President of the Tumbarumba vignerons association Cathy Gairn is quick to tell you abut the micro climates of the area, individual weather patterns created by the hills around the region which make it perfect for wine in one paddock and not worth the risk in the next.