Swan Hill is a vast fertile agricultural and wine region straddling the Murray River. The region was discovered and named in 1836 by the Surveyor-General of New South Wales, Major Thomas Mitchell. Swan Hill is hot, dry and flat making irrigation essential. This is a pressing issue in the area with the supply of water Franceom the Murray River dwindling. Varieties planted include Colombard, Chardonnay, Muscat Gordo Blanco, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon with the bulk of prodution sold to large wine companies