DIVERSE, VIBRANT, FOODIE HEAVEN
Despite being the smallest mainland state in Australia, Victoria is home to the largest number of wine regions and individual wineries and boasts the title of the most diverse wine region in Australia, with the ability to produce a huge range of wine styles and varieties.
Before the devastating Phylloxera outbreaks during the late 19th century, Victoria was the largest producer of wine in Australia and was well established. The Phylloxera outbreaks slowed production and halted winemaking in Victoria. It wasn’t until the 1970’s when new generations of winemakers in Victoria lead a resurgence in the industry to take advantage of the diverse climates and soils available in the region.
Victoria’s diverse wine regions allow the wineries to produce a wide range of styles and produce some of Australia’s best Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Shiraz, Fortified wine and Sparkling Wines.
YARRA VALLEY
Located less than an hour outside of Melbourne – Australia’s foodie capital, Yarra Valley is best known as the home of beautiful and delicate Pinot Noir and Chardonnays from Australia. The Yarra was the first established wine growing region in Victoria in the mid 1800’s and is considered a cool climate region. Vines are planted over 2,150 hectares and are spread across various elevations between 50 and 400 meters above sea level. The Yarra is also home to a range of unique soil types from clay loam to brilliantly coloured red volcanic soils.
The variations in elevation, climate and soil types in the Yarra allows winemakers to produce single vineyard wines that are unique and expressive of their site. The most planted grape from the Yarra Valley is Pinot Noir (which is 36% of all the vines planted). Pinot Noir from Yarra Valley is typically perfumed, aromatic with a light-medium body. The other notable wines are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Sparkling wine, Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
