First planted in 1838, the Yarra Valley was Victoria’s first wine region and is now one of the oldest wine-producing regions in Australia. Classified as cool climate, the Yarra Valley has become synonymous with premium wine featuring many classic varietals and specialising in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet blends.
This sprawling region is as diverse as the grapes it grows. The Yarra Valley features many soil types, elevations and microclimates, with the Great Dividing Range creating a natural border and the Yarra River meandering through it all. While mainly influenced by continental climate fluctuations, the Yarra’s proximity to the Southern Ocean also imparts some maritime climate stability.
Ideal Growing Conditions
With high winter-spring rainfall, the ancient soils in the Yarra Valley are mostly well draining and have the low fertility rate preferred by grapevines. Summers can be hot and dry, but cool evenings temper the speed of fruit ripening, improving flavour and structure development in the grapes. All this combines to create perfect conditions for growing exceptional quality fruit. It’s what you do with it that counts.
Close To Melbourne
Only one hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley has become a playground for wine lovers, foodies and tourists alike. The perfect day-trip distance for a brief foray, or the setting for an in-depth long weekend, there is much to explore here. Wine should be central to your journey.
The Home Vineyard :
The heart of Rochford, the iconic and exceptionally mature vineyard on the corner of Maroondah Highway and Hill Road is our foundation. This special vineyard has taken on new life since it became Rochford in 2002, with new plantings and re-worked vines, and cutting-edge viticulture.
Aspect and elevation: 110m above sea level, north/south rows on gently sloping aspect.
Soils: Ancient, mountain derived sandy clay loams.
Climate: Mean maximum January temperature 27°C.
Vine age: 35+ years.
Varieties: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz.
Located in the much sort after sub-region of Gruyere, this well- established site sits at the base of the Warramate ranges in an iconic strip alongside some of the Yarra Valley’s most famous vineyards. These old vine plantings are grown on a steep, northern aspect that is both sun-drenched and sheltered, with perfect air drainage through the vineyard, all contributing to intensifying flavours and preserving quality in the fruit.
Aspect and elevation: 170m above sea level, north/south rows on steep sloping aspect.
Soils: Ancient, mountain derived sandy clay loams.
Climate: Mean maximum January temperature 27°C.
Vine age: 30+ years.
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Also situated in the Yarra Valley sub-region of Gruyere. This unique South facing site is planted to multiple Dijon clones of Chardonnay (76 and 96) and Pinot Noir (114 and 115) with some MV6 plantings also.
Aspect and elevation: 150m above sea level, south facing aspect north/south rows on sloping aspect.
Soils: Fine silty clay loam topsoil, rich clay silts in subsoil.
Climate: Mean maximum January temperature 27°C.
Vine age: Planted in 1998.
Varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
