Yarra Valley Wine Region
Victoria's First Wine Region
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 Sparkling wine, 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. As we said, it's diverse.
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.