Nicknamed, “Garden State,” it’s no surprise that Victoria is one of the best spots in Australia to relax, unwind, and wine. Take your pick between mind-blowing art galleries, challenging hiking trails, picture-perfect gardens, and best of all, world-class wineries. Whether you’re craving a bottle of Shiraz or just looking for a place to spend your downtime, Victoria has plenty of wine to go around!
Agricultural lands such as vineyards make up more than half of Victoria Image Credits: Dan Meyers (@dmey503) on Unsplash
Make your way around 800 wineries and 600 cellar doors across ten outstanding wine-producing regions in the state. For the ultimate boozy fix, we’ve got the lowdown on where to find the finest wines in Victoria: must-visit wine valleys, local specialities, and things to do!
What are the major wine regions in Victoria?
There are a total of 21 wine-producing areas, however, there are a few standouts from the rest. With unique crafting methods and rich blends, these seven wine regions in Victoria are worth the hours’ drive from Melbourne CBD:
1. Yarra Valley
Much like Hunter Valley in NSW, Yarra Valley is Victoria’s most popular wine region, with sprawling vineyards, lavender-filled wineries, and a truckload of cellar doors and special wine tasting experiences.It also plays host to the state’s most well-known and well-loved wine producers, including Pimpernel Vineyards, Rob Dolan Wines, and many more! It’s no surprise then that it’s the home of award-winning Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bordeaux Blends.
And what better way to kick off your Victoria wine journey than a sumptuous afternoon of wine and pasta?
- Italy in the Yarra Valley Food & Wine Tour
Enjoy a traditional home-style, classic Italian dish from Yarra Valley
The Italy in Yarra Valley Food & Wine Tour treats your tastebuds to authentic Italian cuisine and premium wines. From ravioli, pizza margherita, and bolognese pasta to Sangiovese, Savarro, and Chardonnay, this Melbourne wine tour is one gastronomic experience foodies will love!
2. Mornington Peninsula
You don’t need to be a wine expert to know that Mornington Peninsula’s Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio are top class! Half an hour away from Yarra Valley, the tiny inlet in Port Phillip is best known for its hot springs, bathing boxes, sandy beaches, cool breeze, and highly acclaimed cellar doors splashed across charming villages.
From Red Hill, Main Ridge, and even coastal spots like Merricks, you’ll find more than 50 wineries to quench your thirst. To make the trip memorable, here are the top wine-related things to do in Mornington Peninsula:
- Montalto Winery Experience on the Mornington Peninsula
It’s a wine-derful day to sip the best of Victoria wines!
Spend brunch at Mornington Peninsula’s most celebrated winery: Montalto Winery. Explore its stunning vineyards, sculpture gardens, and berry plantations that make for the perfect backdrop to have a glass of its trophy-winning Pinot Noir. When you book the Montalto Winery Experience, you can choose between a five-course degustation lunch or a simple meal to share with the family.
- Mornington Peninsula Wine and Food Tour
Meet fellow foodies and wine lovers during the trip
Something for seasoned wine enthusiasts, the Mornington Peninsula Food and Wine Tour will take your love for the drink to the next level. Get ready to wine and dine all day as you visit Yabby Lake Winery, Crittenden Estate, Quealy Winemakers, and Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie & Red Hill Cheese. Sample artisan cheese, taste fresh rock oysters, and many more!
3. Geelong
While checking out Mornington Peninsula, why not make a trip to Geelong as well? Just over an hour and a half away, this Victoria wine region prides itself in producing premium handcrafted wines. Family-run wineries have spent decades refining their craft, resulting in some of the most richly flavoured Pinot Gris and Shiraz you’ll ever taste in Aus.
- Around the Bay Food and Wine Taste Trail Day Tour from Melbourne
Feel the breeze at Geelong’s seaside wineries
To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve got the perfect travel pack for you: the Around the Bay Food and Wine Taste Trail Day Tour! See, feel, and taste some of the best food, beer, and wine around Mornington Peninsula. Afterwards, travel across the Bellarine Peninsula in Geelong to see the best views.
4. Rutherglen
Those with fruity tastes or wine lovers with a knack for anything sweet are welcome in Rutherglen anytime! This warm and sunny region in North East Victoria was once a gold mining town. Fast forward to today, Rutherglen is internationally renowned for its opulent Muscats and Tokays. Enjoy scenic strolls along the Murray River, relaxing bike rides around the countryside, and premium fortified wines for your fill!
5. King Valley
Dreaming of a grand holiday in Europe? You don’t need to fly out, just head to King Valley for a little slice of Italy! With its rolling hills, stunning vineyards, garden mazes, and all-you-can-drink Prosecco and Sangiovese, this small town offers a laid-back escape from bustling Melbourne.
To set the mood for your “Italian” retreat, check out the Wine Tasting and Grazing Experience at Pizzini Wines:
- Italian Wine Tasting and Grazing Experience at Pizzini Wines
Share an unforgettable meal with your best mates
Sip and see the best of little Italy of North East Victoria by booking the Italian Wine Tasting and Grazing Experience at Pizzini Wines. Indulge yourself in authentic Italian cuisines with matching premium red and white wines, fresh from the yard.
6. Goulburn Valley
The year may be 2022, but Goulburn Valley’s wine crafting began way back in the 1860s. Here, you’ll discover Victoria’s oldest Marsanne and Shiraz vines growing on the Tahbilk Winery, where you can visit its cellar doors, dine its cafe, and learn all about the valley’s colourful wine history—five decades into the past. The small town even comes packed with museums, national parks, and hiking trails to explore!
7. Grampians
Also known as Shiraz central, the Grampians on West Victoria is popular for its ripe red varieties. Its sparkling Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir are well-loved for their dark, slightly bitter, but sweet flavour. When visiting this region, make sure to also take in the astonishing beauty of Mt. William, Serra Range, and the rugged hills that surrounds it.
Hike, dine, and enjoy the great outdoors in this rocky village. And if you’re up for more nature adventures, we’ve picked out some of the best summer spots outside Melbourne!
What about the other Victoria wine regions?
Don’t miss out on the Melbourne wine fest!
Beyond the well-known Victoria wine hotspots, discover under-the-radar-wine-towns and budding wine scenes in the state:
- Heathcote: Shiraz, Cabaret Sauvignon, and Tempranillo—name every blend of red wine there is, and Heathcote’s got it!
- Bendigo: Go glamping at one of Victoria’s most culturally diverse cities and taste wine and bubbles right by Bendigo’s sprawling estates.
- Murray Darling: Swim in waterways, relax with a cruise, and enjoy full-flavoured Mediterranean wines—Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, and Barbera—along the historic riverside region.
- Swan Hill: With plenty of sunshine all year round, the picturesque city of Swan Hill makes the ideal place to grow the sweet flavoured Cabaret Sauvignon! Visit over 40 world-class wineries and have your wine straight from grape to glass!
- Alpine Valleys: Visiting the Alpine Valleys is a sip-see galore as you venture into the Australian alpines and right into the region’s vibrant food and wine scene. Wines produced in the area range from Prosecco to Chardonnay to Sangiovese.
- Glenrowan: Get schooled on Australian history and find fresh organic wine packed with flavour.
- Beechworth: From sweet Chardonnay to brooding, dark Nebbiolo, Beechworth is for wine lovers dripping with finesse!
- Henty: Escape into sweeping greeneries and scenic coastlines, and sample aromatic white wines and long-lived reds.
- Pyrenees: Charming towns, small vineyards, and heaps of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier make up this wine region in Western Victoria.
- Macedon Ranges: Home to the Hanging Rock and Aus’ Wombat State Forest, Macedon Ranges is Victoria’s up-and-coming wine region, with its sparkling wines continuing to shine.
- Strathbogie Ranges: Take the road less travelled to discover old mining towns, spectacular waterfalls, and elegant wines crafted by passionate winemakers. Local wines include fresh Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir blends to suit your tastes.
- Sunbury: Freshen up with a classic glass of Chardonnay and Shiraz when you visit Sunbury on the outskirts of Melbourne.
- Gippsland: Uncover fairy hideouts, misty shores, and pristine beaches in Australia’s most diverse wine regions, producing a variety of rich blends: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
- Upper Goulburn: If white’s your favourite wine, Upper Goulburn’s the place to be. Savour fruity Rieslings, slightly fizzy Moscatos, and peachy Pinot Grigios.
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