With its cool climate, Victoria is the perfect place to grow grapes to produce excellent quality wines.
A scenic drive from Melbourne will take you to vineyards dotted all over Victoria. So why not hit the wine trail and call into one of the many wineries where you can sample world class wines, cheeses and fresh regional produce.
A sniff, sip and savour leisurely tour is a perfect way to discover hidden gems amongst the rambling gnarled vineyards.
1. Yarra Valley Wine Region
Because of the temperate weather and fertile soil, vignerons began producing wine in this region in 1838. Ferguson Winery & Restaurant at Yarra Glen produces high quality reds. Enjoy provincial fare at its restaurant and stay overnight in accommodation on site. Make your way to Yering Station also in Yarra Glen and then call into Seville Hill at Seville. For spectacular views, visit Samson Hill Winery & Restaurant at Kangaroo Ground.
2. Macedon Ranges Wine Region
Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this area produces some of Australia’s premier boutique wines. Sample wines at the hillside Hanging Rock Winery which produced the famous Macedon sparkling wine. Ellender Estate set in secluded vineyards amongst rolling picturesque hills is worth a visit. Paramoor Winery specialises in a range of boutique wines. At Gisborne Peak Winery you can enjoy wood fired pizza with a good pinot noir or chardonnay.
3. Mornington Peninsula Wine Region
With over 50 boutique cellar doors in this area, you will be hard pressed to visit them all. Many wineries offer accommodation, so spending a night there would not be a hard decision to make.
Make sure to visit Ten Minutes By Tractor which has an award winning restaurant. Main Ridge Estate, established in 1975, was the first commercial winery in the area. Port Phillip Estate, Moorooduc Estate and The Cups Estate are wineries worth taking a look at.
4. Sunbury Wine Region
With its close proximity to Melbourne, wine has been produced here since the 1850s. Steeped in bluestone history, you can sample wines at Craiglee and Goona Warra Vineyard. Visit the spectacular Bacchus Hill Winery with its distinct Italian heritage and the impressive Witchmount Estate with an on-site café. All these wineries are in the Sunbury area, so you don’t have to travel far.
5. Geelong Wine Region
Spread over volcanic plains and coastal areas, the meld of different terrains certainly produces tasty wine varieties. Visit the scenic Terindah Estate at Bellarine and also the Otway Estate Winery & Brewery which produces farmhouse ciders and beer as well. Excellent cool climate wines can be found at Leura Park Estate at Curlewis where you can enjoy seasonal tasting platters as well.
If you have a strong desire to visit some outstanding wineries, self-driving is recommended. Vintners are passionate people dedicated to nurturing the fruit that produces exceptional wines. By following the wine trail, you will have an opportunity to speak to these friendly knowledgeable devoted wine merchants and hear their life experiences. Because the soil, topography and climate varies in the different regions, so will the taste of the end product, such as the pinot grigio, shiraz, chardonnay and pinot gris.
