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Explore the Best Wineries in Yarra Valley

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The Yarra Valley is one of the most breathtaking wine regions in Australia. Yarra Valley is Victoria's first wine region and has a 170 year history. It is home to a range of cellar doors that all reflect the diverse style and approach in this beautiful, cool-climate region. The Yarra Valley’s famous landscape comes with a variety of iconic sites that make it one of the best wine areas on earth. It follows the river, with mountains on either side, and it is a big part of its appeal. When you're looking for vineyard tours, this is the best place to find them.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Yarra Valley Wine Region

Where is the Yarra Valley Wine Region

Yarra Valley is east of Melbourne and is in Victoria, Australia. The Great Dividing Range is on the north, while the Dandenong Ranges are on the south.

History of Yarra Valley Wine

The Yarra Valley is a well-respected wine region in Australia, running along the eastern side of the Port Phillip viticultural zone in Victoria. One of Australia's oldest wine regions, the Yarra Valley was first planted in 1838. Development continued for the next 50 years which led to a flourishing period from 1880-1910. The pesky root-eating phylloxera mite migrated over to Europe in the 19th century and began ravaging vineyards almost everywhere. European migrants continued to enter Australia, which made it inevitable that phylloxera would reach the Yarra Valley. Fortunately, the region did not suffer irreparable damage.

Terrior ofYarra Valley

One of the main factors that draw top wine-producing to the Yarra Valley is its climate. The region, one of the southernmost appellations of the Australian mainland, sees plenty of Southern Ocean-originating weather. The Yarra Valley is influenced by altitude and terroir. This means that their vineyard area, which is around 2,500 hectares, benefits from the various unique microclimates in the region. These give life to an elegant array of varied wines.

It is a unique, unforgiving nature’s gift that influences the land's composition, the climate, topography and even altitude. With a 7-month growing season and average rainfall between 750-950mm, Yarra Valley is famously cool climate- colder than Bordeaux but warmer than Burgundy. The elevation in the vineyards (ranging from 50 to 430m above sea level) has an obvious effect on the wines produced. Northern Australia often has soil with a consistency of sand or clay loam that is brown-red in colour. This soil tends to be acidic, have low fertility and natural drainage. South of the Yarra Valley there is more fertile soil, with a reddish-brown colour and rich red clay subsoil.

Yarra Valley Wine Characteristics

In Yarra Valley, there are top grape varieties: chardonnay, pinot noir, shiraz and cabernet sauvignon.

The Yarra Valley is known for producing many different styles of chardonnay. It’s usually a lighter, more elegant wine with citrusy acidity and the flavours of stone fruit and fig. When aged, the high-quality wines can be kept for five years or more. Pinot noir- Rivers of rich, ripe berry flavours wend their way through the Yarra Valley. You may not be surprised that this is where many of Australia’s most well-known pinot noir wines come from. Shiraz- There are two main styles: bold and rich or lighter with a savoury flavour, like olive. The best Shiraz comes from the warmer, lower-altitude vineyards. cabernet sauvignon- Yarra Valley wines are an often-overlooked favourite of many wine connoisseurs, but they have so many upsides. Compared to wines from warmer regions, these are lighter, but that actually makes them even more versatile for aging. Aged for 10 to 20 years or more, it's hard not to indulge in their subtle flavours and enjoy their rich finish.

Food to pair with Yarra Valley Wine

1. Green Chicken Curry Pie

This dish is loaded with vegetables like pumpkin, spinach and green beans as well as chicken pieces. All those ingredients are mixed with a green curry paste and coconut milk, before we cover the mixture in an egg-brushed puff pastry shell. The dish is then topped with some finely chopped coriander. When ready to serve, it is best to serve with a rocket salad on the side. It goes well with Yarra Valley’s wines.

2. Pie Floater

A pie floater is an Australian dish that is most commonly consumed in Adelaide and Sydney. It consists of a traditional Australian meat pie that is usually submerged upside-down in green pea soup. It is believed that the origins of the dish lie in traditional English dishes of pea soup with eel and suet dumplings. A pie floater is usually served with tomato sauce or mint sauce, Worcestershire or malt vinegar. This dish has been popular for over 130 years, and has a rich history to boot! The town of Adelaide saw 13 pie carts operating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, most of which sold a variety of floaters. Despite the recent closure of pie carts, there are still a lot of bakeries that sell pies late at night. These are pretty much the only food options for anyone who wants to eat outside of their homes without leaving town in the middle of the night. It pairs perfect with Yarra Valley’s wines.

Places to visit near Yarra Valley

1. TarraWarra Museum of Art

We're so excited to welcome you back! TarraWarra Museum of Art is located in the Yarra Valley region, which is only a one-hour drive from Melbourne. Each year, the Museum presents a series of changing exhibitions within an award-winning museum building set in the natural landscape of rolling hills.The Museum has been open since 2003 and is recognized as a cultural jewel of the Yarra Valley. The exhibits are enjoyable and emphasize Australian and international culture.

2. Alowyn Gardens

This garden is in the heart of Yarra Valley and offers a seven acre display. It's divided into seven sections, with seasonal displays that change throughout the year. The café serves scrumptious drinks and cakes while the nursery stocks an intriguing range of plants.

3. Healesville Sanctuary

Healesville Sanctuary, in the Yarra Valley region of Victoria, is renowned as the best place to view Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. With breathtaking and unique habitats, opportunities are created  for visitors to connect with nature. Visitors can experience not just the Australian National Wildlife Art Gallery, but also its vetinary hospital, where over 1500 orphaned, injured or ill wildlife are treated each year.

Frequently asked questions about Yarra Valley Wine Region

Where is the Yarra Valley located?

Located northeast of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley offers over 80 vineyards, most of which are set in rolling hills around Lilydale, Coldstream, Yarra Glen, Healesville, and Seville.

What grape varieties are grown in the Yarra Valley?

In the Yarra Valley, there are grown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines.

How many vineyards are in the Yarra Valley?

The Yarra Valley is home to over eighty wineries, each having a distinct terroir and robust traditions.

 

Map of Wineries in Yarra Valley

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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Yarra Valley