Victoria Wine

The most important wine region in Australia

Victoria produces about 120 million litres of wine a year on more than 850 wineries. That is more than any other Australian state. Although people here originally wanted to find gold instead of wine, Victoria has developed into Australia's most important wine region.

Victoria: Where diversity and history come together

The history of viticulture in Victoria

Victoria's viticulture began in 1837, when two brothers cultivated the first vines in what is now the Yarra Valley. The region became more famous from 1850 onwards, when a gold rush concentrated around the city of Melbourne. However, because the English settlers found little gold, they grew wine instead.

At the turn of the century, some of the growing areas suffered heavy losses due to phylloxera. The wine industry declined and some regions even stopped growing wine altogether. It was not until the 1980s that viticulture in Victoria began to boom again, as the world began to take an interest in Australian wine.

Multifaceted viticulture in the south of Australia

Victoria scores with a great variety, not only of soils, but also of grape varieties and styles. Here quality is more important than quantity. Most winegrowers run small family businesses that do not export internationally. Some of them even sell exclusively from the farm, so that a wine tasting on site is always worthwhile. In Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley, however, first-class wine tourism has also established itself with restaurants and hotels. 

In Victoria, full-bodied, dry red wines are produced as well as elegant and fresh white wines. Inland, unique, structured Shiraz wines can be found; Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are based on their French counterparts. The Pyrenees wine region even presses sparkling wine according to the Champagne method. Another speciality are the sweet wines of Rutherglen with their decades of ageing. 

The most important wine growing areas in Victoria

Yarra Valley: Victoria's number 1 wine region 

Over 120 wineries have settled in the humid, cool climate of the Yarra Valley. They benefit from the multi-faceted microclimate of the region. Their vast landscapes include the steepest sites in the country as well as valleys and the flat areas around the Yarra River.

In the early twenties, viticulture came to a temporary halt in the Yarra Valley. He stubbornly clung to old, outdated products and no longer found demand. But since the 1990s, the Yarra Valley has been an important red wine region for Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Elegant white wines like Chardonnay and Riesling are also grown here.

Mornington Peninsula: Maritime region with growth potential

The Mornington Peninsula area has a maritime character with its beaches and water sports. Although Mornington Peninsula is still a relatively young growing area, it is said to have great potential for growth. Many small wineries have already established themselves on gentle hills. 

Mornington Peninsula is characterised by a cool, humid climate with partly strong winds. This special feature is due to its proximity to the sea. The grapes ripen slowly and are harvested later, which results in a distinctive aroma. Mornington Peninsula specialises in Cabernet Franc and Pinot Meunier, but Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon also ripen here.

Rutherglen: Special wine with many facets 

In Rutherglen, viticulture began with the gold rush in the middle of the 19th century. Today the family farms are located in the valleys of the region and on the edge of the Murray River. Despite the warm continental climate, spring frost is a common problem in Rutherglen and can ruin entire harvests. The soils are varied and range from clay to basalt.

Rutherglen is the home of wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinot Noir. This growing area is particularly well known for sweet wines, which are allowed to mature for several decades in old wooden barrels.

Interesting facts about the Victoria wine region

Where is the Victoria Region?

Victoria is a federal state and the southernmost wine producing region of mainland Australia. The wine growing areas cover the metropolis of Melbourne like a chain. The best known regions are the Yarra Valley and the Pyrenees.

What is the climate like in Victoria?

Victoria is the coolest wine region in the country. Nevertheless, the climate can be described as Mediterranean with hot summers and mild winters. There is more rainfall in the south than in the north.

Which grape varieties are cultivated in Victoria?

Victoria is home to 2500 hectares of vineyards. As in the whole of Australia, Shiraz is the most important grape variety here, it is grown as a pure variety as well as being used for cuvées and sparkling wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown here.

Discover wines from Victoria online on VINELLO

Enjoy top wines from Victoria at reasonable prices from our online shop. At VINELLO you will find a representative selection of the winegrowers and wineries from the Victoria wine region. With us you shop safely and can look forward to a fast delivery of your order. We also offer a variety of payment options from which you can choose your preferred method of payment.

Another advantage at VINELLO is that our sommeliers are available by telephone for detailed advice to introduce you to the world of Victoria wines. This makes it easier and quicker for you to find your favourites, whether for a special occasion, an evening with friends or for your own private enjoyment.