Rugged beauty and renowned wines
Expect old-world charm, alpine scenery and exceptional wines in Victoria’s Beechworth wine region. Tucked away in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, about three hours north-east of Melbourne, Beechworth is home to small, fiercely independent vineyards and boutique wineries. They’re dotted across a diverse and ancient landscape, where no two vineyard sites are the same. Here you’ll also find some of Australia’s best Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.
Wondering why you haven’t heard of this gem? It’s a pocket-sized region compared to some of Australia’s bigger wine growing areas, and much of its wine is sold directly through wineries, several of which have a cult following. But there are so many reasons to explore this region and its elegant wines.
The town of Beechworth sits at the centre of the region and was built during the gold rush. Perched on a hillside, it’s home to National Trust–listed buildings and boutique shops. Visitors also come for hiking, cycling and winter skiing. Not to mention great restaurants and local produce from lush farmland.
Quality over quantity in Beechworth
The first grapevines were planted in the mid-1800s, but by the early 1900s, they had all but disappeared. Then in the early 1980s, winemaker Rick Kinzbrunner bought a block of land based on nothing but instinct, launched his label, Giaconda, and helped spark a modern-day revival. Giaconda has won many awards for its refined wines that reflect Rick’s unique plot of land. Rick himself was named one of the world’s 10 best white wine makers by Decanter Magazine.
“I had seen some research that had suggested Beechworth would be a very good place to grow grapes and make wine, though at that stage there were no wineries here,” says Rick. “I always tell people that this is the best small country town in all of Australia, in my opinion. It’s got a good lifestyle and a booming wine and food scene. I love it.”
Beechworth is home to other award-winning wineries, including Castagna, Pennyweight Winery and Sorrenberg. At the helm of Sorrenberg, 11th-generation winemaker Barry Morey is a leader in sustainable viticulture and Australian Gamay – a delicate, floral wine sometimes compared to Pinot Noir.
“Beechworth is quite a unique region,” says Barry. “It’s made up of a lot of small, hands-on producers that are family operations. They really put their heart and soul into their vineyards and winemaking.”
As well as some of Australia’s best Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, you’ll also find thrilling examples of emerging varieties like Nebbiolo and Sangiovese in the growing Beechworth wine region. Sample wine in small cellar doors, while taking in the scenic slopes and valleys.
“We are a tiny region, yet we make among the best wines,” says acclaimed winemaker Julian Castagna of Castagna vineyard and winery. “I have no doubt that one day when people talk about the great wine areas of Australia, Beechworth will be one of them.”
