With 21 wine regions, Victoria is home to more regions, innovative wineries and distinct climates than any other state in Australia. In each Victorian wine region, you’ll find unique wines and tourism experiences – from dramatic mountains and picturesque coastline, to friendly country towns and delicious local produce.
Whether you’re planning a trip or you’re just keen to learn more, here’s a guide to exploring the wine regions of Victoria.
VICTORIA’S MOST POPULAR WINE REGIONS
Yarra Valley
Less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the historic Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s top cool-climate wine regions. A mix of traditional and contemporary wineries produce world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, plus alternative varieties like Nebbiolo. This expansive region is a popular tourist spot – it’s packed with award-winning restaurants and cellar doors, and its green hills and misty valleys make it a beautiful place to explore.
Mornington Peninsula
It’s easy to see why the Mornington Peninsula wine region is such a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways. Just over an hour south of Melbourne, it’s a scenic region of sandy beaches, green pastures, and acclaimed cellar doors and restaurants dotted among villages. The peninsula is surrounded by three bodies of water, which deliver cool breezes that help produce top-quality wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio/Gris.
Rutherglen
Rutherglen is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions and most famous for its world-class fortified wines, including opulent Muscat and Topaque. This warm and sunny region, located a few hours from Melbourne in north-eastern Victoria, is also renowned for its bold reds, including Durif and Shiraz. Drive or cycle your way through the gum tree–studded landscape, stopping to visit family-run wineries, taste local produce and swim in the Murray River.
VICTORIA’S BEST UNDER-THE-RADAR WINE REGIONS
Beyond the well-known wine hotspots, there are lesser-known but exciting regions just waiting to be discovered. Some of Victoria’s best wines await.
Alpine Valleys
In the foothills of the Victorian Alps, the stunning Alpine Valleys wine region attracts visitors for its outdoor adventures, striking seasonal contrasts, and vibrant food and wine scene. There are more than 30 grape varieties, and elegant wines ranging from Prosecco to Chardonnay to Sangiovese.
Beechworth
Neighbouring the Alpine Valleys, expect old-world charm, alpine scenery and exceptional wines in the compact Beechworth wine region. There’s plenty to discover in the historic town of Beechworth and the hiking and cycling trails around it. Fiercely independent wineries produce some of Australia’s best Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.
Geelong
Stretching from beaches and bays to hilly hinterland, the Geelong wine region is like several regions in one. The bayside city of Geelong is the region’s beating heart, just over an hour from Melbourne. In valley vineyards and seaside wineries, family-run producers craft premium wines, including Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Shiraz.
Goulburn Valley
Stretching across central Victoria and up to the New South Wales border, the Goulburn Valley is Victoria’s oldest continuously producing wine region. Explore waterways and national parks, visit bustling towns and sample fresh produce from farm gates. You’ll find some of the world’s oldest Marsanne and Shiraz vines here, and full-flavoured red and white wines.
Grampians
Bound by the Grampians National Park and a mountain range, this is a striking region with a classic Australian landscape of rugged hills, golden hues and towering gums. On top of the natural attractions and outdoor adventures, the Grampians is home to welcoming cellar doors and some of Australia’s best Shiraz.
Heathcote
This is another region for Shiraz lovers. Nestled between mountain ranges in the heart of Central Victoria, Heathcote is red wine country, renowned for top-quality Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Sangiovese and Nero D’Avola. You’ll find more than 40 wineries here, most of them small and family run, plus a gold rush–era town, unspoilt countryside and national parks.
King Valley
In Victoria’s High Country, about three hours north-east of Melbourne, the King Valley is one of Australia’s highest-altitude wine-growing areas. With its rolling hills, cooler climate and fertile land, this scenic region grows many different grape varieties. It’s also the birthplace of Australian Prosecco. So you can expect brilliant bubbles, plus an array of premium red and white wines.
Murray Darling
Straddling both Victoria and New South Wales, the vast Murray Darling wine region is a haven for nature-seeking holidaymakers. It’s also known as Victoria’s food bowl, with farms, orchards and vineyards sustained by the mighty Murray River. Historically the region has been known for its large-scale wineries exporting popular wines across the world. But today there’s a growing number of boutique producers exploring alternative varieties and crafting premium wines.
MORE VICTORIAN WINE REGIONS TO DISCOVER
Discover brilliant wines and some of Victoria’s best tourism experiences – from historic towns to up-and-coming wineries to breathtaking scenery.
Bendigo: Enjoy bold wines and diverse cultural attractions in this vibrant region that’s full of history.
Gippsland: Explore misty gullies, pristine beaches and cool-climate wines in Australia’s most diverse wine region.
Glenrowan: Discover iconic Australian history, century-old vineyards and wines packed with flavour.
Henty: Escape to sweeping green plains and scenic coastline, and sample elegant cool-climate wines.
Macedon Ranges: Explore charming towns, natural beauty and award-winning food and wine in this up-and-coming wine region.
Pyrenees: Uncover small vineyards and wineries, run by passionate producers, hidden among the foothills of the Great Dividing Range.
Strathbogie Ranges: Venture off the beaten track to discover gold-rush towns, elegant wines and a landscape of hills and sweeping views.
Sunbury: Unearth one of Victoria’s best-kept wine secrets – a long-established region home to small producers and age-worthy wines on the outskirts of Melbourne.
Swan Hill: Swim in waterways, hike scenic trails and enjoy full-flavoured wines in this historic riverside region.
Upper Goulburn: At the gateway to Victoria’s High Country, discover the rugged beauty and vibrant white wines that make this an exciting region on the rise.
Want to learn more about Australian wine?
Download ‘Foundations of Australian wine’ to learn about Australia’s top wine regions and wine styles, along with the climate, soils and history that make Australia so unique.
