Alpine Valleys
NEW FRONTIERS IN HIGH COUNTRY
This pristine wine region, filled with mountains, streams and valleys, is home to welcoming cellar doors and winemakers unbound by tradition.
Spectacular landscapes, striking seasonal contrasts and a vibrant food culture, as well as skiing, make the Alpine Valleys wine region one of our most visited. The vineyards throughout its four mountain valleys grow more than 30 grape varieties, from classics to the lesser known.
There’s a long history of grape growing here, but the modern winemaking community is relatively new and defined by a spirit of adventure.
Read on for more about Alpine Valleys.
36° 63'S
latitude
146° 59’E
longitude
260HA
total vineyard area
Climate and Altitude
This cool, subalpine region has a continental climate with long growing seasons and regular frosts. There’s a variety of microclimates, from the relatively warm valley floors to cold areas up the slopes.
561MM
growing season rainfall
20.5C
mean temperature
155–1972M
altitude
The Environment
About three-and-a-half hours from Melbourne, the Alpine Valleys wine region lies in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, close to popular ski resorts and the Alpine National Park.
Climate
Temperatures vary depending on altitude but generally the summer days are warm and the nights cool; winter gets cold enough for snow.
Soil
The region’s soils vary but are generally highly fertile and formed on river deposits mostly from granite rocks.
Top Varieties Grown
CABERNET SAUVIGNON AND SHIRAZ
Produced at lower altitudes where conditions are warmer, these are balanced, full-flavoured wines.
CHARDONNAY
These wines are developing a strong reputation for their elegance and intense flavours. Chardonnay grown at higher altitudes is used in sparkling wines.
MERLOT
Planted at higher elevation, Merlot produces elegant and refined red wines.
ALTERNATIVE VARIETIES
Growers in the Alpine Valleys wine region are helping to lead Australia’s varietal revolution with plantings of Sangiovese, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Marzemino and others.
