Australian Wine from the Yarra Valley
Scenic and Beautiful Wine Region Near Melbourne, Australia
Nov 30, 2008
The Yarra Valley wine region is one of five wine regions surrounding Melbourne which make up the Port Phillip Zone.
The Yarra Valley's history of wine making goes back to colonial times. Grapes were planted here in the 1840s. The wife of Governor La Trobe encouraged some of her Swiss compatriots to emigrate and develop vineyards. Soon a very successful industry was established. During this period the region was known as Lilydale, the name of the largest town in the district. Lilydale has now been swallowed by suburbia, and the region takes its name from the Yarra River.
During the first half of the twentieth century wine production dwindled and finally stopped as more economical uses for the land were found. There was little demand in Australia or overseas for Australian table wines during this era, and the Valley is too cold for successful fortified wine production.
The modern era of wine making got started in the 1970s and has grown beyond expectations ever since.
Terroir of the Yarra Valley
The region is quite cool by Australian and international standards. Later ripening varieties are suitable only on warmer north facing sites, if at all. The soils are either grey sandy loams overlying clay, or deep red volcanic soils.
Wine Varieties and Styles
In a couple of decades the Yarra Valley has gained a reputation for producing some superb wines, many with surprising longevity.
As a cool region the Yarra Valley is noted for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These varieties are used to make sparkling wines as well as still wines. Other traditional varieties in the region include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon blanc. Viognier is used to make varietal white wines but also plays a supporting role for the the emerging Shiraz Viognier style.
Like many Australian wineries some from the Yarra Valley are looking at alternative or new grape varieties. Yeringberg has built reputation for producing and outstanding outstanding wine from the Roussanne variety. It seems that Tempranillo, Albarino and Arneis also have a future here. For a summary of the wineries at the forefront of this innovation see Vinodiversity's Wines of the Yarra Valley
Major Producers
Small vineyards and winemakers pioneered the region's rebirth during the 1970s and 1980s. They are still the most numerous of the regions 100+ producers but some large companies are now sharing in the region's viticultural bounty. De Bortoli wines moved to the area in 1987 and they have been followed by many large Australian wine companies. Champagne giant Moet and Chandon established Domaine Chandon as a leading producer of Australian sparkling wine. Other winemakers have vineyards in the Yarra valley as well as in other regions, for example Shelmedine Vineyards also operate in Heathcote and Balgownie has its origins in Bendigo.
Some Outstanding Yarra Valley Wineries Include:
- De Bortoli, Chardonnay
- Domain Chandon, Vintage Brut
- Dominique Portet, Brut rose
- Mount Mary, Cabernets Blend
- Shelmedine Vineyards, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
- Yeringberg, Roussanne and a cabernet blend
- Yering Station, Shiraz Viognier
Visiting the Region
The region is easily toured by car or organised tour from Melbourne. Many of the wineries have showpiece tasting facilities and up-market restaurants and even art galleries. Some have luxury accommodation as well. In fact the whole region is well served with a range of dining and accommodation options. Thus there is plenty of incentive to stay for a few days.
Other Attractions in the Yarra Valley
The area is one of great scenic beauty. The vineyards are surrounded by mountains and several national parks with facilities for car touring or bush walking. The Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary contains many of Australia's favourite fauna species.
There are a range of other activities for all tastes such as hot air ballooning.
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