Your Guide to the Best Wine Regions in Victoria

Live la dolce vita and take yourself to the source of our state’s best wines. We’re truly spoilt for choice here, as Victoria is home to myriad renowned wine regions, each specialising in different varietals.

The best news? You don’t have to love wine to enjoy a jaunt in these picturesque parts of the state, with breathtaking mountains, valleys, national parks and phenomenal dining options also providing endless entertainment.

Unleash your inner sommelier as we visit the best wine regions in Victoria. Cheers!

Goulburn Valley

Home to the oldest and largest plantings of Marsanne in the world, the Goulburn Valley has been consistently delivering award-winning drops since the first vines were planted in the 1800s.

Diversity is the name of the game here, where you can sip on savoury Shiraz, complex cabernet sauvignon and mature Marsanne — all on the same day.

To lap up the luxury, visit Michelton Winery. A popular location for weddings, the designer winery is home to an award-winning cellar door where you can sample superior Shiraz alongside other delicious drops.

Stop for dinner at onsite restaurant The Muse, and be treated to an accessible, seasonal menu where the region's best produce is on show.

Shiraz Central

Appreciate a bold red? Head to this aptly named area to try distinctive cool-spiced Shiraz that’s some of the best in the country.

Naturally rugged and diverse, Shiraz Central encompasses several regions including the Macedon Ranges, Heathcote and the Grampians, plus the gold rush cities of Bendigo and Ballarat.

Visit world-renowned award-winning wineries such as Seppelt and Bests, or go searching for the next big thing among the region’s 250-odd wineries. While you’re there, go hiking in spectacular walking trails and enjoy classic bush landscapes during your country escape.

Heathcote

Deserving a moment in the spotlight, Heathcote’s temperate climate and calcium-rich red soils produce some of the best Shiraz in the world.

Sandwiched between the sprawling McHarg and McIvor Ranges, this bustling wine region in Victoria is home to more than 50 wineries and vineyards.

With its lush landscapes, beautiful gold rush-era architecture and chic cellar doors, a trip to Heathcote is a pleasure-seeking experience, to say the least.

But it’s in October when the town truly comes to life with the annual Heathcote Wine and Food Festival which welcomes winos to be the first to sample new release drops from the region, alongside sumptuous culinary creations.

King Valley

Love bubbles? King Valley is the destination for you. Located in north east Victoria in picturesque and tranquil High Country, this region is a veritable little Italy, with entrepreneurial migrant families establishing roots in the 90s to produce evolving varietals like Prosecco, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese and Dolcetto.

A highlight for any visitor is a traipse down the King Valley Prosecco Road, a mini food and wine trail on which you can savour rustic Italian food, play bocce and sip Prosecco from five producers in the valley.

Rutherglen

Sweet tooths should head to Rutherglen, one of Australia’s oldest wine regions and the home of world-class fortified wines. They’re best known for opulent Muscats and Topaque that are perfect for dessert drinks, as well as rich red wines like Durif, Shiraz and Cabernet.

The warm and sunny region lends itself to leisurely bike rides along tree-studded trails, swims in the Murray River and long alfresco lunches.

Visit All Saints Estate for a ‘Vine to Wine’ experience where you’ll get to tour their historic castle and manicured gardens, eat artisan cheese and learn about winemaking techniques from the pros.

Alpine Valleys

Located in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, this stunning wine region produces drops with intense fruit characters and high natural acidity.

Visitors descend to the Alpine Valley all year round for outdoor adventures, beautiful seasonal scenery (think gorgeous orange autumns and snowy winters) and gourmet delights.

The region grows 30 grape varieties including Prosecco, Chardonnay and Sangiovese which you can try at welcoming cellar doors such as Billy Button, Feathertop and Ringer Reef.

Yarra Valley

At only an hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD, the Yarra Valley is perfectly placed for a day trip or weekend away and happens to be one of the best - and most popular - wine regions in Victoria.

One of of Australia’s most famed wine regions, its cool climate and 200-year winemaking history means it’s a producer of countless award-winning Chardonnays, Pinot noir, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and sparkling wines.

There’s an abundance of wine tours departing from the city that take all the work (and designated driving) out of your trip, while family-friendly attractions like Healesville Sanctuary and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery will keep everyone happy.

Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula has it all – sand, surf, scenery and vineyards – making it a top destination for a varied escape. A snappy hour’s drive from Melbourne finds you revelling in prime Pinot noir country, with dozens of cellar doors open for tastings.

Add acclaimed winery restaurants such as Oakridge and Laura at modern and chic Pt Leo Estate to your itinerary, or spend an afternoon on the green at one of the region’s many golf courses – we recommend St Andrews Beach or The Dunes.

The Peninsula’s well appointed with amazing accommodation too, ensuring you get a comfy night’s rest before more wine, walking and sunshine the next day.

Bellarine Peninsula

Head down past Geelong for exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Shiraz from cellar doors dotted along the Bellarine Peninsula.

These days, the coastal region is somewhat of an under-the-radar wine lover’s secret, meaning you’ll avoid the crowds of higher-profile places.

There are around 40 cellar doors you can visit, with our top picks going to Jack Rabbit and the quirky Oakdene.

While you’re visiting and sipping on your drop of choice, you’ll also be treated to stunning Southern Ocean views, quaint seaside villages and delicious local seafood.

Need somewhere to stay while checking out the best wine regions in Victoria? Check out these stunning winery accommodation options across Victoria. If you’re looking to indulge closer to home, our favourite Melbourne wine bars should do the trick.