Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley is cool climate wine region that has grown in popularity and notoriety for the high quality wines produced within the area. Located a within an easy drive from Melbourne, the region is host to numerous festivals and celebrations, cellar door experiences, boutique wineries and first class restaurants and accommodation. This large Australian wine region has something to offer almost every palate.
The Yarra Valley tends to have cool, pleasant summers and high rainfalls. Winters are mild and rarely produce frost, and the elevation varies from 400 to 500 metres above sea level. With just under 4000 hectares of vines, it's no surprise the Yarra Valley produces millions of litres of wine each year.
History
The Yarra Valley has a long history to equal almost any wine region in Australia that dates back to 1838. Over 160 years ago, vines were first planted and viticulture spread throughout the area. The area prospered until the early 20th century when a demand for fortified wines overtook the need for wine production.
However, by the 1960s, the Yarra Valley was already making a return to glory, and has since grown to overtake previous booms of times gone past. The 1990s were particularly favourable years, and now the Yarra Valley is recognised as one of Australia's foremost cool climate wine producers.
Yarra Valley Wine - Best In The Region
Perhaps more so than any other region in Australia, the Yarra Valley has several star performers when it comes to wine varieties. It is hard to go past a Yarra Valley Pinot Noir for brilliant complexity, and it follows that sparkling wines from this region will also excel. For lovers of white wine, try a Yarra Valley Chardonnay to experience the best this region has to offer.
Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon, Riesling... the list of great wines from the Yarra Valley goes on. If you can't manage to visit this picture perfect region, at least make it a priority to try some of its fine wines - you won't be disappointed.
When it comes to wines from Victoria, look to wine.com.au as the home for information, cuisine and fine wine from the Yarra Valley.
