Alpine Valleys Wine Region

The Alpine Valleys wine region in north-eastern part of Victoria may be a relatively new wine-producing area, but so far the wineries there have proven themselves to be quite impressive and innovative.

The undulating hills and valleys in the region are nourished by four rivers, namely the Ovens, Buckland, Buffalo and Kiewa rivers. The varying geographical features give way to different climates, from the cooler areas near the slopes to the more balmy temperatures closer to the river and valley floors. All year round, the average temperature in the area is a friendly 21.5 degrees Celsius, with a little spring and autumn frost settling on the vines just before harvest time between February and April. Vineyards planted on the sides of the slopes experience a steady, warmer airflow to counteract the effects of the frost on the vines.

As for the selection of wines cultivated in the Alpine Valleys wine region, this is one area where you'd find the more interesting varieties like Saperavi, a rich red wine native to Russia and other parts of eastern Europe. The good soil structure in the region, although varying between loamy and mostly granite depending on where the vineyard is place, lends itself to more regular grape types like Chardonnay also doing well here. Strong reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are also produced in Alpine Valley, as well as the milder Merlot. This area also boasts a strong Italian heritage, so it's no surprise that there is a strong presence of Italian varietals like Nebbiolo, Barbera and Sangiovese. A lesser known but equally interesting French grape called Petit Manseng is also grown here.

The first Alpine Valleys wineries emerged after the tobacco farming industry dwindled somewhat and wine-farming became more lucrative. The area itself is booming as a wine region, on the cutting edge of new wine-making techniques and not afraid to experiment with foreign grape types like the Russian native Saperavi. Most of the vineyards along the slopes and throughout the valleys belong to family-run boutique wineries that hand-select their fruit and produce small numbers of exquisite wines. Devils Creek Wines, Michelini Wines and Kancoona Valley Wines are a few of the winerie every discerning wine-lover should enjoy from this wine region.

As if the wines are not enough to attract people to the region, visitors can also take advantage of skiing when the slopes (part of the Australian Alps) are bedecked with snow. Warmer months allow for nature walks among the alpine trees and across vast meadows.

You’ll find more wineries from Alpine Valleys wine region by clicking here:  Wineries from Alpine Valleys