Wine lovers have a soft spot for the Yarra Valley because of the hardships endured by the wine-cultivating population there. After the first vines were planted there in the 1830s by European immigrants, nothing could stop the boom in the wine industry. Just a few years later, wines from the Yarra Valley were shipped all over the world. Wines were produced in bulk and won international praise. The depression at the 19th century hit the wine industry hard, so much so that every single winery closed down.
The 1960s saw a revival in the wine business, and soon table wines became the new flavour. Whereas the end of the 19th century marked catastrophe for the wine industry in the Yarra Valley, the end of the 20th century signalled a massive upswing in business.
The Plenty River flows along the region's western border, while the Yarra River flows right through it. The climate is relatively cool with strong winds and frost during the colder months.
Just one hour's drive from Melbourne, visitors can take in the scenic beauty as well as the famed wines from the area. The reds produced here include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. The region's white varieties include Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Marsanna, Riesling, Semillon and the lesser known Italian grape type, Verduzzo. The cooler climate is also well suited for the cultivation of sparkling wine. There are also many premium-quality labels on offer from the Yarra Valley, like the white sparkling variety from the Healesville Wine Company.
Over 100 wineries operate in the Yarra Valley, and although most of them are big commercial operations, there are a few smaller boutique wineries that also offer excellent wines, like Immerse in the Yarra Valley, Naked Range Wines, Ridgeback Wines and Whitsend Estate.
Wine critics and wine lovers describe the Yarra Valley as one of most exciting wine regions in the country because of the lively wine culture there, and the fearlessness of the wine producers to keep pushing the boundaries, experimenting and creating new and exciting varietals and blends.
You’ll find more wineries from Yarra Valley wine region by clicking here: Wineries from Yarra Valley
Visit these boutique wineries to grow your knowledge of boutique wine and boutique wineries:
