Your Definitive Guide to the Best Wine Regions in Victoria

Victoria is home to some of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, each offering its own unique flavour profiles and unforgettable experiences for wine lovers, whether you're a novice or a seasoned sommelier. With world-class wines, stunning scenery, and exceptional dining, these regions promise a journey that’s nothing short of spectacular.

The best part? You don’t have to be a wine enthusiast to revel in these picturesque locales. Beyond the vineyards, these regions boast breathtaking mountains, valleys, and national parks, alongside phenomenal dining options that provide endless entertainment for all.

Join us as we explore the best wine regions in Victoria and discover why they should be on every traveller's list.

Mornington Peninsula

A mere hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula boasts world-renowned Pinot Noir, paired with stunning coastal views and a vibrant food scene. The region’s cool climate and maritime influence create ideal conditions for premium cool-climate wines, with renowned wineries such as Pt Leo Estate and Montalto offering award-winning drops. Beyond the wine, enjoy pristine beaches, gourmet dining, and luxury accommodation, making it perfect for a weekend getaway or a day trip. The Peninsula’s cellar doors invite visitors to sip wine with a side of ocean breeze, while nearby attractions like Peninsula Hot Springs offer ultimate relaxation. Whether you're a wine novice or connoisseur, the Mornington Peninsula serves a relaxed yet refined experience for all.

Pyrenees Wine Region

Found in the heart of Victoria’s rugged countryside, the Pyrenees wine region offers a unique escape into bold reds and charming landscapes. With a history dating back to the late 1800s, this region is a haven for lovers of Shiraz, producing some of the country’s most distinctive and full-bodied varieties.

The cool climate combined with the region's rocky terrain creates the perfect conditions for complex wines that express the land’s wild beauty. Vineyards like world-renowned Dalwhinnie and the cool-climate sparkling wonderland that is Taltarni open their doors to visitors, welcoming them to taste exceptional drops while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding hills. 

Shiraz Central (Heathcote, Macedon Ranges & Grampians)

For Shiraz lovers, Shiraz Central is a pilgrimage. Comprising regions like Heathcote, Macedon Ranges, and the Grampians (that's 250 wineries and 100 cellar doors, mind you), it is known for its bold, complex reds. Heathcote’s mineral-rich soils and temperate climate produce some of the world’s finest Shiraz, with wineries like Sanguine Estate and Best's Wines offering exceptional tasting experiences.

The Heathcote Wine and Food Festival in October is the highlight, where visitors can sample new releases and enjoy local culinary delights. While the wine steals the show, outdoor adventures like hiking the Grampians and exploring historic gold rush towns add to the allure of this diverse region. Don't miss a chance to indulge in exquisite French fare at Heathcote's Chauncy, either.

Goulburn Valley

The Goulburn Valley is home to the world’s oldest and largest plantings of Marsanne, making it a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. Here, you'll find diverse varietals like Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and the iconic Marsanne.

A highlight is Tahbilk Winery, known for its heritage-listed cellar door, and stunning wetlands views. Michelton Winery also impresses with its award-winning cellar door, designer winery, and seasonal dining at The Muse. The Goulburn Valley offers a unique blend of rich history and modern winemaking for an unforgettable wine experience.

King Valley

Often referred to as the “little Italy” of Victoria, the King Valley is renowned for its Italian varietals, including Prosecco, Sangiovese, and Nebbiolo. Located in the High Country, this stunning region is home to Italian migrant families who have been producing evolving wines since the 90s. Take a scenic drive along the King Valley Prosecco Road, stopping at cellar doors to sample sparkling wines paired with local gourmet foods.

Alongside its exceptional wines, enjoy activities such as bocce games and al fresco dining with panoramic views of the valley. It’s hard to resist the allure of Brown Brothers' beautiful outdoor setting in the summer. The King Valley is a celebration of community, heritage, and incredible Italian-style wines.

Beechworth Wine Region

Unfolding from the continental side of Victoria's Alpine slopes, Beechworth is a small wine region that thrives on one of the world’s most diverse wine-growing ecologies. From naturally carved valleys to elevated open plains, this lush landscape—shared with neighbouring towns Everton, Stanley, Wooragee, and Murmungee—features a complex web of geological formations, weather patterns, and soils, producing a remarkable range of grape varietals. The result? Exceptional wines that stand out on the global stage.

Wineries like A. Rodda, known for its stunning Tempranillo, Eldorado Wines, Indigo Wines, Pennyweight, Star Lane, Weathercraft, and Sentio's lush Chardonnays lead the charge in producing world-class wines. With a strong sense of community and passion, Beechworth has firmly secured its place on the global wine stage.

Rutherglen

Steeped in history, Rutherglen is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions and home to the country’s most exceptional fortified wines. Renowned for its Muscats and Topaque, Rutherglen produces decadent dessert wines that are perfect for pairing with rich desserts. The region’s warm, sunny climate is ideal for leisurely bike rides along tree-lined trails, or a swim in the nearby Murray River.

All Saints Estate is a highlight, offering immersive experiences from wine tastings to guided tours of its historic castle and gardens. 

Alpine Valley

Sprawling out from the foothills of the Victorian Alps, the Alpine Valley region is a hidden gem, producing wines with intense fruit flavours and vibrant acidity. Known for varietals like Prosecco, Chardonnay, and Sangiovese, this region is home to around 30 grape varieties, each crafted with care by boutique wineries.

The scenic beauty of the Alps complements the wines perfectly, with seasonal landscapes that range from autumn’s golden hues to snowy winter views. Notable wineries include Billy Button and Feathertop, where you can enjoy cellar door tastings in a serene, intimate setting.

The is one of the best wine regions in Victoria for wine lovers seeking a combination of adventure, nature, and exceptional drops.

Yarra Valley

Just an hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s premier wine regions, renowned for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines. With a winemaking history spanning over 200 years, the region is home to some of the country’s most iconic wineries, including Yering Station and Domaine Chandon.

Adding to the allure are the young guns making waves, from Fin Wines, known for its vibrant natural drops and a summer-only cellar door, to Bobar Wines, which crafts pristine natural wines on the valley’s western slopes and welcomes visitors by appointment only.

The cool climate provides ideal conditions for producing award-winning wines, with scenic vineyards nestled among rolling hills. On the must-do list? Indulge in a wine tour, rise early for a sunrise hot air balloon ride you’ll never forget, visit a local food market, and enjoy family-friendly activities like a trip to Healesville Sanctuary. The Yarra Valley truly offers something for every traveller.

Bellarine Peninsula

The Bellarine Peninsula is often overlooked by tourists, making it the perfect escape for those seeking a quieter, more intimate wine experience. Known for its cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz, this coastal region offers boutique wineries, stunning ocean views, and exceptional seafood.

Visit Jack Rabbit Vineyard or Oakdene Winery for a taste of the local wine, paired with scenic views of the Southern Ocean. This area is perfect for wine lovers who prefer to sip their drink while enjoying the calming sounds of the sea, making it a peaceful and picturesque wine region in Victoria.

Murray-Darling & Swan Hill Wine Region

The Murray-Darling and Swan Hill wine regions are sun-kissed havens for wine lovers, where vibrant landscapes meet exceptional vintages. Lush red gum forests, serene riverbanks, and golden desert plains set the stage for sampling bold Shiraz, crisp Chardonnay, and emerging favourites like Durif and Vermentino.

Indulge in cellar door tastings at icons like Trentham Estate or the historic Chateau Mildura, each brimming with character and flavour. Swan Hill enchants with boutique wineries and festive celebrations, while Mildura shines in November with its Alternative Varieties Wine Show, showcasing unique and innovative drops. These Victorian wine regions promise a sensory adventure to remember.

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.