Victorian Wines: Cool Climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Shiraz from Victoria

Cool South or Warm North?

The short answer is both. The Great Dividing Range runs across the state, and the regions to its south, close to Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay, are cool enough for fine Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine.

North of the range the climate is generally warmer and drier, although altitude keeps parts of the north east cool. Central regions such as Heathcote make richer Shiraz, and Rutherglen in the far north east is famous for fortified Muscat and Topaque.

The Wine Regions of Victoria

Close to Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is known for elegant Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine. South of the city, the maritime Mornington Peninsula makes fragrant Pinot Noir from small vineyards, and Geelong and the Macedon Ranges add more cool climate styles.

In the centre of the state, Heathcote is known for deep, spicy Shiraz from red Cambrian soil, while Tahbilk on the Goulburn River planted its first vines in 1860. Further west, the Grampians and the Pyrenees make peppery Shiraz, and Great Western is a pioneer of sparkling Shiraz.

The north east has both cool and warm country. The King Valley leads the way for Prosecco and Italian grape varieties. Nearby Beechworth is known for fine Chardonnay and Shiraz, and the Murray Darling in the north west grows grapes for many everyday wines.

Victorian Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

Pinot Noir is the most common grape in our Victorian range. Cool sites in the Yarra Valley, on the Mornington Peninsula and in Gippsland give Pinot Noir with red cherry, strawberry and fine, silky tannins.

Modern Victorian Chardonnay is fine and restrained, with citrus, white peach and a gentle, nutty edge. Explore it alongside our other styles of white wine, from crisp Pinot Grigio to aromatic Riesling.

Victorian Shiraz, Sparkling and Fortified Wine

Shiraz from the state is often spicy and savoury, from the deep, rich wines of Heathcote to the peppery Grampians and the Yarra Valley. Compare the styles in our Shiraz collection.

There is a long sparkling tradition too. Great Western has made sparkling wine since the 19th century, the Yarra Valley makes traditional method cuvées, and the King Valley is famous for lively Prosecco.

In Rutherglen, families such as Chambers and Morris age Muscat and Topaque for many years to make rich, luscious fortified wines.

Victorian Wine Brands in Our Range

From the Yarra Valley come Yering Station, TarraWarra Estate, Levantine Hill and St Hubert's, while Paringa Estate, Kooyong and Red Hill Estate represent the Mornington Peninsula.

Tahbilk, Best's Great Western, Mount Langi Ghiran, Fowles Wine and Balgownie bring wines from the centre and west, while Gapsted Estate and Indigo Vineyard come from the north east.

Serving and Food Pairing

Serve Pinot Noir slightly cool at 14 to 16 degrees, Shiraz at 16 to 18 degrees, and Chardonnay and sparkling wine well chilled. Pinot Noir suits duck and mushrooms, Shiraz loves roast lamb, and a fortified Muscat is lovely with blue cheese.

What Wine Is Victoria Known For? Your Questions, Answered

What wine is Victoria known for?

Victoria is known for cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, spicy Shiraz from Heathcote and the Grampians, Prosecco from the King Valley and fortified Muscat from Rutherglen.

How many wine regions are there in the state?

There are 21 official wine regions, grouped into six zones: Port Phillip, Central, Western, North East and North West Victoria, and Gippsland.

Which wine regions are closest to Melbourne?

The Yarra Valley, the Mornington Peninsula, Geelong and the Macedon Ranges are all around an hour's drive from the city, which makes them popular for a day at the cellar door.

Why Buy Victorian Wine at YourWines?

From an everyday Pinot Grigio to a cellar worthy Shiraz, you can buy Victorian wine online for every style, occasion and budget, alongside the rest of our Australian wine range.

Every wine is chosen by our team, available by the dozen or as a six-pack, and shipping is free Australia wide with a surcharge for WA, TAS and remote areas. For more bold reds from across the country, explore our red wine collection.