Yarra Valley Wines: Elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cool Climate Shiraz from Victoria
Morning mist over rolling vineyards, just an hour from Melbourne: the Yarra Valley is where Victoria's wine story began. Today its silky Pinot Noir and fine, modern Chardonnay are among the most sought after cool climate wines in Australia.
What Makes Yarra Valley Wine So Special?
The Yarra Valley lies north east of Melbourne in Victoria. In 1838 the Ryrie brothers planted the state's first vineyard at Yering, and by the late 1800s the valley's wines were winning awards at international exhibitions.
After a long pause in the early 20th century, the valley was replanted from the late 1960s. Its cool climate suits Pinot Noir and Chardonnay above all, and these two grapes make up most of our Yarra Valley range.
Upper Yarra or Lower Yarra?
The Lower Yarra on the valley floor, around Yarra Glen and Coldstream, is warmer, with grey sandy loam soils. It gives generous Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and most of the valley's Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
The Upper Yarra, around Seville, Hoddles Creek and Gladysdale, climbs higher into the hills. Its deep red volcanic soils and cooler temperatures give taut, fine Chardonnay and perfumed Pinot Noir. Look for Upper Yarra on the label, as on Rouleur's Arlo's Pinot Noir.
Yarra Valley Pinot Noir
Yarra Valley Pinot Noir is the valley's calling card: red cherry, strawberry and a hint of forest floor, with silky tannins and fresh acidity. Warmer sites give rounder, plusher wines, while the higher vineyards bring more perfume and spice.
From everyday bottles such as Little Yering to single vineyard and reserve releases from TarraWarra Estate and Levantine Hill, there is a Yarra Pinot for every table.
Yarra Valley Chardonnay
Modern Yarra Valley Chardonnay is fine and restrained, with grapefruit, white nectarine and a gentle, flinty edge. Winemakers use oak with a light touch, so fruit and acidity lead the way. Compare it with other styles in our Chardonnay collection.
Shiraz, Cabernet and Sparkling
Yarra Valley Shiraz is medium bodied and peppery. Some producers label it Syrah or add a little Viognier, as in the Yering Station Shiraz Viognier. Cabernet Sauvignon from warmer sites is elegant, with firm but fine tannins.
The cool climate also makes the valley a natural home for sparkling wine, from Yarrabank, Coldstream Hills and Yarra Burn. Browse more in our Australian sparkling wine. Italian grapes are on the rise too, with Nebbiolo from Soumah and Fetherston and Barbera from TarraWarra.
Yarra Valley Producers in Our Range
Yering Station is our largest Yarra Valley producer, followed by TarraWarra Estate, Levantine Hill and Yarrawood. Historic St Hubert's, Coldstream Hills, founded by wine writer James Halliday, and Oakridge add classic names.
You will also find smaller labels such as Soumah, Fetherston, Rouleur Wine Co, Martingale Estate, Seville Estate and Giant Steps.
Serving and Food Pairing
Serve Pinot Noir slightly cool at 14 to 16 degrees and Chardonnay at 10 to 12 degrees. Pinot is a classic match for duck, mushrooms or seared salmon, while Chardonnay suits roast chicken, pork or creamy pasta.
Is Yarra Valley Good for Pinot Noir? Your Questions, Answered
Is Yarra Valley good for Pinot Noir?
Very. The cool climate lets Pinot Noir ripen slowly and keep its perfume and acidity, and it is the valley's most planted red grape. Many Yarra Valley Pinots are lovely young and reward a few years in the cellar.
Is Chandon in the Yarra Valley?
Yes. Moët & Chandon founded Domaine Chandon at Coldstream in 1986, drawn by the valley's potential for sparkling wine. Many Yarra Valley estates now make traditional method sparkling, including Yarrabank at Yering Station.
Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula?
Both are cool climate regions near Melbourne with a love of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Mornington Peninsula is shaped by the sea, while the Yarra Valley is a larger inland valley with a wider range of sites and styles, from sparkling to Cabernet.
Why Buy Yarra Valley Wine at YourWines?
From a bright Little Yering Pinot Noir for a weeknight dinner to a single vineyard Chardonnay for a special occasion, our Yarra Valley range brings the valley's cellar doors to your table.
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 cool climate wine, explore Tasmania or the King Valley.