Yarra Valley Wines: Elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cool Climate Shiraz from Victoria

Upper Yarra or Lower Yarra?

The short answer is altitude and soil: the warmer valley floor gives riper styles, while the cooler hills give finer, more perfumed wines.

The Lower Yarra on the valley floor, around Yarra Glen and Coldstream, has grey sandy loam soils. It gives generous Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and suits 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, Pinot Gris and Rosé

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.

Other Yarra Valley white wine styles include textured Pinot Gris, crisp Pinot Grigio and zesty Sauvignon Blanc. Yarra Valley rosé, often made from Pinot Noir, is pale, dry and fragrant.

Yarra Valley Shiraz, Cabernet and Sparkling

Beyond Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley red wine includes medium bodied, peppery Shiraz. Some producers label it Syrah or add a little Viognier, as in the Yering Station Shiraz Viognier. Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from warmer sites is elegant, with firm but fine tannins.

Yarra Valley sparkling wine is another highlight, from Yarrabank's traditional method cuvées to Coldstream Hills. Browse more in our Australian sparkling wine collection.

Italian grapes are on the rise too, with Nebbiolo from Soumah and Fetherston and Barbera from TarraWarra.

Yarra Valley Wine Brands 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.

What Is the Yarra Valley Famous For? Your Questions, Answered

What wine is the Yarra Valley famous for?

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay above all, followed by elegant sparkling wine, cool climate Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon from the warmer sites.

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, you can buy Yarra Valley wine online and bring 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.