🍷 Wine tour around Melbourne: top 5 regions

Last updated Jan 17, 2025

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From the lush vineyards of Shiraz's northern hills and 19th-century wine cellars in the Valley of the Kings to wineries and farm-to-table restaurants in Rutherglen. We've put together a list of the best wine areas near Melbourne that you should definitely visit.

Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is an hour's drive from central Melbourne and is one of the most visited wine regions in the world. This lush, cool- climate region is replete with award-winning vineyards and a variety of cellar doors. The main focus here is on the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grape varieties. You can try them at every step.

Among the 160 wineries in the Yarra Valley, Hubert Estate is one of the oldest wine producers in the region. Visit the production and try the famous Hubert Cabernet Sauvignon.

King Valley Wine Region

Over the years, Italian migrant families have established award-winning wineries in the King Valley region of north-east Victoria. This fertile region, three hours' drive from Melbourne, has a long history. The first grapevines were planted here in the 1860s.

It is also the first region to produce premium Australian Prosecco, as well as many famous Italian wines such as Nebbiolo and Pinot Grigio.

Head to the picturesque Politini Wines in Cheshunt. And there, taste wines made from traditional French and Italian grape varieties grown on the estate.

Central Shiraz

Unlike the Yarra Valley, Central Shiraz is located in the highlands of the southern Great Dividing Range. The climate here is tropical and ideal for growing grapes. It's no surprise that the region is home to over 250 wineries and 100 wine cellars. They are mostly known for their cool, spicy Shiraz.

Here you will find the family-run Mitchelton Estate Winery, located on the banks of the Goulburn River in Nagambie. Here you can enjoy spicy Shiraz with cheese or praline while admiring the views of the green Goulburn River.

Rutherglen wine region

The Rutherglen wine region in Victoria's Highlands on the Murray River is home to 20 boutique wineries. They produce some of Australia's finest sweet fortified wines. The main varieties grown in the area include Shiraz, Muscat, Dourif and Cabernet Sauvignon. Moreover, the same families run some of the oldest wineries in the country.

Lake Moodemere Estate is located on the shores of Lake Moodemere and specializes in sustainable wine. This means minimal processing of the wine material.

Pino Cost

The Pinault Coast hugs the picturesque Southern Ocean coastline and is just an hour's drive from Melbourne. This is where you need to go for a cool Pinot Noir. The best way to try it is in one of the region's 146 wine cellars. From world-renowned wineries to boutique boutiques, the region is brimming with opportunities for wine lovers.