Beechworth Wine Region

The Beechworth Wine Region in North Eastern Victoria is relatively new, but Brown Brothers have had a vineyard at nearby Everton for many decades.

Current Weather in Beechworth

Modern viticulture dates from the late 1970s. Two wineries, Giaconda and Sorrenberg have put the region on the map but there are now many others who are begining to make their mark. This region is in the North East Victorian Zone which it shares with the Alpine Valleys, Glenrowan, the King Valley and the Rutherglen wine regions.

The climate is quite cool, especially for those vineyards higher up the slopes, vineyards are planted at altitudes between 300 and 700 metres in this region. The topography and soil types are mixed. As is the case in the nearby Alpine Valleys and King Valley wine regions there is a wide variety of microclimates which dictates careful site selection to avoid areas prone to killing frosts in the spring.

The Beechwood wine region has built its reputation on high quality, and high price, wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot nior. The Sorrenberg vineyard is also noted for its Gamay. There are only about a dozen wineries in the Beechworth region, but there is a disproportionate dose of innovative spirit among the growers and winemakers. This is reflected by interest in organic and biodynamic principles used in several vineyards and there is quite a degree of interest in using new and alternative varieties.

Amulet Vineyard is leading the way with a substantial range of varieties. Stephen Morris at Pennyweight Winery produces some excellent Sherry style fortifieds to add to the diversity of wine styles produced in the region.

The town of Beechworth is a well-preserved gold era historic town with many tourist attractions and facilities. Its location near other tourist precincts, and conveniently situated near the main Sydney-Melbourne route is a valuable asset. The steady stream of tourists coming through the cellar doors will no doubt underpin the continued success of the wineries in the region.

But the Beechworth Wine Region's future will be driven by the innovative winemakers and the excellent wines that are being produced.

The following Beechworth wineries are using alternative varieties

• Amulet Vineyard Barbera, Nebbiolo, Orange muscat, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Viognier
• Battely Wines Counoise, Durif, Marsanne, Viognier
• Pennyweight Winery Gamay, Palomino, Tinto Cao, Touriga
• Sorrenberg Gamay
• Giaconda Roussanne
• Castagna Vineyard Sangiovese, Viognier
• Cow Hill Nebbiolo, Tempranillo, Viognier
• Golden Ball Grenache, Malbec
• Yengari Wine Company Viognier
• Fighting Gully Road Petit manseng, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Viognier
• Bowmans Run Gewurztraminer
• Indigo Wine Company Petit verdot

Back from Beechworth wine region to the Wine Regions page of Vinodiversity.