The Henty wine region occupies the south west corner of the State of Victoria. It was previously known as Drumborg.

In the early 1960s Seppelt planted the first vines in the region (apart from an ill fated attempt by the Henty brothers in the 1840s). Cool climate viticulture was a novel idea in those days but a few other winemakers soon saw the potentail of the area, most notably Crawford River wines

Riesling has been the most successful variety here but Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Pinot Noir have all proven to be capable of making elegant wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz are also grown.

Among alternative varieties Pinot gris is the obvious candidate, but I'd like to see someone try Arneis and Albarino here...the real albarino that is, not Savagnin.

Henty wineries with alternative varieties

• Bocahara Wines Meunier, Petit manseng
• Mount Pierrepoint Pinot gris
• Rowans Lane Pinot gris

Visiting the Henty Wine Region

This region is about 300km West of Melbourne. It can be visited as waystop on the coastal Great Ocean Road route between Melbourne and Adelaide.

Henty abuts the Grampians wine region. You could combine a trip to Henty with one the Grampians. The town of Dunkeld, just outside the region boasts the renowned gourmet venue the Royal Mail Hotel. But you will find plenty of other dining options throught the region.

Places to stay

Warrnambool, Portland and Hamilton are the regional cities in this region. Port Fairy is a popular fishing town and now a major holiday destination. All have a range of accommodation options available, from traditional hotels to seside and country cottages and B&Bs.

These links will help you find some accommodation here.

• Hamilton accommodation
• Port Fairy accommodation
• Portland accommodation
• Warrnambool accommodation