The Upper Goulburn Wine Region is one of Victoria's newest wine regions with a history stretching back just thirty or so years. It has only recently been given official recognition through the Geographic Indications scheme.

This region is rapidly establishing itself as a producer of fine wines, especially from varieties noted for their performance in cool climates.

This emerging wine region is situated to the north of Melbourne to the east of the Hume Highway. It takes its name from the Goulburn River and includes the slopes of the Victoria's High Country.

Vineyards are located at altitudes of 250m to 800m. A variety of landforms from river flats to mountain slopes combined with a diversity of underlying geology has produced a multitude of soils and microclimates. In this environment site selection is critical to successful grapegrowing and matching varieties to sites is also important. Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are especially favoured by grapegrowers in cooler parts of the region, while Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz play a prominent role elsewhere.

As yet only a few vineyards are using alternative varieties, this will no doubt change as more winegrowers and wineries are established. There are plenty of varieties which could thrive here.

Some Upper Goulburn Wineries using alternative wine grape varieties include

• Delatite Winery Gewurztraminer, Gruner Veltliner, Malbec, Nebbiolo, Pinot gris
• Glen Creek Wines Nebbiolo, Pinot gris
• Growlers Gully Marsanne, Roussanne
• Kinloch Wines Meunier
• Lost Valley Cortese
• Melaleuca Grove Marsanne
• Myrtle Vale Vineyard Viognier
• Peppin Ridge Marsanne, Verdelho
• Philip Lobley Wines Nebbiolo
• Rees Miller Estate Viognier
• Rocky Passes Wines Viognier
• Sedona Estate Sangiovese
• Snobs Creek Wines Dolcetto, Pinot gris, Roussanne, Viognier
• Tallarook Wines Marsanne, Mourvedre, Roussanne, Viognier
• Terra Felix Marsanne, Mourvedre, Roussanne, Viognier
• Tulley Wells Grenache

Visiting the Upper Goulburn Wine Region

There is plenty to enjoy in the Upper Goulburn Wine Region. Many of the wineries have cellar door sales, a few have restaurants and accommodation in the vineyards. All are close to tourist facilities and non-wine attractions.

The region can be reached within an hour or so's drive from Melbourne via the Hume Highway, exiting at Tallarook. Two more scenic routes are via the Melba Highway to Yea, or via the Maroondah Highway to Alexandra.

Other towns in the region include Bonnie Doon, Delatite, Eildon, Mansfield and Taggerty. The popular ski resort of Mount Buller lies just outside the region. In the warmer months Lake Eildon attracts visitors for boating activities, but all year round there is trout fishing, bushwalking, horse riding and beautiful scenery to enjoy.

The proximity to Melbourne makes the region a great place to visit for a day, but there are plenty of inviting accommodation options for extended stays. Visits to the region can be combined with tours of the nearby Yarra Valley, Strathbogie Ranges or Nagambie Lakes Wine Regions.

If you are planning a visit to the region you may be interested in using Vinodiversity's food and wine tours brochure service.