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The wines of the Yarra Valley are dominated by the major grape varieties especially the red varieties Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Merlot, while the whites are dominated by Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc with a supporting role played by Semillon. This cool climate area has a growing reputation for the production of high quality sparkling wines.

However there are rich pickings for those of us who look for our vinous pleasures outside this narrow range of classic varietals.

There are about a hundred wineries operating in this region, all but a handful can be described as small or medium. Less than a quarter are growing varieties not mentioned above. The proximity to Melbourne makes this region eminently suitable for cellar door sales.

See a wonderful interactive map of this region. (Opens in a new window)

Many of the wineries of the Yarra Valley have fine restaurants. The scenic beauty of the area adds to the appeal for daytrippers from the nearly eastern suburbs of Melbourne. But don't be mistaken - this area can hold it head high in any company on the quality of the wines it produces.

Yarra Valley Wine History

Perhaps more than any other Australian wine region the Yarra Valley has had a stop-start history. It was first established in the 1850's by Swiss immigrants encouraged by Charles La Trobe the Governor of Victoria, and his Swiss born wife. There followed a golden era dominated by Hubert de Castella who won prizes for his wine at the great exhibitions in Australia and Europe during the 1880s.

A period of decline then occurred so then eventually, by the end of the 1920s no wine was produced in the region then known as Lilydale. The decline was caused by economic factors, rather than the Phyloxerra pest. There was virtually no market for fine wine in Australia. The former vineyards were given over to dairying and other agricultural enterprises, exploiting the mild climate, rich soils and proximity to the growing city of Melbourne.

By the early 1970s the region was almost forgotten as a wine region but Len Evans was able to write in his Australia and New Zealand Complete Book of Wine

"In recent years some devotees have begun new plantings in an attempt to recreate old glories, so we may yet discover for ourselves just how good the wines of Lilydale are."

Well over a hundred wineries are now all striving to recreate those glories. They include Domaine Chandon, a wholly owned operation of Moet and Chandon, the largest Champagne producer in France. In fact, the sparkling wines of the Yarra Valley rival those of Northern Tasmania for the role of the premier sparkling wine of Australia. Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Chardonnay are also represented among the top wines for their classes. So we can say that the 'Lilydale Revival' has certainly succeeded.

Visiting the Yarra Valley

This wine region abuts the outer suburbs of Melbourne so can be easily visited as a one day wine tour. There are so many wineries with cellar door sales and other attractions that staying one or more nights is also an attractive option. You can combine a wine tour with sightseeing in the Yarra Ranges National Park, the Kinglake National Park, the Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, or the National Trust's Historic Homestead at Gulf Station.

Accommodation options include hotels, motels, guest houses, cottages and B&B's. Some of the towns which you may consider for an overnight stay include Yarra Glen, Healesville and Warburton. There are many fine restaurants, some at the wineries, others in the towns. If you are visiting from intersate or overseas expedia.com can help you plan a wine tour to the Yarra Valley wine region.

Alternative varieties used to make wine in the Yarra Valley Region

As mentioned above the most famous Yarra Valley wines are its Chardonnay's, Shiraz and Cabernets, along with its fine sparkling wines. But in recent years a few of the wineries have been making wine from some different varieties. The table below will give you an indication of some interesting wines to look out for.

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Yarra Valley comes to Melbourne  Not rated yet
It's the Yarra Valley's turn at the Victorian Wine Regions Showcase on Wed-Thur 1 and 2 April 2008.

You can taste wines from one of Australia's best ...