High Country Wine Regions
The King Valley
The King Valley is home to a passionate group of first, second and third generation Italian migrant families, producing Mediterranean inspired varietals such as sangiovese and pinot grigio. The Pizzini nebbiolos are benchmarks for the grape in this country and since the Dal Zotto family released Australia’s first sparkling prosecco in 2004 the region has been synonymous with the style.
Rutherglen
Rutherglen’s low land and long, dry autumns, combine to create perfect conditions for their rich reds. Their Durifs and range of fortifieds are famous on the world stage, with many awards and accolades held by the various wineries. Winemakers are playing on new takes of the old classics with some more refined styles of Durif and exciting innovations with their delicious Muscats and Topaques.
Alpine Valleys
The long, moderate growing conditions produce high quality grapes with intense fruit flavours and natural acidity, the perfect cool-climate wine. Following a trail of friendly cellar doors in our Alpine wine region, visitors can experience the rich velvety reds, crisp elegant whites and sensational sparkling wines grown and made in these pristine mountain valleys. With Bright in the heart of this growing region you can be assured of a fine meal to go with those wonderful whites.
Glenrowan
Around the time Ned Kelly was on the way to becoming infamous in the Glenrowan region, folklore has it that he was assisting the Bailey family to plant their first grapevines as a fencing contractor. The ensuing 130 years of winegrowing have established Glenrowan’s reputation for full-bodied reds, particularly shiraz, fragrant whites and deliciously renowned fortified wines. The wines of Glenrowan today remain robust, with modern ways adding sophistication. This wine region’s cellar doors are intimate, historic and welcoming.
Beechworth
Dotted throughout the mineral-laden hills of Beechworth are two dozen vineyards. They are mostly tended by family winegrowers with a fierce independence and passion for making the best handcrafted wines. Beechworth’s vineyards are sited on ridge tops or hillsides, where the ancient geology is bony, weathered ground with meagre vineyard soils that restrict grape yield to produce concentrated, intense wines.
The region is renowned for its Chardonnay, Shiraz and Pinot Noir with alternative Italian varietals quickly emerging.
Upper Goulburn
In the Upper Goulburn wine region where vines hug the hinterland, you can taste aromatic whites, French-style sparkling and elegant, textural red wines at family-run cellar doors all under the gaze of snow-capped mountains. With Mansfield, Mount Buller and Lake Eildon on the doorstep you can pick up a good drop to take to the slopes or pack into the boat esky for a day on the lake.
Hungry for more?
Thaw From The Core
When it comes to Winter, trust these wineries to serve you the very best in big reds, fortifieds and full bodied chardonnays.
Rachel Reed & Hamish Nugent
Hamish Nugent and partner Rachel Reed are the brains and brut behind Bright’s Reed & Co Distillery.
Bees in Spring
When you talk about bees, you can’t go past the honey royalty of the High Country, Jodie and Steve Goldsworthy of Beechworth Honey.
Pedal to Produce
You don’t have to be fit, an avid cyclist, or even have your own bike…
Top 5 Winter Beers
It’s never not beer weather. Try these Winter winners.
Short Walks to Your Winter Lunch
Cocooning is a favourite Winter pastime, but fresh High Country air beckons! Have the best of both worlds and enjoy a scenic walk to a tasty hot lunch.