Upper Goulburn Wine Region in Central Victoria

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.

Delatite winery and cellar door in the Upper Goulburn Wine Region

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.

To the north is the Strathbogie Wine Region,  to the northeast is the Goulburn Valley Wine Region and Nagambie Lakes. Just over the Great Dividing Range to the south is the Yarra Valley.

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.

Among the classical varieties in this region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the most popular but a few wineries are stepping outside the square and producing some more interesting varietal wines.

Tempranillo vines supply Ros Ritchie's Winery

Alternative Varieties in this region

• Delatite Winery Gewurztraminer, Graciano, Gruner Veltliner, Mencia, Malbec, Tempranillo
• Krystallo Estate Fiano, Kamari, Malvasia, Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Vermentino
• Philip Lobley Wines Moscato Giallo, Nebbiolo
• Ros Ritchie Gewurztraminer, Nebbiolo, Tempranillo, Vermentino
• Sedona Estate Sangiovese
• Tallarook Winery Marsanne, Roussanne

Victorian wineries on Pinterest

I have a Pinboard showing some of the wineries in Victoria who use alternative varieties.

Visiting this 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 and activities.

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. Use Vinodiversity's Wine Hotel finder to plan your stay.

Visits to the region can be combined with tours of the nearby Yarra Valley, Strathbogie Ranges or Nagambie Lakes Wine Regions.

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