Here, nature-based adventure, food and wine in alpine landscapes are big attractions, while in winter, the snow season brings skiers to the downhill runs and cross-country trails of the region’s ski resorts. The Alpine National Park, at 646,000 hectares, is Victoria’s largest national park.
In summer, these areas are transformed into a favourite destination for bushwalkers, horse riders, cyclists, fishermen, campers and 4WD enthusiasts. And those on the food and wine trail.
Rutherglen, King Valley and the Alpine Valleys
With over 23 long established wineries in this corner of the state, here, they produce great fortified wines and distinctive, full-bodied reds.
Fortified wines, including Muscat and Tokay are special features, with those from the Rutherglen area gaining local and international acclaim. There are also a number of excellent table wines being produced, from robust reds to elegant whites.
The Italian varieties being produced in the King Valley are proving very popular on Melbourne and Sydney restaurant wine lists.
Signature wine styles found here: Durif, Cabernet Sauvignon, Italian varieties including Sangiovese, Barbera and Nebbiolo. Fortified Wines produced here include Port, Tokay and Muscat.
Wine Regions: Rutherglen, King Valley and Alpine Valleys. Here is a short list of some of the more notable wineries located in High Country, Victoria:
Rutherglen
Cofield Wines
Established in 1990, this winery is family owned and operated, selling a wide range of quality wines at reasonable prices. Dining: The famous Pickled Sisters Café serves contemporary regional café. Food, picnic hampers and BBQ packs are also available. Cellar door sales: 9am - 5pm Mon - Sat, 10am - 5pm Sun.
The oldest continuously operating winery in Victoria, with fifth generation winemaker Brian Gehrig producing fortified and table wines. Cellar door sales: 9am - 5pm Mon - Sat, 10am - 5pm Sun. 13km East of Rutherglen
Both the Mount Prior Vineyard and House overlooks the mighty Murray River. At the cellar door visitors are treated to a fascinating view of the underground cellars and winery. Taste a selected range of wines, including a Durif and a Sparking Shiraz Durif. Dining: Relax and dine in grandeur of the 1880’s homestead with a 360 degree view. Accommodation: Five star accommodation is available with six bedrooms.
Pfeiffer Wines, on the banks of picturesque Sunday Creek in North-East Victoria produce a range of quality wines and fortifieds. Dining: BBQ - timber supplied. Gourmet picnics available by order & with prior notice on Pfeiffer’s Sunday Creek Bridge. Cellar door sales: 9am - 5pm Mon - Sat, 11am - 4pm Sun.
Undisputed leaders in varietal winemaking, Brown Brothers have enjoyed great success since their establishment in 1889 and have always retained the genuine hospitality that has built their reputation. A large range of table and fortified wines are available to complement local produce featured in the restaurant. Dining: The renowned Brown Brothers Epicurean Centre features contemporary wine and food combinations highlighting local produce. Epicurean Centre: 11am - 3pm daily. Cellar door sales: 9am - 5pm daily.
Pizzini Wines are leading the way in Australia with the Mediterranean grape varieties, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Verduzzo and Arneis in Australia. Enjoy old world wines made by exciting new generation winemakers. Accommodation: B&B at the winery. Cellar door sales: 10am - 5pm daily.
King Valley Road, Whitfield VIC 3678
Phone: +61 3 5729 8278
Dal Zotto Estate Wines
A family-run operation headed up by Otto Dal Zotto and sons who make some of the best value quality wines in Victoria. Dining: Rinaldo’s Italian-inspired restaurant showcasing the King Valley’s food and wine. Cellar door sales: 10am - 5pm daily.
Family owned boutique winery located in Victoria’s mountains in the North East, with spectacular view across vineyards to Mt Buffalo. Winemaker Kel Boynton produces premium cool climate wines and his own range of boutique beer. Dining: Boynton’s Vineyard Café Cellar door sales: 10am - 4pm daily.
An ideally located cellar door which provides a beautiful setting to sample Gapsted’s excellent wines while overlooking the Ovens Valley at Mount Buffalo. Dining: Light meals - platters, antipasto, cheese, tea and coffee. Cellar door sales: 10am - 5pm daily.
The cellar door is built in the style of a modern Italian villa. Through innovative cool climate grape growing, use of traditional and modern winemaking techniques and innovative marketing of premium wines, this family owned company showcases a variety of very good wines. Cellar door sales: 10am - 5pm daily
