| Where is the Yarra Valley? |
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The Yarra Valley begins just 38 kilometres east of Melbourne's CBD, in the state of Victoria, Australia. The main towns include Kangaroo Ground in the west, Yarra Glen in the center, Healesville in the east and Warburton in the south east.
The major roads through the region are the Maroondah Highway (which begins in Melbourne), the Melba Highway and the Warburton Highway.
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| What is the best way to tour the Yarra Valley? |
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By car: The Yarra Valley Wineries have developed a series of touring routes to suit different time frames. For more information about travelling to the Yarra Valley by car.
Tour Company: For tour company information and contact details visit our Touring section.
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| What is public transport like in the Yarra Valley? |
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There are limited bus services around the Yarra Valley. You can either visit Metlink or call 131 638 for further information.
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| What wine brochures are available and how do I request them? |
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A hard copy of all of the following brochures can be requested by calling (03) 5962 4800 or emailing info@wineyarravalley.com.au
- The Yarra Valley Wine and Touring Guide – a touring map with full details of all cellar doors is available either in hard copy or by clicking here.
- Grape Grazing – the largest wine festival in the southern hemisphere is held every February in the Yarra Valley. http://www.grapegrazing.com.au/
- Shedfest – held by the Warburton Highway wineries in October every year, Shedfest invites you inside the winemakers' "sheds" for a day of fine wine, food and music. http://www.shedfest.com.au/
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| Which wineries host weddings/ conferences? |
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Go to the Search and choose Functions/Weddings (or any other area of interest) from the available list of activities to find what you're looking for.
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| Which wineries produce which styles of wine? |
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Go to the Search and choose the variety/wine style you are looking for from the drop down box. This will take you to the relevant list.
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| Which wineries are open on Christmas, Public Holidays? |
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Go to the Search and choose the day you are checking from the drop down box. This will take you to the relevant list.
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| What is vintage? |
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Vintage is the wine industry's term for harvesting the wine grapes.
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| When is vintage? |
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Vintage around the world depends on the climate of each wine region. As the Yarra Valley is a cool climate region, it is one of the latest areas in Australia to harvest..
Vintage generally commences in late February for early ripening varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and continues through to May for late ripening varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon.
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| What do the vineyards look like throughout the year? |
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Summer
December to February: Pre-harvest, vines are in leaf and fruit is forming.
Autumn
March to May: Early autumn is harvest time. The vines are in full leaf and laden with fruit which is gradually harvested. The leaves begin changing colour in late autumn.
Winter
June to August: The vines are dormant, canes without leaves or fruit
Spring
September to November: Budburst s are bursting and leaves are forming.
You can see Coldstream Hill's amphitheatre vineyard in the Yarra Valley right now at http://www.coldstreamhills.com.au/Webcamera/camera.html
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| When were vines first planted in the Yarra Valley? |
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The Yarra Valley was Victoria's first wine region with vines planted at the current Yering Station site in 1838. The wine industry flourished until the early 1900s, when economic downturn lead to the vineyards reverting to pasture.
The vineyards were reborn in the 1960s when iconic vineyards such as Mount Mary, Warramate and Yarra Yering vineyards were planted. Yeringberg was replanted and its original 1800s winery is still in operation today.
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| How many wineries are there in the YV? |
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There are over 80 wineries in the Yarra Valley, 50 of which are open for cellar door.
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| What area of the Yarra Valley is under vine? |
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According to our local shires, we estimate that 3800 hectares are under vine, around 2% of Australia's total area.
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| What percentage of Australian wine is made in the YV? |
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The Yarra Valley crushes an estimated 4% of Australia's total crush.
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| Which varieties perform best in the YV? |
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The Yarra Valley has it all! We don't "hang our hat" on one variety, since the region makes elegant, food friendly styles across the board.
Sparkling
Moet Chandon and Devaux of Champagne chose the Yarra Valley as their Australian bases.
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay
Both are attracting international attention for their elegance and class.
Pinot Noir
Cool climate, complex styles.
Shiraz
Yarra Valley Shiraz has won a Jimmy Watson trophy. Shiraz Viognier blends are amongst Australia's finest.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is included in Langton's Exceptional category ("the most highly sought-after and prized Australian wines on the market”) – the top echelon of Australia's leading wine classification.
Other varieties to watch for – Pinot Gris, Roussanne/Marsanne, Viognier, Gamay, Merlot. |
