Sip Through the Best King Valley Wines in Australia

Nothing is better than watching the sun go down with a glass of wine in hand, especially when that wine comes from a region with a name like the King Valley. Although not as well-known as other regions in the heart of Victoria, the King Valley is home to some serious wines with a history and culture as rich as the flavours themselves. If you're planning a wine-tasting adventure, read on as we guide you to some of Australia's best King Valley wines.

Before we explore the wines of the King Valley, it's worth getting acquainted with the region itself. Situated in the northeast of Victoria, this picturesque wine region is approximately a three-hour drive from the bustling heart of Melbourne's Central Business District. The King Valley is known for its stunning natural beauty, extending from the source of the King River to the rugged inclines of the Victorian Alps. This vast landscape provides a breathtaking and dramatic backdrop for wine tasting.

The King Valley's winemaking history dates back to the 1800s, initially focused on fortified wines. Still, it evolved significantly when Italian immigrants arrived during the gold rush era, introducing new grape varieties like Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. In the 20th century, wineries blended tradition with innovation, resulting in the unique character of King Valley wines, reflecting a rich history that marries Italian viticulture with Australian terroir and techniques

Let's dive into the world of King Valley grapes. This wine region is renowned for crafting some of Australia's most exceptional Italian grape varieties, with Prosecco taking centre stage. Its cool climate and elevated vineyards set the Valley apart, creating conditions for a diverse range of grapes to thrive. Among the stars of this terroir are Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, Arneis, and Barbera, each producing wines of character. 

Glera and Prosecco are essentially the same thing. In Italy, Prosecco, traditionally named after the village near Trieste where the grape variety originated, was officially renamed Glera in 2009. This change was part of Italy's strategic move to protect its sparkling wine as a brand, just like Champagne in France. In Australia, the vine was imported under the original name Prosecco before the name change in Italy. An ongoing legal tussle questions if Australia can keep using the name Prosecco. But until then, we'll continue to enjoy our Australian Prosecco.

Learn more about Prosecco in Australia here. 

One of the most famous wineries in the King Valley is Pizzini, known for its award-winning Nebbiolo and Sangiovese. The Pizzini family's commitment to sustainable viticulture practices has made it one of the most respected wineries in Australia. Dal Zotto is another must-visit winery known for introducing Prosecco to Australia in 1999. They also produce mouth-wateringly delicious Tempranillo, Barbera, and Sangiovese wines.

Allora Wines is a modern brand in the region that prides itself on producing high-end Italian-style wines with minimal intervention. Their easygoing wines are made to enjoy everyday wines showcasing fruit from the King Valley. Chrismont Wines are more classic, producing elegant Prosecco, Pinot Grigio and Nebbiolo. They have an award-winning Italian restaurant on-site with five-star views of the Valley - highly recommended.
 

La Cantina is a small winery that produces exceptional hand-crafted wines. They specialize in Italian varietals and are well known for their Saperavi - a variety native to Georgia. It is a full-bodied wine with an intense deep purple colour, supported by a bouquet of berries and rich, firm tannins. Finally, King River Estate is a family-owned winery that produces minimal intervention wines. They have unique varieties like Lagrein and Sagrantino - for those who like to explore beyond the mainstream.

If you're a fan of Australian-Italian wines, then the King Valley is an absolute must-visit. This stunning region is home to top-notch wineries renowned for their incredible selection of Italian varietals. Each winery has its distinct style and approach, making every tasting experience a true adventure. We've shared just a glimpse of what the King Valley has in store for you. So why wait? Start planning your next wine-tasting adventure, or explore this region by shopping here. Salute!