Explore Goulburn Valley and Surrounds

Head into the picturesque heart of Victoria for a memorable food and wine journey taking in the Goulburn Valley, King Valley and Heathcote wine regions.

Stretching from Seymour (just an hour north from Melbourne) up to Echuca and the NSW border, the sun-drenched Goulburn Valley is often referred to as Victoria’s food bowl. Ancient river red gums line the creeks and waterways that crisscross the fertile valley, irrigating the fruit orchards, olive groves and vineyards that flourish here.

A historic wine-growing region, the Goulburn Valley is home to some of the world’s oldest shiraz and marsanne vines – which date back to the 1800s – and is renowned for powerful shiraz, typified by rich red fruits and spice. But you’ll also find earthy cabernet sauvignon, merlot, grenache and buttery rich chardonnay.

For unique wine-and-dine experiences visit Victoria’s most esteemed wineries Tahbilk Winery and Mitchelton Winery, and save the date for the Tastes of the Goulburn festival in Seymour, 15 October 2022, with options to travel by vintage steam train from Melbourne’s Southern Cross Station.

In the neighbouring Heathcote winery region to the west, shiraz is truly king – voluptuous, deep-coloured shiraz, rich with complex fruit flavours. Its success is partly attributed to the ancient red Cambrian soils which consist of green stone that retains water year-round, keeping grapes succulent and juicy. Look out for  full-bodied Yarran Block Series Heathcote Shiraz and fragrant Tyrrell’s Rufus Stone Heathcote Shiraz which boasts an intoxicating aroma of dark berries and white pepper.

With more than 40 wineries in the region – many small and family-run – you can also sample fine sangiovese, grenache, tempranillo, chardonnay and riesling. Just passing through? The enchanting gold rush town of Heathcote is filled with beautifully preserved historic buildings and cellar doors, and sets an atmospheric scene for the Heathcote Wine and Food Festival, 1-2 October 2022.

To the east of Goulburn Valley, the picturesque King Valley wine region nestles at the base of Alpine National Park. Reminiscent of northern Italy, the region was settled by Italian immigrants who planted vines with a passion. Sangiovese and prosecco are the stars, but you will find many other Italian-influenced varietals including pinot grigio, rosata and barbera.

To best experience the famous traditional Italian hospitality of the region, follow the King Valley Prosecco Road food and wine trail, which links Brown Brothers, Chrismont, Dal Zotto, Gracebrook and Sam Miranda wineries, all of which offer fun and informative wine tastings and fabulous eateries. Or come for the King Valley La Dolce Vita food and wine festival, 19-20 November 2022.