The Glenrowan Region

Glenrowan Wine Region

The historic Glenrowan wine region is renowned for its luscious fortified wines and rich red wine styles, a product of the area's deep, red granite soils.

The region is bordered by the Ovens River to the north and the Hume Freeway to the south. Most cellar doors and vineyards in the region are located close to the historic township of Glenrowan, on land that lies between the Warby Ranges and Lake Mokoan.

Most of the vineyards sit on the upper slopes of the Warby Ranges, enjoying excellent drainage and spectacular views. This location also provides a unique grape-growing climate with cool air flowing down from the ranges, tempered by warmer airflow from the lake. In the hot summer months, the lake acts like a giant air-conditioner, cooling the land and vineyards at night.

The region's oldest vineyard is Baileys of Glenrowan, which was originally planted by Varley Bailey (son of Richard Bailey) in the 1860s. Bailey produced his first vintage in 1870, and since then Baileys of Glenrowan has continuously produced iconic full-flavoured Shiraz and world-renowned Muscat and Tokay.

Tradition is important at Baileys, with many heritage buildings and historic artefacts on display - providing a real glimpse into Australia's colourful rural past.

Booths were another pioneering family who ventured into winemaking here, and their vineyard and original stone Taminick Cellars are still in family hands.

Just down the road is the equally historic Auldstone Cellars, with its vineyard planted in the early 1880s by Robert Cox.

Apart from its intensely flavoured wines, the Glenrowan area also produces a range of stone fruit - such as juicy nectarines, peaches and cherries - plus deliciously sweet strawberries. Several orchards are also open to the public during the summer months, where you can pick your own - or sample the fruits of someone else's labour!

Wangaratta

Wangaratta is a modern, bustling regional city that sits at the geographic heart of one of Australia's best food and wine producing regions - making it an ideal base to explore this fabulous corner of North East Victoria.

The city's many fine restaurants, trendy cafes and informal eateries procure the freshest ingredients to offer innovative and mouth-watering menus to suit all seasons, all appetites and all occasions.

Wangaratta's streets are abuzz with a true "cosmopolitan feel"; largely due to the many opportunities to dine alfresco in the region's gloriously mild seasonal climate.

The city boasts a number of grand old hotels, providing a refreshing break from your travels. Most offer fine dining, a good selection of local wines and comfortable accommodation.

Wangaratta is also an ideal staging post to explore Ned Kelly country, the region's many wineries, tour historic Beechworth or meander through the various alpine valleys - including the charming King Valley.

And for a real taste of big country hospitality, fine food and culture, the Wangaratta Jazz Festival - held every Melbourne Cup Weekend - is an absolute must!

For information on the attractions of the Wangaratta Region, or for help with accommodation, please contact Wangaratta Information Centre on 1800 801 065.

Milawa Gourmet Region

The Milawa Gourmet Region - centred on Oxley and Milawa, just a short 15-minute drive south-east of Wangaratta - was proclaimed Australia's first 'gourmet region' in 1994.

The region is the "Centre for Excellence in Food and Wine" and produces some of the best gourmet experiences in Australia. It is home to one of the busiest cellar doors in Australia, Brown Brothers.

Apart from fine wines, the Milawa Gourmet Region's temperate climate is ideal for producing a wide range of fresh foodstuffs including specialty cheeses, mustards, bread, olives, berries and honey - as well as jams, pickles and preserves.

Notably, Milawa Mustards is known as the region's "condiment centre" producing over 18 styles of mustard with home-grown ingredients.

The Milawa Cheese Factory produces a range of soft cheeses including chevre, washed rind, white mould and French-style blue cheese. It also produces a range of traditional artisan-style sourdough breads as the perfect accompaniment.

Lots more awaits you in Australia's "culinary crossroads", so be sure to add the Milawa Gourmet Region to your itinerary!

King Valley

Offering some of the highest altitude vineyards in Australia, the King Valley has a national reputation for producing premium boutique wines, including unique Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Barbera.

The King Valley's potential to grow grapes was first recognised in the 1970s, but it was not until many of the local Italian families switched from tobacco growing to winemaking that the region really took off. As a result, the Valley is today regarded as one of Australia's fastest growing wine regions.

Family names such as Pizzini, Dal Zotto and Chrismont all proudly declare the area's Italian heritage - lending an exuberant flavour to the various celebrations held here throughout the year.