Wine regions – Glenrowan

Glenrowan  Victoria

Glenrowan is a historic wine region producing intensely flavoured wines. It is particularly renowned for its fortified wines but also produces rich styles of Shiraz and Chardonnay.

Glenrowan is one of five wine regions in the North East Valleys of Victoria. This group which includes, King Valley, Rutherglen, Beechworth and Alpine Valleys produces and extraordinary range of wines.

The Glenrowan wine region is bordered to the north east by the Ovens River and the railway. The Hume Freeway runs through the region’s southern part connecting the main towns of Wangaratta, Glenrowan, Winton and Benalla.

Most cellar doors and vineyards are clustered around Glenrowan township on land that lies between the Warby Ranges and Lake Mokoan. The position is critcial as cold air flowing down from the ranges, is tempered by warmer air currents coming off the lake. In the hot summer months the lake acts as an airconditioner cooling the land at night.

The vineyards position on the lower slopes of the ranges afford them good drainage which is enhanced further by the well-drained soils. The deep red granitic soils are a key to the production of the region’s intensely flavoured fruit.

Glenrowan’s wine making history dates back to the 1850s with the establishment of Bundarra by Richard Bailey a providore and farmer. His son Varley produced the first vintage in 1870. Four generations of Baileys built a reputation for hefty red table wines amongst them the famous Hermitage Shiraz, and deeply flavoured Muscats and Tokays. The property, now owned by Beringer Blass Estates, makes red table wines and fortifieds under the Baileys of Glenrowan label.

In the early 1880s Robert Cox planted the historic Herceynia Vineyard which tragically suffered from the pest phylloxera in the first decade of the1900s. Fortunately both the vineyard and historic cellars, now called Auldstone Cellars, were fully restored by Michael and Nancy Reid who purchased the property in 1987.

Another 1800s pioneer family was the Booths whose vineyard and Taminick Cellars are still in family hands. Cliff Booth was a key figure in establishing the reputation of the region as a producer of exceptional fruit and full-bodied wines. His son Peter is now winemaker producing whites as well as reds and fortifieds.

The town of Glenrowan has gone down in history as the place of the Kelly Gang’s last stand, so it is somewhat of a mecca for Ned Kelly afficinados.

For food and wine lovers, jazz fans and history buffs alike there is wonderful produce from the many orchards, excellent cellar doors, cafes and restaurants, accommodation facilities and attractive countryside to amble through. Major events include the Kelly Siege Commemorative Event in June and the Wangaratta Jazz Festival in November.

Harvest time: early March to mid April

Sites with more information:

• North East Valleys, Victoria
• Rural City of Wangaratta
• Pedal to Produce
• Murray to Mountains