Wine regions – Strathbogie Ranges
Strathbogie Ranges; Victoria
Sometimes a region is blessed by a very special climate. A perfection of warmth, and cool, thin air which revitalises with every breath. The Strathbogie Ranges is one of nature’s airconditioners, sitting high above the Goulburn Valley of Central Victoria.
Koalas and humans are
welcome at
Ruffy Produce Store, an establishment
full
of character, fine food and wine.
A mere hour and half north of Melbourne, the region has been
quietly developing a wine industry focused on producing elegant
cool climate wines. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinots,
Shiraz, Cabernets and Merlot are the key varieties grown. The vineyards
range from 150m to 650m in altitude and soil types vary widely
throughout the region with, however, a predominance of granitic
soils. These factors result in a diversity of styles.
The region’s viticulture was pioneered by Alan Plunkett, who in 1968, planted
the hardy cool climate varieties, Riesling and Gewürztraminer. Plunkett
Wines has since been in the forefront of forging a reputation for Strathbogie
wines.
The region’s growth has been slow but steady since that time, with an acceleration
of development in the 1990s. In 1994 Domaine Chandon planted vineyards in the
region. Today they grow Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Noir and Pinot
Meunier, producing a Strathbogie Cuvée, other sparkling wines and still
table wines.
The Strathbogie Region Wine Show is an annual event fostering development of
the region’s wine industry. At the 2006 show, James Halliday remarked on
the growing quality of the wines. Of
special note was Elgo Estate who won Best Wine of Show for their 2004 Shiraz.
Humming away in these hills is a wonderful food culture. There is no shortage
of choice – from delicious fare at Ruffy Produce Store to fine dining at Harvest
Home. There are great pubs in the region and of course wineries serving
fine food – Fowles Wines serve breakfast and lunch.
If you are looking to stay in the vineyards Maygars Hill and Bank on the Goulburn provide
excellent accommodation. There is also accommodation at B & Bs, hotels
and motels throughout the region.
The Strathbogie Ranges
vineyards
Harvest Time: late March to early May
Sites with more information:
- Strathbogie Ranges Wine Region
- Strathbogie Ranges Tourism
- Nagambie Lakes & Strathbogie Ranges
