Wines: Sip, Savour, and Explore
Welcome to our Grape Varieties and Wine Reviews section, where we share our thoughts, experiences, and insights on wines from the Yarra Valley and beyond. It's important to note that the reviews you'll find here are a reflection of our personal opinions and tastes, which are inherently subjective. Wine, much like art or music, is a matter of personal preference and individual palate. While we draw upon our experience and industry knowledge to provide these reviews, it's crucial to remember that what we enjoy might differ from your own preferences.Think of these reviews as a friendly guide to exploring the diverse world of wines, each associated with its grape variety. They can help you discover new labels, varietals, or wineries you may not have encountered otherwise. Ultimately, the best wine is the one you love, and we encourage you to use our reviews as a starting point to embark on your own wine journey, explore, and find the flavors that resonate with you. Cheers to discovering the world of wine, one glass at a time!
The Basics
Explore essential wine knowledge, from tasting and storing tips to glassware and food pairings. Discover the characteristics of various wine varieties found in the Yarra Valley, making it a must-read for both beginners and connoisseurs alike.
Chardonay
Chardonnay thrives in the Yarra Valley's cool climate, showcasing diverse styles, from lean and mineral to rounded with vanilla and stone fruits. Upper and Lower Yarra Valley offer varying citrus levels, determined by location, altitude, and soil.These winemakers love talking about dirt!
Who does it best:
Oakridge (#1 on Hallidays Top 100 Wineries 2024), Giant Steps, Dappled Vineyard, Medhurst and
Toolangi Vineyard.
Cabernet Sauvignon
As the backbone of the Yarra Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon remains a loyal and integral part of the region. It boasts rich, focused blue fruit flavors with savory notes, making it an excellent choice for red meats and winter nights. The Yarra Valley is renowned for its exceptional Cabernet-based blends.
Wo does it best:
Yarra Yering, Mount Mary, Yeringberg
St Huberts and Rob Hall
Pinot Noir
Yarra Valley excels in Pinot Noir, a key grape alongside Chardonnay. Its warm days and cool nights yield ripe fruit, featuring red fruits, pepper, umami, and sour cherry notes, adding depth and complexity.
Who does it best:
Coldstream Hills, Pimpernel, Gembrook Hill, Mount Mary and Hoddles Creek
Sparkling
The cool climate of the Yarra Valley is ideal for crafting sparkling wines, with Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay thriving. These grapes yield clean, crisp, and precise sparkling wines, perfect for both dining and celebrations. Look to the Yarra Valley for premier sparkling wine options.
Wo does it best:
Chandon, Seville Estate, Yarra Bank, Coombe Yarra Valley and Soumah
Yarra Valley Wines
The Yarra Valley is renowned for its picturesque vineyards and stunning landscapes. Many wineries in the region offer cellar door experiences and tastings, allowing visitors to indulge in the flavors of the Yarra Valley. Some notable wineries include St Huberts, Coldstream Hills, De Bortoli, Yering Station, TarraWarra Estate, Oakridge Wines, Yarra Yering, Levantine Hill, Mount Mary, Yeringberg and many more.
The region's cool climate is particularly suited for producing elegant, cool-climate wines. Chardonnay thrives in the Yarra Valley, showcasing vibrant fruit flavors and crisp acidity. Sauvignon Blanc also captures the region's terroir, with notes of citrus and tropical fruits. Pinot Noir, known as the Yarra Valley's signature grape, produces aromatic and complex wines with silky tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, although a less common variety in the region, exhibits great potential, displaying dark fruit flavours and firm structure.
In addition to still wines, the Yarra Valley has gained recognition for its sparkling wines. Wineries like Domaine Chandon and Oakridge Wines produce exceptional sparkling wines using the traditional méthode champenoise, the same method used in Champagne, France. These sparkling wines embody elegance and finesse, making them a standout feature of the Yarra Valley wine scene.
The Yarra Valley not only offers delicious wines but also provides a beautiful setting for visitors to explore. Many wineries have stunning views and on-site restaurants, where you can enjoy a meal paired with their exquisite wines. The region also hosts various events throughout the year, such as food and wine festivals, making it an exciting destination for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.
TOOLANGI VINEYARD
Established in 1995 by Garry and Julie Hounsell, who fell in love with the beauty and potential of the Yarra Valley.
COLDSTREAM HILLS WINERY
Coldstream Hills Winery is an esteemed winery located in the Yarra Valley, known for its exceptional cool-climate wines.