Gippsland Victoria
The Gippsland zone is rich in beauty, local produce and wine. The noble varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir show the most promise.
Gippsland is a wine zone with no officially designated wine regions. Gippsland is a large track of country extending from the NSW/Victorian border, along the coast to Wonthaggi just below Melbourne then sweeping west to the edge of the Great Dividing Range. As the zone is so big it is common to refer to South Gippsland, East Gippsland and West Gippsland. As one would expect the topography, soils and climate range significantly, however, it can be said that the climate is cool, affected by cold winds from Bass Strait and elevation that extends to the Victorian snowfields. Such a cool climate is suitable for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and it is these wine styles that have made their mark.
Gippsland is one of Victoria's most important agricultural and fisheries areas. It produces wool, meat, dairy products, fruit, berries and vegetables and seafood, wild and farmed.
The viticulture industry has undergone development over the last thirty years. Concentrations of vineyards and wineries occur around Bairnsdale, and between the towns of Loch and Foster on the South Gippsland Highway. There is also a winery on Phillip Island mixing it with the local penguins.
Gippsland has a lot to offer the wine traveller. There are of course cellar doors and wonderful local produce, restaurants and accommodation but there is also a wealth of national parks, and beautiful coastline to explore.
Harvest time: late March to May
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