Wine regions Australia - 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 - Tarup Ridge for tapas and Plunkett's serve lunch.  Both these wineries cater for functions.

If you are looking to stay in the vineyards Maygars Hill and Tarup Lodge provide excellent accommodation.  There is also accommodation at B & Bs, hotels and motels throughout the region.

Harvest Time: late March to early May