Every time I swirl, sip, and share a story, I’m reminded that there’s a hidden narrative waiting in every glass of wine. This region doesn’t just offer diversity; it invites you to experience a new narrative with every pour, because of its incredible range of terroirs, varietals, and the passionate individuals who bring them to life. After attending two insightful master classes – one in Dallas and one in Houston – Victoria’s tapestry of terroirs, varietals, and passionate people has never felt more vivid.
The class in Dallas was led by Christina Pickard, who covers Australian wine for the Wine Enthusiast. Mark Davidson led the class in Houston from Wine Australia. I couldn’t ask for two better teachers. This was my second time to visit the region with Christina. This was my second time to visit the region with Christina.
Victoria may be Australia’s smallest state, but it boasts the greatest diversity of regional climates and wine styles. With over 800 wineries across 21 wine regions, Victoria is the perfect place for wine lovers who like the ability to try different things.
Highlights from my masterclass tastings:
Yarra Valley: The historic Yarra Valley, less than an hour from Melbourne, is the region’s cool-climate wine region. Think Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a growing reputation for Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The valley’s hills and misty mornings produce wines with finesse and freshness.
Mornington Peninsula: Just over an hour south, the Mornington Peninsula is a haven for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The influence of three surrounding bodies of water brings cool breezes, which translate into wines with energy and poise. The masterclass highlighted how the region’s sandy soils and maritime climate deliver Pinot Noirs with bright red fruit and Chardonnays with a mineral backbone.
Geelong: Stretching from beaches to hills, Geelong is a region of contrasts. Family-run wineries here craft premium Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz, each bottle showcasing the region’s coastal influence and approach to innovation.
Heathcote: For Shiraz lovers, Heathcote is the place to go. Its ancient Cambrian soils yield deeply colored, spicy, and structured Shiraz. The masterclass in Houston showcased how Heathcote’s Shiraz can be both bold and nuanced, with a savory edge.
Rutherglen: No discussion of Victoria is complete without Rutherglen, the home of legendary fortified Muscat and Topaque. These are liquid time capsules – layered, luscious, and a testament to the region’s rich winemaking heritage.
Italian Inspiration and Fortified Legends
One of the most compelling stories from the masterclasses was Victoria’s embrace of Italian varietals. In King Valley, you’ll find Prosecco, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Barbera thriving alongside classic Australian grapes. The region’s Italian heritage isn’t just a footnote; it’s a part of the local culture, from family-run vineyards with food pairings that mirror Italian wineries.
And then there’s Rutherglen, where Muscat isn’t just a dessert wine. These fortified wines are a window into Victoria’s past and a reminder of the region’s ongoing innovation.
Soil, History, and the People Behind the Glass
Victoria’s diversity isn’t just about climate – it’s about stories rooted in ancient soils and pioneering families. From Heathcote’s 500-million-year-old Cambrian earth, which gives Shiraz its depth and power, to the granite outcrops of the Strathbogie Ranges, every glass reflects place and passion.
What struck me most during the masterclasses was how every producer, whether a fifth-generation winemaking family or a boutique winery has a passionate story to tell. The region’s collaborative spirit and willingness to experiment – with everything from Portuguese whites in Rutherglen to alternative Rhône and Italian varieties in Heathcote, make Victoria a region that is always innovating.
A Region for Every Palate
Victoria is where tradition and experimentation meet. Whether you’re craving a crisp Vermentino from Heathcote, a plush Shiraz from the Grampians, or a glass of sparkling from the Yarra Valley, there’s always something new to try. As Mark aptly said, “If I had to choose one region, I’d choose Victoria because there’s so much diversity.”
