Grampians is part of the Western Victoria zone and has made wine around Great Western, Ararat, Buangor, Moyston and Halls Gap since the 1860s. Its Mediterranean climate is cooled by the Southern Ocean. Shiraz can be silky and red-cherry-and-plum driven, or more concentrated, with spice, pepper, liquorice and game notes. Riesling shows tropical lime in warmer years and a more reserved, toasty character in cooler vintages. Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Dolcetto are signature varieties, alongside sparkling wines.
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Elsewhere in Victoria
- Heathcote3 producersHeathcote's red soils over calcareous sodic clay are known as Cambrian Greenstones, and south-easterly winds keep summers cooler than nearby Bendigo. Shiraz is deep and velvety with dark cherry-plum fruit, while Cabernet can show blackberry and eucalyptus-mint character.
- Mornington PeninsulaNo producers listed yetEvery Mornington Peninsula vineyard site is within seven kilometres of the ocean. Pinot Noir ranges from delicate cherry-strawberry wines to richer site expressions, while Chardonnay typically shows melon, citrus and fig.
- Murray Darling4 producersMurray Darling spans north-west Victoria and western New South Wales along the Murray River. Its hot, sunny, low-humidity growing season relies on irrigation, and its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are soft, sweet-fruited wines for drinking within one to two years.
- Rutherglen4 producersRutherglen is known for sweet, concentrated fortified wines made from Muscat and Muscadelle. Its Durif is ripe and spicy, with balance and ageing potential. Warm days, cool nights and long dry autumns shape the growing season, with spring frost remaining a risk.
- Yarra Valley7 producersYarra Valley's elevation and the direction its slopes face create varied growing conditions. Pinot Noir is generally light to medium-bodied, with plum, strawberry and cherry flavours. Chardonnay often shows white peach, melon and fig, while modern Shiraz styles tend towards freshness.