The Alpine Valleys wine region

 

Home to Anderson & Marsh, the Alpine Valleys is one of Australia’s most spectacular wine regions.

Located on the western slopes of the Victorian Alps in North East Victoria, the Alpine Valleys GI is a myriad of fertile and rugged mountain valleys. It encompasses the Ovens, Kiewa, Buckland, Buffalo and Happy Valleys, and is bordered by the King Valley wine region to the west and the Beechworth wine region to the north.

There is great variation in aspect, elevation and soil type across the region’s mountain valleys, with vineyards generally warmer and lower in the north and cooler and higher to the south.  This, in conjunction with the proximity to alpine peaks, creates a unique viticultural environment.  Known locally as the ‘Buffalo Breeze’, a northward catabatic airflow is a distinguishing viticultural feature, intensifying diurnal contrast, extending the ripening season and helping to retain acid and aromatic intensity in ripening grapes.

Though it was first planted to vines in 1856, three and a half hours on the Hume has kept the Alpine Valleys wine region something of a hidden gem, better known for it’s snow resorts and adventure activities.  However, a small, vibrant wine-growing community has quietly flourished for many decades, producing some high quality sparkling fruit, as well as a breathtaking range of alternative varieties. The success of a few small brands such as Mayford Wines and Billy Button Wines in recent years, has brought increasing attention to the wine growing potential of the region, which has driven demand for its wine grapes and a surge of new wine labels.