Alpine Valleys is a wine region in North East Victoria. It is one of the most picturesque wine-producing areas in Australia and also has some of the best ski fields in the southern hemisphere. Naturally, the well-established wine industry benefits from the large numbers of tourists who flock to the region and visit its many cellar doors and vineyard cafes.
The name signifies the area's location and natural landscape; vines are planted on the hillsides above the Ovens, Buckland, Buffalo and Kiewa rivers, which all originate in the Victorian Alps. The cool climate here suits grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, but full-bodied red wines are also produced on warmer sites from Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. The region's Italian heritage is demonstrated by varieties like Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Pinot Grigio. Some wineries also produce quality sparkling wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The region's unique terroir has three elements. First and foremost are the snow-covered mountains (Mount Buffalo, Mount Beauty, Mount Feathertop and Mount Bogong), which provide the valleys below with a constant source of cool alpine breezes, which extend the growing season and help to stave off frost. Secondly, the varying altitudes and slopes on which the vineyards are located (reaching up to 1050ft/320m) result in significant temperature and rainfall variations. Last but not least, the Ovens, Buckland, Buffalo and Kiewa rivers deposit alluvial components in the fertile soil – resulting in generous yields without compromising the quality of the wines.
The first vines were planted in Alpine Valleys during the mid 19th century, but the wine industry was unable to flourish because of the arrival of the phylloxera louse in the 1880s. It took almost 100 years for the industry to regroup and seriously pursue viticulture once again. Today, Alpine Valleys is a dynamic wine-producing region and acquired its own identity as a GI (Geographical Indication) in late 1999.
