Upper Goulburn Wine Region

Upper Goulburn

The vineyards of Upper Goulburn lie acrest a hilly, high country of Snowy Mountain horses and cattlemen. It is the source of the Goulburn River and many crystal mountain streams. The region is celebrated for elegant, cool climate wines and sparkling styles. Its strengths are fresh, aromatic whites with vivid fruit purity, racy acidity and minerality. They include long lived chardonnay, crisp riesling, sauvignon blanc and gewürztraminer. The region also produces fine, perfumed reds from pinot noir and merlot. Shiraz and cabernet sauvignon are grown are successfully on warmer sites.

Situated between the Strathbogie Ranges and the Yarra Valley, the Upper Goulburn is one of five central Victorian wine regions. It is amongst the largest in the state by area, yet vines amount to just over 200 ha. Viticulture was first established here in the late 1960s. Vineyards are placed mainly in west, since the rugged country rises to meet Mount Buller and the Great Dividing Range in the east. The region enjoys an invigorating cool climate with the natural advantage of plenty of sunshine. Vineyards sit at altitudes of 300-800 metres and Winter brings dustings of snow. The region is home to a varied, high altitude topography of sandstone, siltstone, claystone, limestone, dolomite and granitic soils.

The township of Mansfield is where the Ned Kelly Gang famously became Australia's most wanted outlaws after shooting dead three policemen. It is also the setting from which the Colt from Old Regret got away in Banjo Patterson’s iconic Australian poem, The Man from Snowy River.