Vine Guide: King Valley and Alpine Valleys edition
If north-east Victoria’s spectacular natural beauty and outdoor activities aren’t your thing, the incredible wine, food and cellar doors might just win you over.
Wine regions are famously very pretty places, but the vine-growing areas across Victoria’s High Country really show us how it’s done. Home to mountains, valleys, lakes and rivers, this seriously beautiful countryside acts as a magnet for outdoor adventurers. And while snowy slopes and cycle trails meet fishing spots and hiking routes, there’s also plenty of action for those who prefer more culinary adventures. That’s where the King Valley and its neighbouring Alpine Valleys wine region come in.
The sweeping vineyards that form the backdrop to these wine regions might look like they’ve always been here, but many were once tobacco farms. Grown in Victoria’s north-east since the 1850s, tobacco flourished here for a long time, boosted by the arrival of Italian migrants around the 1920s who took to the farming life. But when the tobacco industry ran its course, many locals switched to growing wine grapes, and the rest, as they say, is history.
It’s impossible to talk about the King Valley without mentioning prosecco – it hangs its hat on this Italian-style sparkling. First made in Australia by the region’s Dal Zotto family, prosecco has since been embraced by this winemaking community, many also with Italian heritage. Today, there’s a Prosecco Road trail to follow here, with a stack of activities to enjoy these bright bubbles at their best – a prosecco-paired brunch, perhaps? However, thanks to the region’s high-altitude vineyards and ideal growing conditions, there’s a lot more to this wine story, including other top cool-climate drops that deserve to share the spotlight.
About a three-hour drive from Melbourne, the King Valley and Alpine Valleys make a brilliant detour on the way to the snow. But if you think skiing just gets in the way of wining and dining, ditch the slopes and cram your getaway with the highlights below.
2. Dal Zotto, King Valley
It’s hard to believe Aussie prosecco didn’t exist 20 years ago. The Italian-style sparkling has become super popular in record time, and we can thank Dal Zotto for that. Otto Dal Zotto was first to grow and make prosecco on our shores – it debuted in 2004 – and today, Otto’s sons, winemaker Michael and marketer Christian, are integral to the business. Dal Zotto continues to refine their prosecco styles (the Col Fondo is a must-try) along with their wider collection of standout wines. There’s also plenty happening at cellar door – a revitalised trattoria and luxe shipping-container accommodation will soon be unveiled.
3. Pizzini, King Valley
Another generational farming story, the Pizzini family knows this land inside out – patriarch Alfredo helped his parents with their tobacco plants as a kid. The family later switched to growing wine grapes and, today, Alfredo and Katrina’s kids are also immersed in the business, including winemaker Joel. It’s not just Pizzini wines that celebrate their Italian heritage (the nebbiolo and sangiovese are benchmarks) – a visit to the winery offers various experiences, including tastings of their current and aged Italian wine styles, and Italian cooking classes, too. And with accommodation on-site, you can really make yourself at home.
4. Michelini Wines, Alpine Valleys
If the Tuscan-villa-inspired cellar door at Michelini Wines doesn’t immediately scream Italian goodness, their collection of wines will. From vermentino and sangiovese to pinot grigio, teroldego and more, this family winery’s range celebrates their pristine cool climate as much as their heritage. The Michelinis are originally from northern Italy, which they say has similar conditions to their special spot in the Alpine Valleys; they sit between rolling hills and snow-capped mountains. To see what Michelini is all about, book a wine tasting and antipasto experience – it includes a bottle of your choice to take home.
5. Billy Button, Alpine Valleys
Named after the native yellow daisy that brightens the Alpine Valleys over the warmer months, Billy Button is all about showcasing an incredible diversity of wine varieties and styles. With long-time winemakers Jo Marsh and Glenn James at the helm, Billy Button is an ideal stop for anyone who wants to try something new (and also exceptionally good). Pecorino, malvesia, verduzzo or schioppetino, perhaps? That’s just the tip of the delicious iceberg here. With a cellar door in Bright and another in Myrtleford, you can taste the range at both, where cheese and deli goods are also on offer.
1. Chrismont Restaurant, King Valley
Chrismont has been growing and making wine for more than 40 years, but this family operation has become a true destination since opening their smart wine, food and events complex in 2015. That includes their restaurant, where dishes pay tribute to the family’s Sicilian and northern Italian roots. Open for lunch from Friday to Tuesday, this is an essential stop – allow time for a full three-course indulgence.
2. Mountain View Hotel, King Valley
Next to a creek and surrounded by gardens, the Mountain View Hotel is an excellent idea for lunch or dinner – it serves up next-level pub food every day. You could start with meatballs, mussels or calamari, go for a pasta, pork cutlet or Nepalese vegetable curry for mains, and finish with gelato or crème brulee. The family behind Pizzini Wines runs this hotel, which also includes accommodation.
3. Tomahawks, Bright
Among north-east Victoria’s pretty towns is Bright, and one of its top drawcards is Tomahawks, a haven for tasty, substantial food. The menu offers the likes of Japanese street corn, housemade bread and chargrilled broccoli, but some would say the true must-orders are the American-style burgers and fried chicken. Save room for the deep-fried ice cream.
1. Milawa Cheese Company, King Valley
It would be rude to pass through Milawa without stopping at this family business. Started in 1988 by David and Annie Brown (no relation to neighbouring winery Brown Brothers), daughter Ceridwen now runs the show and turns out world-class cheeses. It’s possible to order these goods online, but nothing beats tasting them in their natural habitat and meeting the team in person.
2. Milawa Gourmet Ride, King Valley
It’s cycling, but don’t panic – this is an easy trail and, to top it off, you can treat yourself along the way. We’re all about the incentives. As part of the Pedal to Produce cycle trail, the Milawa Gourmet Ride is less than 10km and passes cellar doors, farm gates and gourmet food stores. Don’t have a bike? Hire one from one of the many rental services in the region.
3. Powers Lookout, King Valley
Once used as a hideout by bushranger Harry Power in the 1860s (the wider region is bushranger territory – a wander through Beechworth will give you more of the story), head here for stunning views across the King Valley. Two lookout points offer sweeping views, and there’s a short bush walk that leads to a waterhole.
1. Sixpence Coffee, Bright
Small-batch coffee roaster Sixpence Coffee (pictured) has a cafe in Bright, where the staff are well versed in the entire process, from bean to cup. Open daily from 7am, it’s the ideal spot for your morning caffeine hit to set you up for the day.
2. King River Cafe, Oxley
It’s possible to make the King River Cafe a brief stop for a takeaway coffee to drink in the car, but this is the sort of place that can also make you change your mind and drink it there instead – together with a piece of cake.
