VIC

It might only be a relatively small state, but Victoria is home to 22 wine producing regions. At its northern-most point is the warm Murray Darling region that sneaks over into New South Wales and is Victoria’s largest wine region. Another of the state’s warmer regions is Rutherglen where fortified wines rule: think world-renowned names such as Morris, Campbells and All Saints. Victoria’s high country regions are home to a concentration of family producers of Italian descent, particularly the King Valley. Unsurprisingly, Italian varieties are encouraged and thrive with some of Australia’s finest examples of Barbara, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo and Sangiovese to be found here. Down on the coast, pioneering winemakers on the Mornington Peninsula planted the country’s first Pinot Gris/Grigio, while out west, regions such as the Pyrenees excel in cool climate Sparkling styles.