Location
The Yarra Valley is large, widespread area, snaking out along the Maroondah, Melba and Warburton Highways. There is a diverse mix of grape growing areas, from the Valley floor to the higher surrounding regions, and a wonderful mix of smaller towns (such as Yarra Glen or Warburton) and larger ones (such as Lilydale and Healesville).
To reach the Yarra Valley:
- from the city - take the Eastern Freeway (including EastLink - which is a toll road) and exit at the Ringwood Bypass before joining the Maroondah Highway, which will take you into Lilydale (or further afield to Healesville) or exit at Springvale Road and head to the Maroondah Highway, where a left turn will take you towards Lilydale;
- from the airport or northern suburbs, take the Western Ring Road to the Eltham-Yarra Glen Road and on to Yarra Glen (which is on the Melba Highway); or
- from the southern or eastern suburbs, make your way along Canterbury Road and turn on to the Maroondah Highway at Lilydale.
From Lilydale, you can easily drive to whichever of the three main highways (Maroondah, Melba or Warburton), and many smaller roads and lanes, as you choose.
Arrival in Yarra Glen puts you in the heart of the Melba Highway part of the Yarra Valley - you can enjoy this or easily move to other parts of the Valley.
However, remember that the Yarra Valley is large. Don't underestimate the time that can be required to move from one highway/region to another.
History
It is believed that the Yarra Valley was Victoria's first wine growing region - dating back to 1838, when a vineyard was established at what is now known as Yering Station (on the Melba Highway, near Yarra Glen).
Some interesting historical facts are as follows:
- St Huberts Winery (on St Huberts Road, which runs between the Maroondah Highway and Melba Highway) was established in 1863, as was Yeringberg (which is just over the Maroondah Highway from St Huberts);
- Yeringberg was the first winery to win a 'Grand Prix' award at the Paris Exhibition - in 1889;
- other vineyards were established towards the end of the 19th century - with total plantings then approximating 1,000 acres (or about 400 hectares);
- the depression in the late 1930s saw the vineyards of the Yarra Valley pulled out and the land converted back to use as pasture for livestock - and so it remained for decades;
- a resurgence occurred in the 1960s, with Wantirna Estate, Yarra Yering, Mount Mary, Seville Estate and Yarra Burn established - and St Huberts and Yeringberg re-established;
- the 1980s saw the establishment of Tarrawarra, Yarra Ridge, Coldstream Hills and Domain Chandon;
- in the late 1980s, DeBortoli and McWilliams established presences in the Yarra Valley; and
- 1989 saw the replanting of the vineyard at Yering Station.
Now, there are over 80 wineries in the Yarra Valley, from small boutique and family operations to opulent establishments representing substantial investment by their owners.
Geography and Soils
The Yarra Valley is legally defined within a geographical indication. This protects the use of the 'Yarra Valley' name. The area is bounded by Kinglake in the north, Gembrook in the south, Wantirna towards the west and Mount Gregory to the east. A map can be secured from the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation.
The soils in the Yarra Valley are varied, from rich red volcanic soils to clay loam with interspersed stone/gravel. Each of these soil types plays an important role in the grapes grown, and ultimately the style of wines produced. Local climate, the vagary of each season and viticultural practices are also significant contributors to any producer's wines.
Climate
The Yarra Valley is known as a cool climate wine region - but that does not mean that temperatures do not get into the low 40s (Celsius) during summer on the Valley floor. It is warmer than regions in Tasmania or the Mornington Peninsula, but much milder than areas such as the Barossa Valley.
As its name suggests, there are contrasting elevations at which vineyards have been established - ranging from lower lying Valley floor areas to more elevated vineyards in the mountains surrounding the Yarra Valley. This, combined with the variety of geographical features, allows the Valley to produce a richly diverse range of wine types and styles, varying by season.
The Yarra Valley generally experiences quite good rainfall levels (although less so in recent years), with some vineyards being unirrigated. Rain tends to be greatest in spring and (to a lesser extent) winter. Unlike regions such as the Mornington Peninsula or Margaret River, the Valley is not influenced by maritime conditions. It also does not experience the effects of cool evening breezes and fogs that extend into the mid morning that a region such as the Napa Valley in California does.
Its seasonal variations can be great. This challenges both viticulturalists and winemakers, but allows for diversity and variety. Recent vintages have seen far more of the hot and dry seasons.
Frost and hail often are issues for vineyards (sometimes on a very localised basis). The greatest risk seems to be in October and November, when grape vines tend to be springing forth after their winter dormancy. Historically, the growing season extended to February or March for earlier picked varieties (earlier still for grapes to be used for sparkling wine), with Cabernet Sauvignon harvested in April and May. In recent vintages, the entire harvest has been compressed into February and March.
Major Grape Varieties
There are few grape varieties grown in Australia that are not represented to some extent in the Yarra Valley. Experimentation continues and new varieties will be seen as the Valley's grape growers and wine makers expand their horizons. Whilst opinions will vary, the major grape varieties are as follows.
White grapes
Chardonnay is widely planted and wines made from this grape in the Yarra Valley are highly regarded. Many styles are produced - varying between traditional and 'new age' techniques, with and without oak. Both table wines and sparkling wines are produced from Chardonnay - the latter can be blended with Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier.
Other plantings include Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Marsanne, Pinot Grigio (or Pinot Gris) and Viognier.
Red grapes
The three main varieties are Pinot Noir, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Pinot Noir is used in both table and sparkling wines, whilst Shiraz and Cabernet produce distinctively styled table wines (sometimes blended - Shiraz with Viognier and Cabernet with Merlot). The styles of each vary markedly throughout the region.
Other red varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Meunier, Sangiovese and Tempranillo.