Victoria

Wine-growing region (GI) in the federal state of Victoria in Australia, includes the valley of the Goulburn River as well as the neighbouring highlands of the Strathbogie Ranges around Mount Helen. It is part of the Central Victoria zone, there is a sub-region called Nagambie Lakes. The principal towns are Shepparton and Nagambie. At the southern end of the valley, the river develops side-arms with pools, in the north it flows into the Murray River. The valley floor has a hot climate, slightly tempered by the river, while the highland area is a little cooler. The vineyard area totals 850 hectares. The most important red vaireties planted are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Marsanne, the leading white varieties are Chardonnay, Riesling and Marsanne. There are old vines more than a hundred years old in the region. Well-known producers include Château Tahbilk, Mitchelton Vintners and Osicka.