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The fertile wine region of King Valley stretches along the King River, between the city of Wangaratta and the Alpine National Park in northeast Victoria. Also known as Australia’s Little Italy for its strong Italian influence on winemaking styles and varieties, the King Valley is home to several world-class wineries that you can visit for wine tasting.

When visiting King Valley’s wineries, you will have the opportunity to taste premium wines especially based on Italian varieties like Sangiovese, Pinot Grigio, and Prosecco (called Glera in Italy). This is because many families of Italian immigrants established in the area during the tobacco-growing era in the mid-twentieth century, and later turned their crops into award-winning wineries when tobacco growing came to an end. The Italian varieties quickly flourished in the valley’s continental climate, which provides warm days and cool nights, especially on its upper slopes.

Which food to taste in ?

King Valley’s Italian heritage becomes clear not only when visiting its wineries and cellar doors, but also when looking for a place where to wine and dine. Think of house-made salami, stuffed sardines, egg pasta filled with freshly made ricotta, and other delicacies prepared with the freshest seasonal produce and premium ingredients like duck and lamb. Many cellar doors in the valley also offer Italian-inspired cooking classes, where you can learn how to make some of the precious family recipes, passed down through generations.

Which wines to taste in ?

Your wine tastings in the King Valley will feature elegant wines made with iconic Italian varieties like Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Arneis, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, or Barbera. Other grape varieties that are commonly found in the King Valley include Merlot and Chardonnay.

Which is the best season to visit ?

Thanks to the many available wineries open throughout the year, any season is great to organize wine tastings, wine tours, or weekends among vineyards in the King Valley. Visit the Valley in November to take part in the yearly La Dolce Vita Festival, or choose to visit during autumn to admire the valley’s foliage tinging in lovely warm colors while sipping on a glass of Sangiovese.

What things to do in ?

During your wine tastings and cellar door visits in the King Valley, you will get the chance to discover a little piece of Italy nestled in Victoria and appreciate a different take on Australian winemaking. While in the area, make sure to stop by at least a few of its highlights, including Paradise Falls, the Alpine National Park, River Road Reserve, or the Tarrawingee Golf Club.