The King Valley is located two and half hours north east of Melbourne, nestled in the foothills on the northern side of Victoria’s alpine region. It takes in the serene countryside that surrounds the King River as it travels north from its alpine starting point to the major township of Wangaratta.

In 1889, the Brown family planted their first vines in the King Valley and have operated their well-known winery ever since from their base in Milawa. It was not until the 1970s that the region started to see new plantings emerge and today it is one of Australia’s largest premium winegrowing areas with over 1,500 hectares under vine. In 2008, more than 20,000 tonnes were produced in the King Valley, representing about one third of premium Victorian production.

The growing conditions in the King Valley are akin to those found in Tuscany and Piedmonte in Italy and Alsace in France. Being on the northern side of the Victorian Alps, the vineyards enjoy warm summer temperatures and an extended autumn enabling excellent fruit ripening, while the mountain drafts provide cool relief for the vines at night and enable the grapes to reflect their true varietal character. 

Tthe King Valley has been consistently supplying premium fruit to Australia’s most established wine companies,  there are now several premium producers, 23 open cellar doors and several top quality restaurants and accomodation options.  With every winery being a totally owned and operated family business.

It is these small boutique wineries that are really generating an air of excitement in the King Val

ley. Given the diversity within the King Valley these wineries can successfully produce an extraordinary array of varietals that has really added innovation and made the King Valley so unique.  In addition to the more familiar French varietals, the region is doing wonderful and exciting things with Nebbiolo, Barbera, Sangiovese, Graciano, Tempranillo, Marzemino, Pinot Grigio & Gris, Saperavi, Petite Manseng and Arneis to name just a few.

When you consider the diversity and quality of wines coming out of this region, the fantastic gourmet food scene, the inviting calender of events and the stunning scenery - the King Valley will continue to become one of Victoria’s most attractive tourist destinations.

Download a detailed map of the King Valley

The King Valley also has 2 permanent calendar events, which are a must with all wineries being involved.  The La Dolce Vita Festival is run mid November and the Week-end Fit For A King is run on the June Long week-end.  It is advisable to book accomodation early as it fills very quickly.