Goulburn/King/Pyrenees

On the Goulburn River, and part of the Nagambie Lakes District is Tahbilk, established in 1860, which makes it the oldest winery in the state of Victoria, and one of the 5 oldest in Australia. The pioneers of Marsanne, today Tahbilk has the largest single holding of that variety in the world. Further North is the King Valley, where the continental climate of cool winters, long hot summers and the deep red loam of the King Valley have proved to have much in common with the alpine valleys of Northern Italy. It is widely accepted now that white wines excel in this district, and particularly new varieties like Arneis, often referred to as Barolo Bianco, a crisp clean varietal of ancient heritage. Originally from Piemonte near the border with France, it is often compared to Viognier of the Northern Rhone. Pizzini Wines is an outstanding producer. Further North again is the Pyrenees Ranges district, where the first vines were planted in 1848, however, the true pioneer was a French and Australian consortium. Today the focus is on full bodied reds and several premium whites, particularly prominent is Mount Avoca Wines.