Murray-Darling

The Murray–Darling wine region, straddling northwest Victoria and southwest New South Wales, is one of Australia’s largest and most productive wine regions. Centred around Mildura and Wentworth, it relies heavily on the Murray and Darling rivers for irrigation, as the climate is hot, dry, and continental with low rainfall. Viticulture here is geared toward high-volume production, supplying grapes for some of Australia’s biggest wine companies, but in recent years a boutique and alternative variety movement has begun to diversify the region’s profile.

 

Key grape varieties grown

Given the warm climate and irrigated environment, the Murray–Darling grows a broad spectrum of grapes, with a focus on consistency and yield.

• Shiraz

  • The dominant red variety, producing ripe, fruit-driven wines.

  • Often used in blends for both premium and bulk wines.

• Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Widely planted, producing full-bodied wines with blackberry and cassis.

  • Commonly blended with Shiraz.

• Chardonnay

  • The leading white variety.

  • Grown in large quantities for still wines and sparkling bases.

  • Styles range from fresh and unoaked to fuller, tropical-fruited wines.

• Merlot

  • Soft, approachable wines, often blended with Shiraz and Cabernet.

• Alternative & Mediterranean varieties

  • Increasingly important due to the warm climate.

  • Vermentino, Fiano, Nero d’Avola, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Durif are showing strong potential.

  • These varieties require less water and withstand heat better than traditional French grapes.

• Other varieties

  • Colombard, Pinot Gris/Grigio, and Muscat are widely grown, often used in bulk wine and export blends.

 

Major wineries 

The Murray–Darling is dominated by large-scale wineries and cooperatives, though a growing number of small producers are creating boutique and alternative-varietal wines.

• Trentham Estate (Mildura)

  • Family-owned, one of the region’s most recognised boutique wineries.

  • Known for alternative varieties such as Vermentino, Fiano, Pinot Gris, and Sangiovese.

  • Also produces classic Shiraz and Chardonnay.

  • Strong cellar door and restaurant presence on the Murray River.

• De Bortoli Wines (Bilbul in Riverina HQ, but major vineyard holdings in Murray–Darling)

  • Large producer sourcing fruit from the Murray–Darling for value-driven and export wines.

  • Known for varieties like Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Semillon.

• Casella Family Brands (Yellow Tail)

  • While headquartered in Griffith (Riverina), the company sources a huge amount of fruit from Murray–Darling.

  • Plays a central role in making the region one of Australia’s export powerhouses.

• Zilzie Wines

  • Based near Mildura, one of Australia’s largest family-owned wine companies.

  • Produces a wide portfolio for domestic and export markets.

• Angove Family Winemakers

  • Significant vineyard holdings in the Riverland and Murray–Darling.

  • Organic and sustainable focus in recent years.