King Valley

The King Valley wine region, in Victoria’s high country, is one of Australia’s most dynamic and diverse wine regions. Nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, it has some of the highest-altitude vineyards in the country, ranging from 200m to over 800m above sea level. This altitude, combined with cool nights and warm, sunny days, creates a wide range of microclimates ideal for both traditional and alternative grape varieties. The region is especially renowned as the home of Italian varieties in Australia, thanks to post-war Italian migrant families who brought their food and wine culture to the valley.

 

Key grape varieties grown

• Prosecco (Glera)

  • The King Valley is Australia’s epicentre for Prosecco production.

  • Sparkling Prosecco here is crisp, fresh, and fruit-driven, with apple, pear, and citrus notes.

  • It has become a major tourism drawcard (the famous Prosecco Road wine trail).

• Pinot Grigio/Gris

  • Both crisp, fresh Grigio and fuller, richer Gris styles thrive.

  • Popular with both local drinkers and export markets.

• Sangiovese

  • Another Italian flagship variety in the region.

  • Produces savoury, medium-bodied reds with red cherry, spice, and fine tannins.

  • Often made in a food-friendly style, echoing its Tuscan roots.

• Nebbiolo

  • King Valley is one of Australia’s best regions for this notoriously difficult grape.

  • Produces perfumed, tannic reds with rose, tar, and red fruit character.

  • Styles vary from approachable early-drinking to structured, cellar-worthy wines.

• Other Italian & Mediterranean varieties

  • Barbera, Dolcetto, Arneis, Vermentino, Lagrein, Montepulciano — reflecting the region’s strong Italian heritage.

  • These are increasingly popular as consumers embrace alternative varietals.

• Classic cool-climate grapes

  • Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc are also grown, particularly in lower-altitude sites.

  • Used for both table wines and sparkling.

 

Major wineries

King Valley is dominated by family-run, multi-generational wineries, many founded by Italian migrants in the 1940s–60s. These families shaped the region’s identity as a hub of Italian varietals.

• Brown Brothers (Milawa, at the gateway to King Valley)

  • One of Australia’s most influential family wineries.

  • Pioneers of Prosecco in Australia, and strong advocates for Italian varietals.

  • Produce a wide range including Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, and experimental wines through their “Kindergarten” micro-winery.

• Dal Zotto Wines

  • Founded by Otto Dal Zotto, who introduced Prosecco vines to Australia in the 1990s.

  • Widely credited as the pioneers of Prosecco in Australia.

  • Still family-run, producing Prosecco, Barbera, Pinot Grigio, and Sangiovese.

• Pizzini Wines

  • One of the region’s most important family wineries, specialising in Italian varietals.

  • Known for Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, and Prosecco.

  • Also run food and wine classes (pasta making, Italian cooking), linking wine to cultural heritage.

• Chrismont Wines

  • Modern, large-scale family winery.

  • Produces Prosecco, Arneis, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, and Nebbiolo.

  • Italian-inspired cellar door and restaurant is a regional highlight.