King Valley winery reviews
Check out wineries in the region independently reviewed by wine writer Ralph Kyte-Powell.
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Boggy Creek Vineyards are in the quiet, isolated valley of Myrrhee, off the main King Valley. Giant gums, deciduous European trees and verdant pastures mark the region. Its an Australia-meets-Europe sort of place, and wines like
Alsace-inspired pinot gris and Italian-accented Barbera and Sangiovese share space with chardonnay and shiraz to reinforce the feeling. By the way, the Boggy Creek, an alpine stream thats not at all boggy, runs past the vineyard.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
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This headquarters for regional gastronomy offers something for everyone. Taste the wine, dine on local produce, picnic, BBQ under the trees, or just wander. Still family-owned, its ultra-professional, but thankfully heritage isnt forgotten. The 1857-built barn that was the first winery is still there, opposite the old windmill, and visitors stroll the atmospheric winery inhaling heady
aromas of oak and maturing wine. Tradition is respected in the unique Shiraz Mondeuse Cabernet, first made in 1954. Modernity is celebrated in superfine sparkling, botrytised sweeties, and new varietals.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
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Arnie and Jo Pizzini are charming hosts and their vineyard at the top corner of the King Valley occupies a lovely site among the alpine foothills. New directions here are represented by the development of a top-shelf sparkling wine, and innovative varieties like gamay and petit manseng now share the limelight with Italian varieties. Riesling is also a speciality and prices are very fair.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
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In the cosy Dal Zotto tasting room, looking out over vine and mountain, you can try a range of good wines made from native Italian varieties, as well as an elegant cabernet. The vineyard also produces one of the King Valleys best rieslings. The excellent Rinaldos Restaurant next door has a great seasonal menu and an interesting wine list to peruse.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
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Gracebrooks long driveway climbs past magnificent stands of red gum to an atmospheric cellar door sited in an 1880s-vintage timber and iron stable. From the outside deck theres a lovely tranquil vista of forest and mountain.
Its a family-friendly place with landscaped lawns, plenty of space for kids, and a pétanque court to test the skill of the grown-ups. The range of wines includes Italian-inspired Sangiovese and Dolcetto among more recognised
types like riesling, shiraz and merlot.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
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The Pizzini familys pioneering work with native Italian grape varieties has helped enrich Australias wine scene immeasurably, and the quality of their wines makes them a regional benchmark. The rustic cellar door is in the working winery, giving it great atmosphere, and the tranquil valley views are good for the inner person. Pizzini Sangiovese may be Australias best, so dont miss it while youre there.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
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A good starting point for any visit to the King Valley, Sam Miranda winery has a comfy new visitors centre, topped by an eccentric rectangular tower. Theres a tranquil terrace overlooking meadows and gum trees with musical score provided by carolling magpies. Its a very welcoming place serving good food, and wines that are a voyage of discovery through conventional cabernet and
shiraz, to weird and wonderful things like arneis and saperavi. And if you need a break from wine, theres good espresso coffee too.
Ralph Kyte-Powell
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