1. Chrismont
If you like your vino with breathtaking views of the King Valley (not to mention some A-grade service) Chrismont is the place. With the Black Ranges all around, and a state-of-the-art wine and food centre to explore, there's plenty to see, do and taste. Chrismont is known for its European and Mediterranean wines: think familiar friends like prosecco, pinot grigio and barbera, plus left-of-centre drops like fiano, arneis and tempranillo. You can even stay at the guesthouses on-site, if you feel like soaking up the atmosphere for a few days.
2. Pizzini Wines
Pizzini has been producing world-class wine under their own label since 1994, and it’s fair to say they've become very, very good at it. There aren’t many vineyards in the state that can match their signature varietals: Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Verduzzo and Arneis, Prosecco and Brachetto. The cellar door is open seven days, and there's even a cooking school. Spend your morning sipping some excellent shiraz, then while away the afternoon making gnocchi with the women herself, Katrina Pizzini.
3. Dal Zotto Wines
Prosecco is the name of the game at family-run Dal Zotto Wines. In fact, this vineyard was responsible for pioneering Australia's first Prosecco grapes in 1999. Picture a gorgeous country house, surrounded by gum trees, with a welcoming cellar door, lots of al fresco dining and a charming garden (keep an eye out for family matriarch Nonna Elena; she's often pottering around in there). It'd be a crime to visit Dal Zotto and not try a glass of prosecco, but they also do a mean Arneis, Pinot Grigio, Garganega, Rosato and Sangiovese.
4. King River Brewing
It's not all wines and terroir up here. King River Brewing has established itself as one of Victoria's premier microbreweries and taprooms, owned and run by husband-and-wife team, Nathan and Brianna Munt. There are usually 12 rotating taps, not to mention plenty of varieties in the fridge (which you can either drink on-site, or purchase to takeaway). Our tip? Line your stomach with one of King River's signature wood-fired pizzas, and set up camp outside, under the trees and the fairy lights. It's the perfect way to spend a sunny, High Country afternoon.
5. Sam Miranda King Valley
You'll find Sam Miranda vineyard in Oxley, about 35km up the road from King River Brewing. This is the heart of the King Valley, and Sam Miranda has pulled out all the stop when it comes to their cellar door. You enter through a subterranean passage, which leads to the tasting area, bathed in light from the architecturally designed, 40-foot tower above. There's also a cosy, crackling fire, if you visit during the colder months. Sam Miranda is best enjoyed outside, with the vines all around and a gourmet picnic platter on standby. Start with the 2017 Rosato and go from there.
