What should you expect?

A beautiful tranquil region, King Valley is located in Victoria’s north-east in the foothills of the Alps. Meandering through the region is the King River which is a wine-producer’s dream. Beauty aside, the region is remarkable for its ideal cool climate conditions that have inspired winemakers to introduce varieties that are recognised as being the most intriguing developments on the Australian wine scene.

The King Valley wine story began in the 1970s when local Italian farmers switched from tobacco to wine grape growing. From this new passion, the valley became home to exciting new Mediterranean wine styles including those of Italian, Spanish and Russian heritage.

The influence of the region’s rich Italian family heritage is evident in the warmth and generosity of the King Valley welcome, where families run Cellar Doors, a great place to pass some time tasting, talking, learning and laughing. Experience the warmth at any of the region’s wineries, including Dal Zotto, Pizzini Wines, Chrismont, Sam Miranda King Valley, Brown Brothers, La Cantina Wines, Ciccone, Sartori and Politini Wines.

How to get here?

Located in Victoria’s High Country, just south of Wangaratta, the King Valley is nestled amongst the State’s north-eastern hills. From Sydney fly into Albury or take an easy drive along the Hume Highway and the Great Alpine Road to get there.

King Valley neighbours

The King Valley has some pretty impressive neighbours too – like the beautiful gold rush town of Beechworth, with its exclusive wine producers and fantastic restaurants (think Warden’s Food & Wine, Provenance and The Green Shed just for starters).

Then it’s a short drive over to Rutherglen, one of Australia’s oldest wine producing regions where the winemaking families are also multi-generational and the Muscat and tokay is world famous, not to mention sticky and luscious. They are also rightfully proud of their rich reds, flavoursome whites and historic cellar door buildings on the tributaries of the Murray River.

At the northern end of the King Valley you’ll find the food and wine lover’s hamlet of Milawa. Not only is it where you need to go to visit the Brown Brothers cellar door and Epicurean Centre, but Milawa is also the home to Milawa Cheese which can be tasted and purchased at the Milawa Cheese Factory. Here they bake old style breads, have a sweet shop, restaurant, art gallery and cellar door. Then it’s just down the road to Milawa Mustards and The Olive Shop, where they sell everything to do with olives and olive oil.

Another short drive from Milawa, along the Great Alpine Road, takes you to Bright. Last stop before the road starts twisting and turning up to the ski resorts of Hotham, Falls Creek and Dinner Plain. Simone’s Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in regional Victoria. The Simone family – Patrizia and George, with son Anthony, give diners the finest regional produce the High Country has to offer, with an Umbrian twist, reflecting their heritage and strong beliefs in fostering local growers, makers and producers. Simone’s Restaurant is one of the King Valley winemakers’ favourite places to eat, drink and be looked after like family, everyone is welcome.

Blue Holidays, the holiday program of Virgin Blue, has great deals to Victoria’s High Country. Holiday includes return airfares to Albury, four nights accommodation at La Trobe at Beechworth, breakfast daily and 5 days car hire. Ex Sydney from $490pp*

*On sale until 30 Dec 2009 and for travel 01/11/09 – 31/01/10