The Yarra Valley

Longitude and Latitude: 37° 45’ S, 145°22’ E Area under vine: approx. 2,500 Ha Main varieties produced: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet

History

With a rich history stretching back to the early settlers, the Yarra Valley is not only one of Australia’s oldest wine producing regions but also one of the most successful and diverse. The first vineyards began operating in the Yarra Valley by the mid 1800s. Although production ceased in the 1920s for various reasons, today there are over 40 different wineries operating in the Yarra Valley, with many new ones opening up all the time. The quality of its wines has given the Yarra Valley international recognition, winning numerous prestigious awards every year and the best is yet to come…

The Climate

The wineries of the Yarra Valley situated amongst cool, lush hillsides are fast gaining worldwide recognition for producing top quality red and white wines. Considered to be a cool climate region, the Yarra Valley has a mean January temperature of 19.4 degrees Celsius and an average of between 360 and 400mm of rainfall every year. This is enough to grow top quality grapes; however the climate can differ substantially throughout the different sub regions in the valley.

This variation in climate is predominantly cause by the range of altitudes found in the valley. As a consequence, the wineries of the Yarra Valley produce an array of different wine styles, with the warmest vineyards producing excellent Shiraz and Cabernet grapes while the cooler areas are renowned for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnays.

The Soil

There are two basic soil types in the Yarra Valley. One is a hard duplex soil grey to grey-brown to brown in colour and ranges from loamy sand to clay loam in consistency. The other major soil type is an immensely deep and fertile vivid red volcanic soil.

The climate irregularities have made it necessary for many vineyards to regulate the moisture levels in their soil. This can be done in numerous ways; however the most effective way is to install a ‘drip feed’ system as we do at the Killara Estate.