Wine
The Best Wineries in King Valley
Discover the best King Valley wineries and cellar doors to taste and experience the region’s delights with our guide and interactive map.
When Italian migrants arrived in the King Valley after World War II to work on the Snowy Hydro Scheme and to farm tobacco, they planted vines to help them feel at home. Today, the region is arguably the leader in alternative wines, especially increasingly well-known Italian varieties like Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Arneis, Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Sangiovese . And the classic Italian trio of great wine, superb food and warm hospitality is on show every day in the region’s wineries and cellar doors.
Located in north-east Victoria, this wine region has one of the greatest concentrations of wine varieties in Australia along with some fantastic cellar doors where generations of winemaking families will welcome you in to taste the results of their hard work. We’ve compiled a list of our top cellar door picks for you as well as other highlights including recommended places to stay, tips on where to eat and what else to do while you’re there.
What wineries are in the King Valley?
The best way to visit the region is to start at either Brown Brothers in Milawa or Chrismont in Cheshunt and then track along the Wangaratta-Whitfield Road, known affectionately as the Prosecco Road. The King Valley introduced Prosecco to the nation in the early 2000s and now the very mention of Australian Prosecco is synonymous with the region. Find out more about Prosecco and its difference to traditional Sparkling wine here.
To help plan your trip, we’ve selected a collection of King Valley wineries we feel provide the best cellar door experience, plus we’ve included a handy interactive map down below.
Shop King Valley Wines
What towns are in the King Valley?
Located between Wangaratta and the Alpine National Park, the region features several small towns including Cheshunt, Whitfield, Edi, Oxley and Milawa.
King Valley Wine Map
Planning a trip to the King Valley? Download our interactive King Valley winery map. To save on your browser or device, click here
START YOUR KING VALLEY WINE ADVENTURE
BROWN BROTHERS
The perfect place to start or end your visit to the King Valley is in Milawa at the winery that started it all, Brown Brothers. There is little question that this family-owned operation has had a remarkable impact on the wine industry with a consistent focus on introducing new wine varieties and winemaking techniques to Australia.
In the friendly cellar door, there is a vast range of wines to taste from approachable everyday styles through to their flagship Patricia range. There is also a great selection of cellar door only wines made from the micro-winery they call the Kindergarten, where their winemakers experiment with and nurture a wide range of new wine styles and winemaking techniques.
Book ahead for a range of exciting winery experiences including wine blending, wine and food adventures, lovely lunch options, day glamping and more.
244 Milawa-Bobinawarrah Rd, Milawa – view on our map
Open daily 9am–5pm
Visit Brown Brothers
SAM MIRANDA WINES
Once you turn onto Snow Road, it's hard to miss the Sam Miranda Wines cellar door with its striking 10-metre tower, which acts as a giant periscope, funnelling natural light down into the modern tasting room and underground wine cellar. The cellar door restaurant focuses on sourcing ingredients from within a 50km radius and serves up an authentic Italian menu that matches perfectly with their superb range of Mediterranean varieties available to taste, including Prosecco, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.
And, if you’re touring the King Valley by bike, you’ll find a very warm welcome as Sam, a self-confessed cycling tragic, hosts a full calendar of cycling events and competitions each year.
Shop Sam Miranda Wines
1019 Snow Rd, Oxley – view on our map
Open daily 10am–5pm
Visit Sam Miranda
DAL ZOTTO WINES
Born in the home of Prosecco in Italy, Otto Dal Zotto established Dal Zotto Estate with wife Elena in the King Valley in 1987 and pioneered Australian Prosecco, first planting the variety in the late 90’s. The family’s winery and cellar door showcases a range of varietals inspired by their Italian heritage including Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Fiano, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese and Australia’s first Prosecco.
With an onsite Trattoria featuring an Italian-inspired menu of local seasonal produce, you can feast while enjoying their delicious wines. The estate offers special experiences including Yoga in the Vines, the ‘cento passi’ (100 footsteps) personal vineyard tour and more, or you can hire one of their Pedal 2 Prosecco e-bikes to explore the range of local cellar doors. And, after a busy day exploring the region, their brand-new self-contained boutique hotel will be perfect for putting your feet up and enjoying the beautiful surrounds.
4861 Wangaratta-Whitfield Rd, Whitfield – view on our map
Open daily 10am – 5pm
Visit Dal Zotto Wines
PIZZINI WINES
This charming winery is a must-visit for any trip to the King Valley. As a pioneering specialist in Italian varietals, there’s a great range of Pinot Grigio, Arneis, Verduzzo, Prosecco, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo available to sample. And, with a boutique guest house among the vines, regular events, winery tours and cooking classes at Katrina Pizzini’s A tavola! cooking school, this family-run operation has something for everyone.
Shop Pizzini Wines
175 King Valley Rd, Whitfield – view on our map
Open daily 10am–5pm
Visit Pizzini Wines
POLITINI WINES
Like many in the King Valley, the Politini family started in tobacco farming in the 1950s before moving into wine in the 1980s. Today, they specialise in the varieties of Salvatore Politini’s Sicilian roots with Nero d’Avola, Grecanico, Vermentino, Sangiovese and more.
The idyllic two-bedroom Casolare (Italian for ‘cottage’) accommodation on the property is the perfect base to explore the picturesque King Valley. Or, you can take your love of Italian food and wine to the next level as you learn how to prepare the perfect Sicilian dish to pair with your Politini wines in Nonna Josie’s Cooking Experience classes.
65 Upper King River Rd, Cheshunt – view on our map
Open daily 10am–5pm
Visit Politini Wines
CHRISMONT
At the southern end of the Prosecco Road is the beautiful Chrismont cellar door, restaurant and larder. With its sleek lines, sophisticated architecture and idyllic position among the vines, there is little wonder it took out the coveted National Building Design of the Year Award in 2016.
Inside, you’ll find a great range of old world varieties to taste, such as their cool climate Rieslings and premium Sparkling through to the King Valley’s famed Mediterranean varieties in their fantastic La Zona range of Prosecco, Arneis, Sagrantino and more. The Chrismont restaurant focuses on the flavours of Italy's north and south, the perfect match for their wines. And, with their elegant boutique guest house overlooking the vines, it’s the perfect place to base your adventures in the region or as your final destination after a day trekking and tasting your way along the Prosecco Road.
Shop Chrismont Wines
251 Upper King River Rd, Cheshunt – view on our map
Open daily 10am–5pm
Visit Chrismont
BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE KING VALLEY
While incredible wineries and cellar doors may be the main incentive for your visit to the King Valley, there are also plenty of other fun and exciting activities to explore and enjoy. Here are some of our favourites:
HIRE AN E-BIKE
Get your e-bike at Dal Zotto Wines, pioneers of Australian Prosecco, and Pedal 2 Prosecco, exploring the wineries and fantastic local produce hotspots dotted throughout the King Valley, or take a scenic cycle to the banks of the pristine King River. Add the optional inclusion of a picnic hamper packed with local delights and enjoy lunch by the river.
EXPERIENCE THE GREAT OUTDOORS
From bushwalking to horse riding, fishing to 4WD adventures, when it comes to outdoor activities the King Valley has it all. Hike up to scenic lookouts and waterfalls, enjoy the fresh alpine air, and make the most of your time in this glorious part of Victoria.
HOT AIR BALLOONING
Enjoy spectacular views of vineyards, patchwork fiends, Mt Buffalo and the High Country from the air with a hot air balloon flight with Goldrush Ballooning.
FEAST HIGH COUNTRY
Plan your visit to coincide with a local food event, such as the La Dolce Vita Festival each spring or the Victorian Salami Festival, held at Dal Zotto Winery, and enjoy delicious fare with a side of local wine.
MARKETS
The Milawa Hall market, held bi-monthly, is a country market with a strong focus on locally produced goods and wares.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN THE KING VALLEY
Feeling peckish? The King Valley has some great spots to grab a delicious bite. Here’s some current favourites:
Dal Zotto Trattoria – Offering an Italian-inspired menu of local seasonal produce including handmade pasta, wood fired pizza, antipasto and vegetables straight from the garden.
Mountain View Hotel Resturant– Savour delicious gastro pub style meals with a European influence, set amongst beautiful established gardens.
Chrismont Resturant and Larder– Enjoy the realisation of a 20-year dream which has resulted in a dining destination that blends contemporary King Valley winemaking with family hospitality.
Milawa Cheese Company – Whether you pop in for a tasting of handmade cheese, a meal in the restaurant, or to grab a picnic cheese platter or something from the bakery to go, this family-owned and run business is a great place to visit.
Hobbledehoy cafe and Distillery – Offering dine in and takeaway options for breakfast and lunch in Whitfield, using local produce from the region.
KING VALLEY ACCOMMODATION
Sample local varietals and relax amid the tranquil surrounds of this stunning country house hotel, brimming with elegance and style.
Sitting 652m above sea-level, this comfortable self-catered accommodation on a working cattle farm showcases spectacular 360 degree views, vineyards and olive groves.
Boutique accommodation in a two-storey loft, with a sleek industrial style and historical tobacco kiln entrance as a feature.
A boutique pub in the Whitfield township. Hotel accommodation consists of four fully refurbished units.
For more information on visiting King Valley, be sure to visit the official King Valley website or stop by the visitor information centre on Murphy Street in Wangaratta. But, if you'd like to sample wines from some of the wineries listed in this guide before you visit, explore our selection of King Valley wines and find out more about the wineries listed here in our Meet the Makers section.
With the Wine Selectors Regional Release subscription, you'll experience a different wine region each Release with all wines expertly selected by our Tasting Panel, plus you’ll receive comprehensive tasting notes and fascinating insights into each region. Visit our wine plans section to find out more!