Alpine Valley Region

Location
 Zone - North East Victoria
State - Victoria

Map Reference
 36 degrees and 31 minutes South
146 degrees and 53 minutes East

Elevation
 300 metres above sea level

Subregions
 Kiewa River Valley, Ovens Valley

Introduction
 Alpine Valleys - the region dates back to the Gold Rush, which led to the rapid development of vineyards and wineries until 1893. However from this point on production declined, by the end of the First World War the vines had all gone. Phylloxera had done its work here in similar fashion as elsewhere.

The first signs of recovery came in 1945 when Vin Capriotti established two hectares at Everton Hills from cuttings obtained from Chateau Tahbilk.

The diversity of climate and of growing conditions within the region is entirely determined by altitude, ranging between 150 metres and well over 300 metres. Full-bodied red wines are produced at the lowest levels with both styles and the grape variety changing as the altitude increases.
Primary Grape Varieties
White
 Chardonnay 75 ha
Sauvignon Blanc 30 ha
Verdelho 10 ha
Riesling 5 ha
Total White 120 ha
Red
 Merlot 140 ha
Cabernet Sauvignon 90 ha
Shiraz 60 ha
Pinot Noir 40 ha
Other 20 ha
Total Red 350 ha
Primary Wine Styles

Chardonnay
Produced both for sparkling and table wine, the style depending on the altitude at which the grapes are grown. Being used in sparkling wines means anonymity, but many producers have consistently produced well-flavoured and structured table wine.

Merlot
Is planted primarily in the higher elevation vineyards. Not much appears under own winery labels as most are being sold to the large producers.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz
Full-bodied red wines are produced at the lower altitudes, at times the style can be rustic, but is never short of flavour.