How to Have the Ultimate Wine Weekend in Victoria’s King Valley
In Victoria’s picturesque King Valley, Italian-style wines are matched with warm welcomes, family traditions and a good dose of la dolce vita.
A three-hour drive from Melbourne (and about 90 minutes from Albury Airport) lies King Valley, known as “a little piece of Italy”. Once a hideout for bushrangers, this region in Victoria’s north-east has been a haven for Italian immigrants, who began coming here in the 1920s to produce tobacco and then wine. Defined by its verdant landscape, fertile soils, rolling hills and scenic river, King Valley is renowned for its classic Italian-style wines, such as sangiovese and prosecco, served with warmth and generous hospitality.
The wineries
Pizzini
From its wines (sangiovese, nebbiolo, sparkling prosecco, lambrusco and brachetto) to the pasta-making classes run with passion by co-founder Katrina Pizzini (sometimes with the appearance of her husband and co-founder, Alfredo, a glass of vino in hand), Pizzini provides the complete King Valley experience. The family first cultivated vines in the valley in 1978 and the winery has attractions for both food and wine connoisseurs. The immersive cooking classes at the onsite school, A Tavola!, including Ravioli & Risotto and Italian Street Food, come with hands-on tuition and a lunch featuring the dishes created that day. Or indulge at the cellar door with a Sparkling Italians High Tea, where you’ll be served savoury and sweet treats along with prosecco, sparkling red lambrusco and brachetto (a black-skinned Piedmontese grape known for its gentle fizz, residual sugar and floral aromatics).
Eminence Wines
The valley’s hidden gem, Eminence Wines is only open to the public on one Saturday a month (tastings can be booked through the website) but there are plans to open a cellar door in the village of Moyhu in December 2026. Get ready to taste the stellar sparklings made by seasoned wine professional and educator Clare Burder and experienced viticulturalist Pete Allen. One of the highest vineyards in the country, Eminence produces feathery, pristine and elegant bubbles using chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes.
Darling Estate
The region’s newest cellar door, Darling Estate, features a luxurious fireplace and ample outdoor space for families, including those with dogs (on a lead). Guy Darling planted Koombahla, the first commercial vineyard in the Upper King Valley, back in 1970 and it’s been passed down to his son, John, and granddaughters Sophie and Grace. Overlooking immaculate vineyards and Mount Cobbler, the winery has captured attention thanks in part to a bright, textural aligoté, of which Darling Estate lays claim to Australia’s largest planting. It’s a white grape that hails from Burgundy, prized for its lively acidity and delicate fruit aromas and flavours. It’s best tried with one of the estate’s specialties, baked camembert served with honeyed walnuts, on the verandah overlooking the vines or on the lawn (BYO picnic rug).
The restaurant
Chrismont
Alfresco dining at the Chrismont winery’s restaurant in Cheshunt offers 360-degree views of the Upper King Valley and Victoria’s High Country. Dining inside? The spacious, minimalist interiors let you soak in the surroundings as you enjoy generous portions from the pasta-centric menu. The ingredients change with the seasons but a must-try is the confit duck leg served with caramelised apple, garlic and crème fraîche mashed potato with an apple cider jus, matched to perfection with Chrismont barbera, a red grape variety that hails from Piedmont. For a palate cleanser at the meal’s end, sample fragolino frizzante, made from fragola, a hybrid grape also known as Isabella.
The stay
Dal Zotto
In 1999, Italian-born Otto Dal Zotto and his wife, Elena, planted the first commercial prosecco vines in the King Valley, thereby pioneering the drop in Australia. Now run by sons Michael and Christian, Dal Zotto winery offers prosecco tasting and stylish accommodation in a location that makes it simple to explore the valley. Choose between the charming, rustic homestead or one of the four contemporary studios, each featuring a queen-sized bed and fully appointed ensuite. Relax on the private deck, where you can cook on the barbecue, sip prosecco and take in the lush vineyards. Or ask for an e-bike and discover the many local walking trails then return for a game of bocce.
