Upper Goulburn Wine Region

• Summary
• Weather for Upper Goulburn Wine Region

The Upper Goulburn Wine Region is located in the central Victorian Highlands close to Mansfield, Mt Buller and Lake Eildon. The Hume Highway runs through this picturesque region. Most of the vineyards and wineries are found on the western side of the highway.

This region is subject to high snowfall over the majority of the area. These climatic conditions, the combination of low humidity and low temperatures, create a perfect environment for sparkling wine varieties in particular. There are vineyards found at altitudes of around 800m above sea level, which is almost at the snowline. However, even with the snowfall and cold conditions, the region remains mainly dry with low rain in the summer months. This evidently leads to the region's dependence on irrigation. Viticulture was not a primary industry in this area until the 1960s. The land was committed to sheep and cattle grazing, with the renowned highland graziers moving their herds through to the higher land.

Harvest Times: March to mid-May.

Tourism in the Highlands is ripe with the proximity to the alpine ski fields. The region showcases a large variety of local produce at the annual High Country Harvest Festival held in March. The local produce includes berries, game meat and trout. Along with the superb wines, this produce can be sampled at many of the regions fine cafes, restaurants and hotels.