ABOUT THE YARRA VALLEY
The region
18.5°C mean January temperature
592 mm growing season rainfall
1,232 growing degree days
10,246 tonnes crushed
2,536 ha vineyard area
126 grape growers
Top varieties by weight
Pinot Noir
4,208 t (41%)
Chardonnay
2,814 t (27%)
Shiraz
953 t (9%)
Cabernet Sauvignon
611 t (6%)
Pinot Gris/Grigio
604 t (6%)
Source: Wine Victoria 2021
Our winemaking history
With a history spanning over 50,000 years, the Yarra Valley has been a place of nourishment for its traditional custodians, the Wurundjeri people. The region has gone through vast agricultural expansions over time and with its diverse conditions and favourable climate, earned a reputation for producing world-class quality wines.
Between 1863 and 1875, the Kulin people transformed 4,850 acres of Coranderrk Station bushland into one of the most productive spots in the Yarra Valley. In 1838, this became the site of Victoria’s first vineyard, and so began the region’s viticultural history which surged through the 1860s and 1870s until the 1930s, when the economic depression saw production cease. This lull lasted until the late 1960s, when it was replanted, and has been going strong with a long list of accolades ever since.
The First Generation
1838
The Scottish-born Ryrie brothers plant the first vines on land named ‘Yering’ by the First Nations People, now known as Yering Station, establishing the Yarra Valley as Victoria’s oldest winegrowing region.
1847
The Ryrie brothers produce the Yarra Valley’s first wine, labelled ‘Chateau Yering’.
1850
Swiss-born grazier, Paul de Castella, purchases Yering Station from the Ryrie brothers, and engages fellow Swiss-French immigrant, Samuel de Pury, to expand the vineyard using vines from around the world, including Château Lafite.
1861
Yering Station is awarded the Argus Gold Cup for best Victorian vineyard.
1862
Paul de Castella’s brother, Hubert, establishes St Hubert’s vineyard.
1863
Samuel de Pury’s brother, Frédéric Guillame, establishes Yeringberg vineyard. These vineyards cover 174 hectares and play a pivotal role in the Yarra Valley’s reputation for quality.
1889
Yering Station becomes the first and only wine producer outside of the northern hemisphere to be awarded a Grand Prix at the Exposition Universelle in Paris.
1892
Another Swiss native, Victor Joseph Clément Deschamps, establishes Yeringa vineyard, now Yering Farm.
That same year, Scottish-born stonemason, David Mitchell, father of soprano, Dame Nellie Melba, plants vineyards at Stringybark Creek in Silvan.
Yarra Valley Hall of Fame
Created in 2011, the Yarra Valley Hall of Fame recognises and pays tribute to those who have made a significant contribution to the development and reputation of the Yarra Valley wine industry.
This contribution may be in the area of:
- Industry development
- Pioneering locations, varieties or styles
- Yarra Valley reputation
- Yarra Valley advocacy
Their contribution and legacy is ongoing, and we gratefully acknowledge them.
2011
Dr Peter McMahon,
Seville Estate
Dr Bailey Carrodus,
Yarra Yering
Dr John Middleton,
Mount Mary
2012
Reg Egan, Wantirna Estate
Guill de Pury, Yeringberg
2013
David and Christine Fyffe,
Yarra Burn
2014
Suzanne Halliday,
Coldstream Hills
2015
James Halliday,
Coldstream Hills
2017
Ian and June Marks,
Gembrook Hill
2018
Ray Guerin,
Hoddles Creek and Applejack Vineyards
2019
Dr. Tony Jordan,
Domaine Chandon
2021
Marc and Eva Besen, TarraWarra Estate
