Alternate Varieties Wine Trail
Explore the Alternate Varieties in the Yarra Valley
Where curiosity leads the way
Beyond Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the Yarra Valley hides a thriving world of alternative and experimental grape varieties — from Italian and Iberian classics to Austrian whites, Rhône favourites and new-wave aromatic styles.
This trail is made for adventurous drinkers, collectors, sommeliers, and anyone curious about the region’s unexpected expressions.
Rather than a point-to-point driving route, this trail works as a choose-your-own tasting journey, highlighting the producers pushing boundaries and championing lesser-known grapes.
On the trail:
Buttermans Track Wines, Soumah of Yarra Valley, TarraWarra Estate, Yarra Yering, Boat O’Craigo, Jayden Ong Winery & Cellar Bar, Luke Lambert Wines, Maddens Rise, Pimpernel Vineyards, and Sutherland Estate.
Trail Highlights
- Perfect for wine geeks, collectors and explorers
- Highlights the diversity of cool-climate viticulture
- Showcases the Yarra Valley as a hub of innovation, not just classic varieties
Explore across the Yarra Valley subregions of Nillumbik, Gruyere, Dixons Creek, Coldstream and Healesville.
On the trail
Signature varieties: Sangiovese · Sangiovese Rosé
One of the earliest champions of Sangiovese in the region. Estate-grown fruit, sustainably farmed, producing structured, savoury, honest expressions of this classic Italian grape.
Signature varieties: Savagnin/Savarro · Brachetto · Nebbiolo · Marzemino · Pinot Grigio · Viognier
Soumah leads the region in northern Italian and Alpine varietals. Expect aromatic whites, textured styles, and beautifully restrained reds that speak to the cool climate. A must-visit for lovers of European-inspired wines.
Signature varieties: Barbera · Nebbiolo
Known for elegant, site-driven wines, TarraWarra’s Barbera and Nebbiolo are refined, savoury, acid-driven and quietly powerful — excellent examples of how Italian reds thrive in the Valley.
Signature varieties: Portuguese red varieties – Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cão, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Roriz, Souzão
Dr Bailey Carrodus’ legacy includes pioneering Iberian varieties long before they were fashionable. These are some of the most age-worthy alt-variety wines in Australia.
Signature varieties: Grüner Veltliner · Pinot Grigio · Gewürztraminer · Gamay · Grenache · Sauvignon Blanc
A diverse, expressive lineup offering vibrant aromatics, crunchy reds and Old World styles with modern Australian clarity.
Signature varieties: Nebbiolo · Teroldego · Pinot Gris · Gamay · Fiano
Jayden Ong’s ranges — One Block, La Maison de Ong, Moonlit Forest — include some of the most exciting alternative varietals in the region. Bold, textural, thoughtful wines made with precision.
Signature variety: Nebbiolo
Luke Lambert’s Nebbiolo is iconic — pure, structured, high-altitude fruit showing tar, roses, tannin and authenticity reminiscent of Piedmont. Cult status among sommeliers.
Signature varieties: Pinot Meunier · Nebbiolo · Arneis · Chenin Blanc · Vermentino · Garganega · Fiano
One of the region’s most diverse alternative-varietal vineyards. Organic-leaning farming, small-batch winemaking and a reputation for purity and texture. A treasure trove for curious palates.
Signature varieties: Chenin Blanc · Marsanne · Viognier · Grenache
Inspired by French traditions, Pimpernel’s Rhône whites and reds are dry-grown, expressive and age-worthy. Elegant, savoury, and deeply textural wines.
Signature varieties: Gewürztraminer · Tempranillo · Sparkling Tempranillo
Aromatic whites and Iberian reds flourish here thanks to the high-elevation, cool site. Expect perfumed, expressive Gewürztraminer and beautifully balanced Tempranillo styles.
Rather than a linear route, this trail works best as a choose-your-interest map:
Love aromatic whites?
Start with Sutherland Estate → Soumah → Boat O’Craigo → Maddens Rise
Chase Italian reds?
Start with Buttermans Track → Soumah → TarraWarra → Jayden Ong → Luke Lambert
Prefer Mediterranean & Rhône styles?
Start with Pimpernel → Yarra Yering → Maddens Rise → Soumah
Want a curated winemaker-led deep dive?
Visit Luke Lambert, Jayden Ong, Pimpernel or Yarra Yering (bookings essential)