As the days stretch longer, and the warmth settles in for good, our palates turn toward freshness, vibrancy, and bottles that bring a little sunshine to the glass. Summer is a season tailor-made for relaxed drinking, and few regions deliver a more compelling lineup of warm-weather wines than Beechworth. Our little pocket of North East Victoria has earned well-deserved attention at the recent 2025 North East Victorian Wine Challenge, where Beechworth producers once again proved why they’re among the country’s most exciting. So, whether you’re settling in for an alfresco lunch, planning a sunset picnic, or stocking the esky for holiday gatherings, here are the summer-perfect Beechworth wines (and a few regional neighbours) you’ll want to pour all season long.
Brokenwood Wines 2023 Indigo Vineyard Chardonnay
Best Beechworth Wine – 2025 North East Victorian Wine Challenge
Beechworth and Chardonnay are a match made in heaven, and the judges agreed. The Indigo Vineyard Chardonnay from Brokenwood took out the top regional honour this year, and it’s easy to understand why. Elegant, bright, and mineral-driven, this wine is a summer essential: think white peach, citrus blossom, and a subtle cashew creaminess, all wrapped in a refreshing, alpine-like acidity. Serve it with: barbecued prawns, grilled zucchini, creamy burrata, or simply a breezy afternoon.
A. Rodda 2024 Whitlands Chardonnay
Chief Judge’s Wine to Watch – 2025 North East Victorian Wine Challenge
Though not strictly Beechworth – the Whitlands plateau sits just over the border – Adrian Rodda’s connection to Beechworth winemaking runs deep, and his Chardonnay style continues to set benchmarks for cool-climate finesse. This “Wine to Watch” is crisp, tightly wound, and bursting with citrus energy. A brilliant summer aperitif for Chardonnay lovers craving vitality. Serve it with: oysters, chilled crab, lemon-dressed pasta.
While Beechworth delivered its share of standouts, the entire North East Victorian region offered a summer-worthy lineup of trophy wines…Such as:
Chrismont NV Prosecco
Best Prosecco Wine – 2025 North East Victorian Wine Challenge
Summer without bubbles? Unthinkable. This King Valley Prosecco is fresh, floral, and feather-light – perfect for spritzes, beach hampers, and first-drink-of-the-day moments.
Vignerons Schmölzer & Brown 2024 Whitlands Chardonnay
Best White Table Wine – 2025 North East Victorian Wine Challenge
Another cool-climate beauty with Beechworth ties, this Chardonnay is pristine, textural, and tailor-made for a sunny long lunch.
Billy Button 2024 ‘The Rustic’ Sangiovese
Best Alternative Red Wine + Best Alpine Valleys Wine – 2025 North East Victorian Wine Challenge
If you’re looking for a red that works in summer, Sangiovese is your friend. Cherry-bright, spicy, and delightfully fresh, this is your chilled-red hero for barbecued chicken or antipasto spreads.
Eminence 2022 ‘The Assembly’ Blanc de Noir
Best Sparkling Wine – 2025 North East Victorian Wine Challenge
For festive moments or romantic evenings outdoors, this sophisticated sparkling ticks all the boxes.
Why Beechworth Wines Belong on Your Summer Table?
Beyond the accolades, Beechworth wines simply fit the Australian summer. Here’s why:
1. Naturally Bright Acidities
Beechworth’s elevation and cool nights give wines an energetic freshness – exactly what drinkers crave when it’s 32°C and climbing.
2. Subtle Complexity
Even the most refreshing white or sparkling from the region manages to be interesting, layered, and distinctly crafted.
3. Food Flexibility
From seafood to salads to smoky grilled dishes, Beechworth wines are versatile pairers that elevate your favourite summer recipes.
4. Boutique Integrity
This is a region dominated by small producers who value precision, sustainability, and site expression. Every bottle tells a story worth sharing.
Your Ultimate Beechworth Summer Wine List
If you’re building a summer wine lineup, start here:
-
Brokenwood Indigo Vineyard Chardonnay – for peak summer elegance
-
A. Rodda Whitlands Chardonnay – for crisp, lively refreshment
-
Anything from Weathercraft, Fighting Gully Road, Savaterre, or Giaconda – for deeper diving into Beechworth’s cool-climate magic
-
A chilled Sangiovese or lighter red – like Vignerons Schmölzer & Brown Blauburguder, or Indigo Vineyard’s Frizzante
-
Bright regional bubbles – such as Barmutha‘s Blanc de Blanc, or Castagna‘s Genesis Sparkling Red.
A Toast to North East Victoria
The results of this year’s North East Victorian Wine Challenge highlighted what locals have long known: this region is producing some of the most exciting and distinctive wines in Australia. Beechworth continues to shine with precision-crafted Chardonnay and characterful cool-climate styles, while neighbouring regions make the perfect companions for any summer drinking agenda.
So fill the esky, chill the glasses, and raise a toast to a season of sunshine, relaxed moments, and truly exceptional wine.
Here’s to summer – and to Beechworth!