The below is an exert from an article published in the Autumn issue of Halliday Wine Companion Magazine, and published online titled: Why any wine lover should visit Beechworth – especially if you’re a fan of top-tier chardonnay, by Katrina Butler, published March 20, 2025.
Today, there’s a different kind of gold being unearthed in Beechworth. Katrina Butler explores the region’s reputation for chardonnay – and makes a case for its shiraz and other varietals – and what makes this region so bewitching.
Fewer things excite a table of wine nerds more than the possible inclusion of a Beechworth chardonnay in a blind tasting. “This is from Beechworth, right?”, I myself asked anyone within earshot recently at such an event. The respect and anticipation wines from this tiny Victorian region garner is warranted.
“…It’s not all about chardonnay, though. The region can and does produce outstanding examples of other varieties.”
Over the last 10 years, the Halliday team has reviewed a touch over 500 wines from the historic gold mining town – an impact that feels as light as a speck of dust atop a cloud when you consider we look at over 8000 wines annually. Yet despite its size, both in volume and as Australia’s smallest geographical indication (GI), a whopping 88 per cent of these wines achieved 90 points or over. This fact alone should provoke an audible gasp.
…It’s not all about chardonnay, though. The region can and does produce outstanding examples of other varieties. The now-sold Traviarti vineyard (watch this space) is home to arguably the nation’s best plantings of nebbiolo. Fighting Gully Road is producing sangiovese that could hold its own on the world stage. Raquel and Hugh Jones of Weathercraft have invested heavily in cultivating the Iberian varieties tempranillo and alvarinho. And Sorrenberg gamay, well. It brings a tear to the eye.
…Beechworth doesn’t boast a significant cellar door presence, but this is part of the charm, and the punters keen enough to book a tasting appointment are rewarded with a more intimate setting and experience…
To read more of Katrina’s article visit Halliday Wine Companion; to learn more about Katrina, visit her Halliday Tasting Team profile here; or to book an appointment with your favourite Beechworth Vigneron visit Wineries.
