Spring in Victoria brings fresh air, warming days, still‑cool nights, and that sense of renewal. Wines that balance brightness, fruit‑forward character, lift, and elegance are especially appealing. Here’s what to aim for in each region…
Alpine Valleys
Known for cool‑climate white wines: think Chardonnay (sparkling or still), Sauvignon Blanc; also emerging Italian red varieties (Barbera, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo), that are planted (and love it) at this higher altitude.
Only looking at reds? Think lighter styles like of Pinot Noir, fresh Merlot; and also Gamay or similar varieties that show juicy fruit, rather than bold spice and savoury characters.
If you’re looking on menus or in wine retail spaces, these are the vintages you should look for now:
-
The 2022–2023 whites, particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, are likely at a sweet‑spot: the fruit will still be fresh, acidity crisp, oak (if any) settled but not overwhelming.
-
For reds, 2021‑2022 Pinot Noir or Merlot from Alpine Valleys (especially cooler, higher altitude sites) will have developed enough to drink, but still retain lift and freshness.
Beechworth
Beechworth is noted for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz as its core traditional strengths, and they are hard to go past!
Aromatic whites also do very nicely (e.g. Riesling, Viognier), and there’s increasing interest in Italian reds from our region, think Nebbiolo, and Sangiovese.
Vintages to drink now:
-
2022 Chardonnay: for those made in a fresher, less heavily oaked style, these will show ripe stone fruit, citrus, and some cream or oak nuance but still feel spring‑friendly.
-
2021‑2022 Pinot Noir: these will have some maturity but still enough of their fragrant cherry, red berry, maybe earthy/forest floor notes.
-
2022‑2023 Shiraz (cooler vineyards): more ‘medium’ styles with red fruit, spice rather than big, brooding dark fruit.
Glenrowan
Glenrowan is known for bold Shiraz and rich fortified styles (Muscats, Tokays / Topaque), but also table reds that are intense and full‑flavoured.
Some newer plantings or trials of warmer‑climate varieties may be showing up, but the region is dominated by power and richness.
If you’re looking at wine lists or in wine retail spaces, these are the vintages you should look for now:
-
2019‑2021 Shiraz from Glenrowan: those have had time to soften a little, but still carry flavour intensity; good when spring evenings might still need a red with weight.
-
Fortified wines here are largely long‑term drinking, but some younger versions (if lightly aged or blended) may be palatable now for dessert occasions.
-
If you find a 2022 Shiraz from a cooler slope or well‑managed site, that might also hit the sweet spot now or in late spring.
King Valley
Whites with freshness: Riesling, Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris, sparkling / Prosecco style wines. King Valley was one of the first in Australia to produce premium Prosecco.
Also Italian whites. and/or lighter red wine varieties flourish in these vineyards, like Aligoté, Vermentino, Nebbiolo, and Sangiovese.
Vintages to drink now:
-
2023 Riesling: pale, fresh, with pronounced acidity and citrus or floral notes; great for spring.
-
2022 Pinot Grigio / Gris: fruit is ripe but not overblown; light flowers, orchard fruit, crisp finish.
-
2022‑2023 sparkling / Prosecco‑style wines: very good spring aperitif/outdoors wines.
Rutherglen
Traditionally known for fortified wines (Muscats, Topaque / Tokays) and rich reds (Durif, Shiraz, Grenache and their blends).
But in recent years, Rutherglen makers are also releasing very fresh, aromatic whites (Arinto, Alvarinho, Riesling) and lighter styles intended for more immediate enjoyment.
If you’re looking at wine lists or in wine retail spaces, these are the vintages you should look for now:
-
2022 aromatic whites (Arinto, Alvarinho, Riesling etc): these are being released in spring and tend to match the season nicely. Fresh, zesty, good floral lift.
-
2021‑2022 reds with moderation: Durif or blends that have been tempered; possibly Shiraz blends that show a bit of weight but also fruit and lift.
-
Fortifieds: older vintages very good, but if you want something more accessible now, look for lighter fortifieds or half‑bottles.
So, pulling all of this together, what should you be opening this spring?
If we were choosing a few bottles right now, that elevate this season, and lean into what’s serving best now, here are our recommendations that are giving us that spring mood across the regions:
-
King Valley 2023 Riesling – crisp, bright, floral + citrus, perfect as a ‘welcome to spring’ white; or delve into a cellared example, I.e., 2018 Riesling, fragrant, moving into secondary, or tertiary characters on the nose, best matched with a ComtĂ© or aged Gouda.
-
Beechworth 2022 Chardonnay (lighter oak, cool‑site) – peach/stone fruit + crisp acidity, minerality, flint, or jump back to a 2019 example – if you have access!
-
Alpine Valleys 2022 Pinot Blanc, or Barbera – something juicy, fruit forward, lighter tannin. Both can be chilled, so it makes it an easy choice when it’s a little warmer out.
-
Rutherglen 2022 Arinto or Alvarinho – aromatic and fresh; or for after dinner, something special and fortified – like a vintage muscat from one of the original families to the region.
-
Glenrowan 2020‑2021 Shiraz – best for the cooler for evenings, something with body but already approachable; roasted meats, vegetables, perhaps a little spice…You can’t go wrong with a fuller-bodied red from Ned Kelly country.
As spring settles over Beechworth, our wines come into their own. Many producers have just released their 2o23 Chardonnay, or are soon to release their 2024’s. Often overlooked, we’d encourage you to opt for a beautiful Syrah or Shiraz from our region: A softer, medium-bodied style of wine (typically), than that from our South Australian mates. Offering a pepper spice, a delicate perfume of fruit and blossom, with balance and complexity without weight. With altitude, elegance, and just enough warmth, Beechworth delivers wines that feel made for spring.
It’s an exciting time, as many producers are bottling, and the vineyards are again alive with life and greenery. So whether you’re opening a bottle for a long lunch, a casual dinner, or just sipping as the light fades, we hope you can explore as many North East wines as possible, but know you’ll always find a Beechworth wine that can make spring feel like something to celebrate.