Victoria is a wine-lovers paradise, with over 600 wineries to explore and more producers than any other Australian state.
As the weather continues to warm, we’re sure your attention is turning to sourcing the most delicious and refreshing sparkling wines. While there are so many wonderful options available, these sparkling wine producers of Victoria are some of the best around.
Yering Station
The first Victorian vineyard was planted at Yering Station in 1838. Since then, this winery has blossomed into a world-class producer, with wines attracting praise from fans across the world. The estate is home to a historic cellar door, restaurant, art gallery and sprawling green garden.
The 2019 Yarrabank Cuvée is made using traditional methods, with a palate of red apples, orange and tart strawberries. The refreshing aperitif finish is long and satisfying, and the fruit is picked by hand. Yering Station is modern Australian sparkling at its best.
Sir Paz Estate
Found within the popular Yarra Valley wine region, Sir Paz Estate was established by the Zapris family after arriving in Australia from Greece nearly 70 years ago. The cellar door boasts views of the vineyard and surrounding valley, while the on-site restaurant provides an à la carte woodfire menu for all occasions.
The 2021 Sparkling Shiraz has aromas of dark berries, followed up by a palate of cherries, plum and velvety tannins. The fruit is hand picked, with little or no fining and filtration. For a dark yet delicious sparkling wine, it’s hard to go past this bottle.
Eminence Wines
This small, family owned winery is situated in the Whitlands, producing a limited range of wines on a 29 acre vineyard. Without a cellar door, Eminence relies on online orders. However, this doesn’t compromise their quality, as every wine is fermented twice and sparkling wines are made using the traditional French style.
The Cute Brut is a traditional method sparkling rose, aged for 30 months and containing no added sugar. What results is the ideal casual summer drink; a light, intricate and savoury wine with aromas of lavender and pomegranate.
Fowles Wines
Fowles is a family owned winery in Avenel, producing a collection of award-winning cool climate wines. At the estate, they offer a complete farm, food and wine experience. The restaurant has a farm-to-table menu utilising the best local ingredients, and the vineyard stretched 4500 luscious acres.
For a delicious sparkling that doesn’t break the bank, try the Are you game? NV Sparkling. The palate is light and fresh, with flavours of apple and citrus. A crisp finish and fine bubbles give it the character of a top shelf drop, for a fraction of the price.
Taltarni Vineyards
A short 2.5 hour drive from Melbourne, Taltarni can be found in the stunning Pyrenees wine region. Visit the cellar door to sample the best offerings over a cheese or charcuterie board, and look out over the beautiful scenery.
Any of the flagship cool-climate sparklings are worth a taste, but the 2020 Sparkling Shiraz is a rich and complex bottle with a blackcurrant palate and notes of pepper and aniseed. Sweetness and spice blend together flawlessly for an oaky finish, creating the ideal sparkling for fans of darker wines.
Rochford Wines
Aside from producing some of the best Yarra Valley wines, Rochford is also home to live music events, functions and multiple popular restaurants. At the cellar door, a team of skilled sommeliers can tailor the perfect wine tasting experience.
The Rochford Estate Cuvée Sparkling 2017 has earned high praise from wine critics across the country. Tasting notes of pastry dough, peach and lemon curd lead to a dry finish with the depth of a well-aged bottle. All grapes from this wine come from a single vineyard, pressed using Méthode Traditionelle and aged on yeast lees for five years.
Chandon
First established in 1986, Chandon is one of Australia’s premium sparkling producers. Indulge in wine tastings, dine in style with a chef’s special menu, and wander the breathtaking Yarra Valley when visiting here. You can even join a winemaker experience, and head behind the scenes to learn all about the process from vine to bottle.
Chandon wines range from affordable to high end. The Chandon Étoile Release 1 is a multi-vintage blend combining eight of Chandon’s exceptional Vintage Brut, spanning back to 2005. The wine is then aged in oak barrels, for notes of pear, white peach and finger lime. Brightness and vibrancy can be expected in every glass, resulting in a smooth and harmonious finish.
Steels Gate Wines
Located in the idyllic country of Dixons Creek, Steels Gate is the passion project of partners Mathew Davis and Brad Atkins. Sustainable practices are at the heart of every bottle, and visitors can see for themselves when visiting the cellar door and restaurant.
The 2018 Home Block Blanc De Blancs is made from 100 percent hand picked Chardonnay. Fresh and light, you can expect notes of citrus and fruit. It’s perfect paired with seafood, or to crack open on a special occasion with family and friends.
Seppelt Winery
The first Seppelt vines were planted in 1863 when Frenchman Jean Pierre Trouette came to Victoria during the goldrush. Today, visitors can enjoy a drink at the cellar door, and tours of the heritage-listed underground cellars.
Seppelt has been producing sparkling shiraz since the 1890s. The Original Sparkling Shiraz NV is sourced from select Victorian vineyards, resulting in a vibrant and spicy palate with a creamy mousse finish. Best served chilled, the wine has won many awards at major national events.
Dal Zotto
Growing up in the birthplace of prosecco, Valdobbiadene, winemaker Otto Dal Zotto was inspired to plant the first prosecco vines in Victoria’s King Valley and has since become the father of the variety in Australia. The winery’s Italian roots are celebrated at the restaurant, which features an inspired menu using local seasonal produce.
The Pucino Prosecco NV is a classic and vibrant prosecco with notes of apple, pear and lemon. The gentle bubbles make it an easy and crowd-pleasing drink to be enjoyed during the warmer months.
To read more about the best vineyards in Victoria, click here.
