In the heart of Victoria, Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, known for its cool climate wines and stunning landscapes. With winemaking history dating back to the 19th century, the region is home to some of the oldest drinkable wines, attracting visitors from around the world. Yarra Valley wine tours are a great way to taste the best and enjoy the scenery.
Yarra Valley is a cool climate region so it’s perfect for wines with natural acidity and bright fruit flavours. The valley’s landscape, influenced by the cool climate, creates elegant wines with layers of complexity. Visitors can taste award-winning wines while taking in the rolling vineyards, charming cellar doors and world class restaurants with gourmet food pairings.
The Wine Legacy
Yarra Valley has an ideal climate, cool winters and mild summers, perfect for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. The natural acidity in these wines extends their life and the cool climate region preserves the bright fruit flavours. Some of the region’s wineries have been producing top-shelf wines for over 100 years, with several with cellars full of bottles from decades past.
One of the oldest wineries in the region, Yering Station was established in 1838 and is a cornerstone of the Australian wine industry. Other legendary wineries like De Bortoli Wines, Dominique Portet and Oakridge Wines continue to produce the best wines, including aged bottles that are still drinkable today. Yarra Valley wine tours often visit these iconic wineries and give you a glimpse into their history and excellent wines.
The winemaker at each winery plays a huge role in making wines with fresh acidity and layers of complexity. The terroir, combined with winemaking skill, produces wines that last the distance.
Why Some Wines Get Better with Age
Wine aging is a complex process influenced by grape variety, tannin structure, acidity and storage conditions. Some wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and vintage Pinot Noir, get better with age, developing layers of complexity and smoother textures over time. In Yarra Valley a few special collections of aged wines are cellared to perfection so they can be enjoyed decades later. These aged bottles offer a special experience, with earthy undertones, hints of spice and blue fruits that develop over time. Wines with pepper spice, bay leaf and yellow peach characters become more pronounced as they age.
Best Wineries to Visit
1. Yering Station
Established in 1838, Yering Station has old wines and a historic property that will transport you back to the region’s wine heritage. Their award-winning wines showcase the elegance of Yarra Valley. Many Yarra Valley wine tours stop here.
2. De Bortoli Wines
Famous for their Noble One dessert wine and old wines, De Bortoli offers a tasting experience for those who want complex, mature flavours with fresh acidity and ripe fruit.
3. Seville Estate
This family-owned winery has been producing cool climate wines for over 50 years, with old vintages that have depth and character including yellow fruit and white flower notes.
4. Oakridge Wines
Known for their premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Oakridge also has old wines that show the evolution of fine winemaking in Yarra Valley, from pale gold to gold in colour.
5. Dominique Portet
With French winemaking roots, Dominique Portet makes elegant wines that age beautifully, so a must visit for wine lovers. Their sparkling wines go through second fermentation and develop white peach and yellow peach aromas.
Tasting Old Wines
Drinking an old wine is a different experience from young wines. Over time flavours become more complex, tannins soften and acidity balances out and it’s smoother and more refined. You’ll get notes of dried fruit, tobacco, leather, earthiness and even hints of spice depending on the variety and age of the wine. Some old wines from cooler climates will also have peppery spice and bay leaf nuances.
When tasting an older bottle you need to decant the wine properly and let it breathe and show its full character. Many Yarra Valley wine tours offer guided tastings with expert sommeliers to enhance the experience.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a wine geek or just starting your wine journey, Yarra Valley is an experience not to be missed, especially if you want to taste some of the oldest drinkable wines. Book one of the many Yarra Valley wine tours and you’ll have a seamless and immersive experience, taste the best wines and enjoy the surroundings. Book now and taste history with every sip!
FAQ
What is the oldest winery in Yarra Valley?
Yering Station is the oldest winery in Yarra Valley, established in 1838. One of the most historic in the Australian wine industry.
How long do Yarra Valley wines age?
Depends on the variety. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and vintage Pinot Noir can age 20-50 years, Chardonnay, sparkling wines and other cool climate wines 10-20 years.
Where can I taste the oldest wines in Yarra Valley?
Several wineries offer aged wine tastings including Yering Station, De Bortoli Wines and Dominique Portet. Some wineries have private cellars with decades-old vintages from commercial vineyards.
Do aged wines taste better than young wines?
It depends on your taste. Aged wines have smoother tannins, more complex flavours and richness, while young wines are fruit-forward and vibrant with bright fruit flavours.
When should I visit Yarra Valley for wine tasting?
Yarra Valley is good to visit any time of year but autumn (March-May) is stunning vineyard scenery and spring (September-November) is fresh and crisp to taste a range of wines.
