Between the devastating bushfires and lockdowns, Victoria’s vignerons and winemakers have done it tough this year. But you can support the state’s wine producers by ordering their bottles online – wherever you are. (If you live in regional Victoria, you might even be able to buy in person.) Wineries have been busy levelling up their online stores, and many are offering memberships to wine clubs with perks.
In tandem with the Click for Vic campaign, which encourages Victorians to buy from local producers, here are five regional wineries that are doing something special. We’ve also put in our tips on what bottles to buy – perhaps best enjoyed in the backyard, now that the weather is warming up.
Mac Forbes, Healesville
A champion of Australian wine for 15 years, Mac Forbes cut his teeth in France before returning to his native Yarra Valley to hero the region’s versatile cool-climate wines. Now with six vineyards, plus the intimate cellar door and bistro Graceburn Wine Room, Forbes is one of the most respected next-gen winemakers there is. Peruse the online shop to buy everything from syrahs and pinot noirs to cabernets and chardonnays, including a mixed-six option and free shipping for orders over $99. There’s even a lovely white vermouth that will be increasingly welcome in the warmer months.
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SIGN UPSimão & Co, Rutherglen
Seventh-generation winemaker Simon Killeen paid affectionate tribute to traditional fortified wines when he named his boutique winery after the Portuguese version of his first name. He’s dedicated to showcasing the robust wine region of north-east Victoria, whether with a shiraz from Beechworth or Glenrowan, a sav blanc from King Valley or a tempranillo from land closer to the mountains. Beyond those core drops, spring for a fortified wine (one of Killeen’s specialities) from 2016, or try a range styles with an iso-themed mixed dozen.
Latta Vino, Coghills Creek
Owen Latta produced his first vintage at the jaw-dropping age of 15, when an injury sidelined his father for a season at the family’s winery, Eastern Peake. After making a name for pinot-noir grapes grown in the Ballarat region – and being named Young Winemaker of the Year in 2018 by Gourmet Traveller Wine – Latta began further exploring the possibilities of the region’s volcanic basalt soils with his own label. Latta Vino does a range of whites and reds, with mixed-sixes available for both. Also check out Good Times 2020, a sparkling pét-nat sold by the magnum.
Dirty Three Wines, Inverloch
Named for its trio of soil-specific vineyards (all planted in the late ’90s), Dirty Three helped put South Gippsland on the wine map with its pinot noir. But there’s plenty more on offer, including such whites as chardonnay, riesling, pinot gris and sav blanc, plus some rosés and sparklings. If you’re permitted to travel to Inverloch under the current restrictions, the winery’s tasting room is open for takeaway. Otherwise, explore the online store – or join the flexible-subscription wine club for a 10 per cent discount and free shipping.
Terindah Estate, Bellarine
This popular cellar door and restaurant on Port Phillip Bay is focusing on its online store right now. The Two Bays pinot gris, with notes of honeydew and snow pea, is the perfect way to welcome spring, and the 2017 Terindah Estate pinot noir is excellent year-round. There’s a good range of pricepoints, and a wine club that’s great value ($340 for a dozen, plus free delivery and other perks).
This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Visit Victoria. Support Victorian producers by buying online through Click for Vic.
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