Yarra Valley
Situated just north of Melbourne, and another very cool climate region, albeit one of the most traditional. It was one of the earliest regions planted, but the wines did not really come to prominence until the 1970s, when producers started to plant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir amongt other grapes, and realised , that with the high altitude (hills of 500m), and colder weather, and thus longer growing seasons, the area was perfect for the production of quality sparkling wines, made in the traditional champagne method with the classic chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
Today the Yarra continues to produce top quality sparklers and also some top notch, creamy, elegant Chardonnay, restrained Pinot Noir still wines, and also Sauvignon blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.