King Valley
Coming Events in the King Valley
Weekend Fit for a King
In June on the Queen's Birthday Weekend (6 & 7th), come and celebrate the coming winter season at the 'Weekend Fit for a King' where various events are held at cellar doors to welcome in the colder weather with warming reds and hearty Italian influenced food. Download the Weekend Fit for a King brochure.
La Dolce Vita
On November 14-15, come and celebrate the sweet life with an indulgent weekend of Mediterranean and new release wines, great food and warm King Valley hospitality.
Shed Wine Show
On October 3, you can come and experience the King Valley's 'Shed Wine Show' where you be the judge of over 100 wines from 23 wineries. This unique event is alot of fun where you can meet the winemakers and grape growers, enjoy gourmet master classes and food tastings, live music and entertainment. The Show is on from 11am until 4.30pm with an after-show party from 5.30pm onwards.
About the King Valley
The King Valley could be described as a little part of Italy set amongst the hills of North East Victoria, south of Wangaratta. This stunningly picturesque area has a history which includes bushrangers, Chinese and Italian immigration.
The Chinese came from the Goldfields in the mid 1800's and brought with them a rich heritage as market gardeners, tobacco growers and merchants. Roads in the Valley today carry the names of the more prominent families like Mahlooks, Honey and Fosangs.
Italian migrants came to the region in the 1940's and 50's and following the Chinese grew tobacco but it was not long before they realised the enormous potential of the region to produce European wine varietals.
In recent times, the Valley has been gaining in reputation as a unique wine region for sangiovese, nebbiolo and barbera to name but a few. Visit the King Valley and names such as Pizzini, Dal Zotto, Corsini, Sartori, Ciccone and Politini are prominent for their hospitality. With some of the highest altitude vineyards in Australia this area produces uniquely flavoured and memorable wines. For a list of wineries, click here to explore or view Wines of the King Valley or King Valley Vignerons.
To complement the wine offering, there are a number of dining experiences that you must try when you visit the area. At King Valley Cucina, Rinaldo's or Casa Luna the Mediterranean influence of the Valley is evident in the dishes offered. Try any of these and you will not be disappointed!
Besides its food and wine offering, the King Valley is breathtakingly picturesque, set amidst the backdrop of the Victorian Alps. At the head of the Valley you can access the Alpine National Park or enjoy some fishing on Lake William Hovell. Visit Power's Lookout on the way to Mansfield and take in the same view that Australian bushranger, Harry Power, used to his advantage to keep an eye on approaching police in the 1870's. Power is also renowned for mentoring bushranger, Ned Kelly, and legend has it that Ned's grandparents dobbed him into the police. The site of Kelly's grandparent's home is near Cheshunt South just below Power's Lookout.
The area is also popular amongst the cycling fraternity for its quiet roads and range of gradients. There is a selection of accommodation available to suit all budgets which can be accessed from this website.
Whitfield and Moyhu are the major townships in the King Valley along the road from Wangaratta or Mansfield. These two towns have public conveniences, places to stay, a local pub and general store each as well as a police station and fuel supplies. Other smaller hamlets are dotted throughout the King Valley region.
|