King Valley

Coming Events in the King Valley 

Taste of Two Regions
To be held at Rydges Lakeside Canberra, Sunday 16 May 2010.  Meet the makers and sample premium wines and great regional produce from artisan producers including cheese, preserves, tapenades and olives.  Informative and entertaining wine theatre sessions during the day.  Light lunches and espresso coffees available.

Weekend Fit for a King
The King Valley's annual winter wine and food event held over the Queen's Birthday weekend, 12-13 June 2010.   Enjoy delicious food, premium wines, toe tapping music and warm King Valley hospitality. 

There are many new release wines on debut this weekend showcasing the diversity of styles and flavours of King Valley wines, including Grecanico, Saperavi, Marzemino and Barbera.  Sip and chat with the winemakers as they reveal the fascinating stories behind these diverse wine styles.  In addition to the new release and other wines on tasting, there is a fantastic diversity of food and activities available.  Wineries will be serving meals during the day (no bookings required) or hosting special lunches or dinners (bookings essential).  Choose from hot and tasty home cooking through to stylish meals prepared by talented chefs - meals as diverse as the wines on offer. 

Shed Wine Show
On October 2nd, 2010 come and experience the King Valley's 'Shed Wine Show' where you can taste and compare over 100 wines from 23 wineries. This unique event is a lot of fun where you can meet the winemakers and grape growers, have guided tastings, purchase wholesome hot food and enjoy live music.  This year it will be held at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre.  Entry is $15 per person and includes a commemorative glass. For more information please contact KVV at admin@kvv.com.au

La Dolce Vita
On November 20 -21, come and celebrate the sweet life with an indulgent weekend of Mediterranean and new release wines, great food and warm King Valley hospitality. 

Weekend activities include new release wines, some old favourites and new varieties that add zing to the King Valley's reputation for youthful innovation.  Be prepared to stray off the straight and narrow and enjoy a world of new aromas, flavours and textures with alternative varieties such Prosecco, Petit Manseng, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Sangiovese and Tempranillo.

Enjoy the temping food on offer, including authentic Mediterranean meals proudly prepared by the wine making families and special lunches prepared by well known chefs.

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 King Valley wineries click here or for additional information about the King Valley Vignerons visit their webpage.

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.