Victoria is not the largest wine-producing state in Australia (although everything is relative here, it still contains 54,000 acres of vineyard), but many of the 21 regions it contains are familiar names to wine enthusiasts for the quality of the wines. For example: Heathcote, Macedon Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, Rutherglen and Yarra Valley, are all part of Victoria.
The wines produced range from coastal Pinot Noirs to complex Shiraz and world-class, fortified Muscat, thanks to incredible array of terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking styles in over 800 wineries.
To paint a picture of the diversity on offer: here are three producers, making three very different styles:
Joshua Cooper: Precision and Elegance in Macedon Ranges
Joshua Cooper, a bright new star on the Australian wine scene, operates out of the Macedon Ranges, one of Australia’s coolest wine regions. His philosophy centres on minimal intervention, letting the pristine quality of the fruit and the unique terroir shine. Specializing in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, his wines are remarkable for their elegance, balance, and purity.
For example, Josh’s Doug’s Vineyard Pinot Noir captures the region’s cool-climate finesse, offering vibrant red fruit, fine tannins, and a light touch of spice. His silk-like single-vineyard Cabernets balance a fuller body with poise – as Josh himself describes it “effortless complexity and power without weight”. Meanwhile, his Chardonnays are textured and complex, showcasing layers of citrus, white stone fruit, and saline minerality. All his wines benefit from his meticulous approach in the vineyard and the winery. Seek out if you appreciate refinement and clarity.
Find Josh’s wines here.
Jayden Ong: Innovation in the Yarra Valley
Jayden Ong is a name synonymous with versatility and innovation in Victoria’s wine scene. Based in the Yarra Valley (on the outskirts of Melbourne), ex-sommelier Ong produces wines under several labels, including La Maison de Ong and One Block. His approach blends traditional practices with a contemporary vision, resulting in wines that are expressive and full of character.
Ong’s Pinot Noir and Syrah are particularly celebrated, reflecting the Yarra Valley’s varied microclimates. His One Block Syrah offers vibrant black fruit, pepper, and earthy undertones, a modern twist on the Rhône Valley’s classic varietal.
Try Jayden’s range here.
Campbell’s Rutherglen Muscat: a historic style
No exploration of Victorian wine would be complete without Rutherglen Muscat, one of the region’s most recognisable styles. Campbell’s Wines, a family-owned winery with over 150 years of history, is a leading producer of this extraordinary fortified wine.
The Campbell’s Rutherglen Muscat is a hedonistic delight, made from Muscat à Petits Grains Rouge grapes that are sun-ripened and partially dried to further concentrate their sugars and flavours. The result is a lusciously sweet wine bursting with notes of dried fruits, caramel, toffee, and warm spices.
Explore this unique style here.
Against the backdrop of producers like Campbell’s – showing the Victoria’s rich winemaking history – producers such as Joshua Cooper and Jayden Ong highlight the state’s modern winemaking mindset, focusing on quality, sustainability, and terroir expression. To dive deeper into the new face of wine in Victoria – explore our mixed case here.