The Benalla region in Victoria, Australia, is home to the Strathbogie Wine Region, known for its stunning landscapes and cool climate, stretching from Seymour to Benalla, with Euroa as its vibrant center. The Strathbogie Ranges feature undulating hills, dense forests, and rocky outcrops, providing a picturesque backdrop for the wineries in the area.
The cool to mild climate in the Strathbogie Ranges allows for slow grape ripening and the development of complex flavors, with significant diurnal shifts contributing to balanced acidity and structure in the wines. Well-suited for grape varieties like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling, the region offers unique terroir from its granitic soils and elevation ranging from 150 to 650 meters above sea level.
Altitude variations in the Strathbogie Ranges create a mosaic of microclimates, influencing the grapes and adding complexity to the wines' flavor profiles. Notable wineries in the region include Maygars Hill near Longwood East, Fowles Wines in Avenel known for sustainable practices, and RPL Wines in Locksley offering handcrafted wines from estate-grown fruit.
Visitors to the Strathbogie Ranges can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and events year-round, especially during spring and autumn when vineyards are in full bloom. The area also features charming towns like Euroa and Nagambie, with historical sites, museums, galleries, and outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors to explore.