Region Murray Darling

This vast region located in Northwest Victoria, stretches along the Murray River. In the 1830’s the search for an inland sea led to the naming of the Darling and Murray Rivers by Captain Charles Sturt. In 1887, Canadian brothers, George and William Benjamin Chaffey, were invited to set up irrigation colonies at Renmark and Mildura. The first vines, of Mataro, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gordo and Shiraz, were planted in 1888. Climate in the region is hot, with long sunshine hours, low humidity and very low rainfall making irrigation essential. The Murray Darling supports more than 800 growers and 15,000 ha of vines. ?Depending on vintage, it contributes up to 20% of the national crush. Chardonnay is the dominant variety, followed by Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Other successful varieties include Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Tempranillo, Viognier and Vermentino.