A Perfect Encounter of Wine and Alpine Hiking

The Victorian High Country, located about 300 kilometers northeast of Melbourne, spans the southern foothills of the Australian Alps and the King Valley. The grape-growing traditions brought by Italian immigrants in the 1850s have made this region one of Australia's most renowned cool-climate wine regions. The King Valley is famous for its rolling vineyards and Italian-style towns, earning it the nickname "Australia's Little Tuscany." 🛬【Itinerary】 ✅ Best Season: September-November (grape harvest) or December-February (summer hiking) ✅ Classic Route: Day 1: Melbourne → Beechworth Historic Town → Provence Restaurant → Check in at Mountain View Hotel Day 2: Pizzini Wines → Dal Zotto Winery Tasting → Corsini Winery Lunch Day 3: High Country Hiking → Chrismont Winery Scenic Dinner Day 4: Milawa Gourmet Village → Return Trip ⛺【Must-Visit Attractions】 · Pizzini Wines: Australia's top Italian-style winery offering handmade pasta-making experiences; · Provence Restaurant: Michelin-recommended with chef's innovative Asian fusion cuisine; · High Country Hiking Trails: Professional guides lead explorations of pristine forests and alpine meadows; · Chrismont Winery Lookout: 270-degree views of King Valley vineyards and distant mountains; · Milawa Gourmet Village: Home to over 20 specialty producers, including Brown Brothers Cellar 🍩【Must-Try Delicacies】 Mountain View Hotel Italian BBQ: Local Wagyu grilled over grapevine charcoal Milawa Blue Cheese: Gold medal winner at Australian Cheese Awards Corsini Winery Braised Wild Rabbit: Traditional Tuscan recipe paired with Nebbiolo wine Gundowring Smoked Salmon: Cold-smoked with applewood 🏨【Accommodation Guide】 💎 Luxury Pick: The Buckland (couples-only B&B with breakfast) 🌿 Unique Stay: Mountain View Hotel (vine-covered countryside pub) 🍷 Winery Stay: Politini Wines (rustic farmhouse amidst vineyards) 🚌【Transport Tips】 🚗 Drive: ~3.5 hours from Melbourne via Hume Fwy 🚂 Train + Bus: V/Line train to Wangaratta, then local bus ✈️ Flight: Charter from Melbourne Essendon Airport to Albury Airport 🧡【Tips】 ⚠️ Winery experiences require booking 1 month in advance ⚠️ Hiking boots needed May-October ⚠️ Brown Brothers Cellar offers nationwide direct shipping ⚠️ Some mountain roads may close in winter This guide covers the most authentic Italian wine culture in the High Country and the natural wonders of King Valley. For a customized gourmet wine tour, feel free to reach out!