Over 400 listings make up ‘Behind the Vines’, a new digital directory and initiative by Wine Victoria. Designed as the first of its kind for the state, the website uses several filters to sort through the almost overwhelming amount of local wineries dotted across Victoria, which includes some of Australia’s most productive wine regions like Yarra Valley, Rutherglen and King Valley, to custom suggest Cellar Doors best suited to individual tastes.
The idea behind the ambitious directory was to harness a bit of the sommelier experience, making it easier and more accessible for locals and visitors to discover local wineries. It also gives them a bit of direction in a state that has 21 wine regions – something that’s often difficult to navigate, even for adventurous gourmands and wine connoisseurs.
Through a click-to-purchase digital Cellar Door experience at each winery, anyone can also shop directly with the producer in case they aren’t able to head on out to the actual winery. Although keen travellers can also access detailed travel times and suggested itineraries to take peel back even more of that oppressive choice anxiety that often surrounds planning road trips.
The whole Behind the Vines process is painfully simple for those planning a trip to Victoria. You simply head through to the Wine Victoria, linked below, and provide a few short details about wine preferences through a simple questionnaire. Select your preferred wine style, desired flavour profile (delicate, bold, sweet, etc.), target a specific wine region, and specify any other amenities you’d like the winery to have – such as food, pet-friendliness, or luxury facilities. You’re then instantly given a tightly curated list of wineries, knocking the usually excessive amount of choices down to just a few.
While you’re road tripping to the state’s best wineries, make sure to keep in mind the best country pubs in Victoria.
