NBC Today show interviews Geoff Kreiger from Brokenwood

Ron Laughton in the Chapoutier and Laughton vineyards of the Cotes du Roussillon

Ron Laughton discusses the Chapoutier and Laughton vineyards in the Cotes du Roussillon post harvest 2008.

Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, with the first vineyard planted in 1838 at Yering Station. A short one hour drive from Victoria’s culinary capital city, Melbourne, the area is capable of making classic wine styles from a wide range of varieties, celebrated for their depth, complexity and richness.

Situated at a latitude of 37˚ 49’S, the Valley is one of Australia's coolest regions, with elevation varying from 50m-400m. Rainfall is winter/spring dominant, with the summer relatively cool, dry and humid. Harvest typically commences in early March with Pinot Noir and finishes with Cabernet Sauvignon in early May. Frost is rarely a problem, but can affect the lower vineyards on the valley floor from time to time.
While this cool climate is perfect for aromatic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, some of which produces the country’s top sparkling wine, warmer sites at the lower altitudes also produce restrained and elegant Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.