Yarra Valley, the Place for Pinot

Australia's Great Pinot Region

Cool climate, ancient soils and decades of winemaking expertise combine to produce Pinot wines of elegance, purity and real character. Whether you're a long-time Pinot lover or just discovering the variety, tasting it here at the source is an experience like no other.

Plan your Pinot experience

Celebrate International Pinot Noir Day on 18 August with a visit to the Yarra VAlley. We guarantee you'll find your perfect pinot.

Why is Yarra Valley Pinot special?

Pinot Noir accounts for around 40% of the region's production, making it the heartbeat of Yarra Valley winemaking

Cool temperatures slow ripening and build complexity, resulting in wines that are intensely aromatic and medium-bodied with fresh acidity
Two dramatically different soil types — ancient grey-brown clay loams in the north and younger, deep red volcanic soils in the south — create distinct wine styles across the region
Wines from lower, warmer sites tend to be lush and fruit-forward; those from higher, cooler sites are often more structured, earthy and savoury
Pinot is a shape-shifter: no two Yarra Valley Pinots taste the same, which makes exploring cellar doors across the region genuinely rewarding

The Pinot family… more than just Noir

The Yarra Valley grows several members of the Pinot family, all well-suited to the region's cool climate:

Pinot Noir — the flagship red; expect flavours of strawberry, cherry, plum and spice with styles ranging from bright and perfumed to savoury and structured
Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio — a versatile cool-climate white with pear, apple and citrus characters; styles range from lighter and crisp to richer and textural
Pinot Meunier — best known as a key component in the region's acclaimed sparkling wines, though occasionally made as a still red in its own right
Pinot Blanc — a less common white Pinot, occasionally appearing in winery releases and blends

Food pairings

Pinot Noir's lighter body and fresh acidity make it one of the most food-friendly reds. Try it with duck, salmon, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, or soft cheeses. Pinot Gris/Grigio pairs beautifully with seafood, Asian-inspired dishes and lighter pasta.